Top 9 Craft Beer Tasting Experiences in Calgary Worth Raising a Glass To
It all started when my friend got me a birthday gift I didn’t think I needed. She booked me a seat at a restaurant with a beer tasting menu, and I figured it would be a fun way to kill an afternoon.
Around six samples later, I was completely hooked. There was just something about trying out new tastes while learning the story behind each brew.
So, I decided to chase that buzz (responsibly). I also took it up a level and decided, why not sign up for those full-blown tours and events?
I hit up some friends, made some calls, and came up with a list of the best beer tasting experiences in Calgary.
If you’re thinking of exploring Calgary’s craft beer scene, this is honestly the best way to do it. Whether you want something more classic or adventurous, these are the experiences worth trying out.
1. Calgary Street Art and Craft Beer Tour
– Media credit: toonietours
Website: https://www.toonietours.ca/
Pricing: $101 to $123
What to expect: 2 breweries, street murals
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 5 km or 3.1 miles
Tour Capacity: 2 to 12 people
The Calgary Street Art and Craft Beer Tour is a sweet spot for beer nerds and art lovers. Starting off at Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub and Brewery with a few 4-oz tasters, it’s a fun way to ease into things without anything too intense.
The guides also give you a crash course on Calgary’s brewing scene, which is a nice touch that makes the tour more meaningful.
They’ll encourage you to slow down and take some pictures with the murals – it’s great for getting that perfect shot for Instagram.
Then, you hit the streets to check out Calgary’s massive murals that just stop you in your tracks. You’ll see works from artists like Ola Volo and Nathan Menguinis.
Eventually, the tour ends at Four Dogs Brewing Company with another round of tasters, and by then, you’re just buzzed and chatting with everyone else like you’re old friends.
| Pro Tip: Come with your phone fully charged. You’ll want tons of pics at the murals and the breweries. |
2. Calgary Brewery Tours by Canadian Craft Tours
– Media credit: canadiancrafttours
Website: https://www.canadiancrafttours.ca/
Pricing: $110
What to expect: 3 breweries, beer flights with 12 different styles, behind-the-scenes tour at one venue
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Tour Capacity: 8+ on weekdays, 10+ on Saturday
The Calgary Brewery Tour is perfect if you want to just show up and have a good time without having to put so much effort into planning.
Each stop is pre-booked and comes with reserved seating, so there’s no stress about finding a spot or waiting around.
You’ll visit three different breweries over three hours, with flights that cover everything from lager to dark stouts. There’s a lot of variety here, too, since they serve drinks in different styles.
Plus, one of the breweries includes a behind-the-scenes tour, which adds a nice layer of storytelling to the whole experience.
The guides are super knowledgeable. I enjoyed how they’d throw in some fun facts to keep things interesting without things sounding like a textbook.
By the end of it all, you’ll probably forget you were on a tour and just feel like you had a really solid beer day.
| Pro Tip: Go hungry. Some stops have really great food, and you’ll want something to soak up all those tasters. |
3. Alberta Beer Festivals: Calgary International Beerfest
– Media credit: abbeerfestivals
Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com/
Pricing: $19 to $40
What to expect: Three-day event, booths with samples, afterparty
If you’re looking to go all in on the beer tasting, the annual Calgary International Beerfest by Alberta Beer Festivals is for you.
This event isn’t your regular beer tasting experience. It’s a full-blown weekend festival with breweries, distilleries, food vendors, and afterparties that go late into the night.
You’ll find beverage booths from local names like 948 Brewing Company, Arctic Blue Beverages, and Banded Preak Brewing. With so many producers in one space, sampling a wide range of styles feels both easy and exciting.
Wandering from table to table feels like a mini adventure, too. Food vendors are available to keep you fueled with pizza, soft pretzels, hot dogs, and various desserts.
For something a bit more elevated, you can opt for VIP admission. This includes early entry, private lounges, and fun seminars like “cooking with beer” and “crafted sessions,” which make things more immersive.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early for smoother entry and more time to explore the grounds before the big crowds roll in. |
4. Calgary’s Best Brewery Tour by YYC Tours
– Media credit: yyctours.ca
Website: https://www.yyctours.ca/calgary-brewery-tours
Pricing: Starts at $99
What to expect: 3 breweries, brewery operations tour
Duration: 3.5 hours
Tour Capacity: 2 to 4 people
For a fully private and customizable experience, YYC’s Best Brewery Tour offers something that’s both smooth and effortless.
Transportation is included and seats are reserved, so there’s no need to think about anything other than the actual sampling.
The itinerary includes three brewery stops in a 3.5-hour itinerary, with beer flights at each one. With lots of time at each venue, you get to linger or sample extras without feeling like you’re in a rush.
They also promise styles that are award-winning or seasonal, so there’s plenty to try without much repetition.
At one of the venues, you will get a full walkthrough of the brewing process. This part felt super informative, and it’s a great way to learn something new while having fun.
The best part? You can enjoy exclusive discounts on bottles and food options at each location.
| Pro Tip: Feel free to request stops at specific breweries to make the whole tour a bit more personalized. |
5. Brewery and the Beast
– Media credit: brewerythebeast
Website: https://www.breweryandthebeast.com/calgary
Pricing: $149 to $250
What to expect: One-day event with food and drinks, live music
The annual Brewery and the Beast festival brings together Calgary’s best brewers, chefs, and bartenders in one massive outdoor feast.
With more than 60 vendors coming in from all over the country, there’s definitely no shortage of options to choose from. Every dish is also cooked over live fire using locally sourced ingredients.
You can just wander from booth to booth with a brew in hand. It’s a great way to sample both delicious food and drinks.
Between all the bites and the sips, you can relax in the shaded lounge area and just vibe to all the live DJ sets throughout the day.
Each ticket comes with eight full-sized drinks. You can choose from beer, wine, cider, or various cocktails.
For a more premium experience, consider upgrading to VIP. You get early access, an oyster bar, exclusive seating, and premium washrooms.
| Pro Tip: Scan the full map before diving in. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything going on, so it’s best to have an idea of the layout beforehand. |
6. Banded Peark Brewery Tour
– Media credit: bandedpeak_brewing
Website: https://www.canadiancrafttours.ca/pages/banded-peak-brewing
Pricing: Starts at $25
What to expect: Production facility tour, 6 signature beer samples
Duration: 2 hours
Banded Peark offers a weekly brewery tour that gives you a close-up look at one of Calgary’s most well-known craft beer producers.
Hosted every Saturday, the tour included a guided walk-through of Banded Peak’s production facility, so it’s a cool experience for anyone curious about how their favorite beers actually come to life.
Staff will walk you through the brewing process step by step, from raw ingredients to fermentation and packaging.
Once the tour wraps up, you’ll get to sample six of their signature beers, from crisp ales to robust stouts. They also guide you to the unique flavor and story behind each pour, so the tasting feels more thoughtful.
| Pro Tip: Reserve your spot early if you’re eyeing a specific date. This tour fills up fast, especially during long weekends. |
7. Oktoberfest Celebration by Bow River Brewing
– Media credit: bowriverbrew
Website: https://bowriverbrewing.com/
Pricing: Starts at $33
What to expect: Oktoberfest celebration, food and drinks, music
Bow River Brewing throws one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in town. They have a genuine love for German beer and culture, so it’s great for anyone looking for a warm and laid-back vibe.
The brewery’s deep German roots shine through in every detail at this event, from their flagship Riverfest Amber Lager brewed in true German style, to all the bratwurst, sauerkraut, and freshly baked pretzels.
To get things started, each ticket comes with a full stein of beer and bratwurst. You can pick between their flagship Riverfest beer or any other beer of your choice.
For a free pretzel, come wearing Lederhosen or a Dirndl, which are traditional German attire. It’s a little touch that just makes the whole thing even more fun.
| Pro Tip: Bring friends! The long tables and large beer steins make it easier to share all the fun. |
8. Virtual Beer Tasting Tour by Canada Craft Tours
– Media credit: canadiancrafttours
Pricing: $30 to $50
What to expect: Beer tasting kit, virtual itinerary
Duration: 2 hours
For a chill evening without having to leave the comfort of your home, Canada Craft Tours offers a Virtual Beer Tasting Tour that brings the drinks right to your screen.
They’ll either send you a beer tasting kit or a shopping list of everything you need to get, including optional food pairings if you want.
The experience includes beer trivia, guided tastings, and brewery insights, all hosted by a Cicerone or lead beer guide. I like how the whole thing is both informative and social, as if you’re all just hanging out.
Each session follows a fun and flexible happy hour itinerary, featuring tasting rounds, games, and time for open conversation. There’s even a cool option to stay online and hang out longer after the formal event ends.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the extra hangout time in the end. You’ll be surprised how fun it is once everyone’s loosened up a bit. |
9. Calgary Distillery Tour by YYC Tours
– Media credit: yyctours.ca
Website: https://www.yyctours.ca/calgary-distillery-tour
Pricing: Starts at $94
What to expect:
Duration: 2.75 hours
Tour Capacity: Maximum of 4 for public tours, 4+ for private tours
YYC’s Distillery Tour is a nice change of pace for people who prefer to mix up their drinks a bit.
You’ll visit two award-winning distilleries in the city, each with their own lineups of beer, moonshine, whisky, gin, and other craft creations. Flights are served at both stops, with a creative cocktail thrown in to keep things interesting.
I like that each visit also includes a behind-the-scenes tour with distillers who walk you through how everything gets made. Everything felt very hands-on, and the staff is open to answering all questions.
There’s also a short talk about tasting techniques and spirit history, which adds a bit more depth to the experience.
You can choose between private and “jump on” tours, which makes it easier to find something that fits your group size and schedule.
| Pro Tip: Try to ask your guide about limited-edition bottles. Some distilleries will offer exclusive releases that are only available onsite. |