Calgary Brewery Tour

Three breweries, one beer flight each stop.

What makes this Calgary brewery tour work so well is the easy structure plus real craft options: Bow River Brewing has eight beers on tap with seasonal picks, and you get an included beer flight at each of the three stops. The big catch is you only get one flight per brewery, so if you want to keep ordering after that, plan on paying extra.

I like that it is built for conversation and comfort. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, the group is capped at 14 travelers, and the tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes with three stops that are each long enough to taste and reset.

One more plus for planning: you start at Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown (239 12 Ave SW) and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. You also get a mobile ticket, and it is offered in English, with confirmation sent at booking.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Three brewery stops, one smooth loop so you do not waste your time arranging rides.
• One flight included at each place for a consistent tasting plan across the whole tour.
• Bow River Brewing brings variety with eight beers on tap and seasonal options.
• Small group size (max 14) keeps the experience social, not chaotic.
• Air-conditioned vehicle makes the drive part of the comfort, not a chore.
• Fairfield by Marriott Downtown meeting point makes it easier to find and manage your day.

Why this Calgary Brewery Tour is a smart craft-beer intro

If craft beer is your thing, but you also want a day that stays low-stress, this is a good fit. You are not guessing where to go, and you are not playing transportation roulette across the city. Instead, you get a tight, three-stop route that is designed around tasting and talking.

The included format matters. An included flight at each brewery means you will experience different styles across the day, not just one place and done. At Bow River Brewing, that can mean moving from something lighter to something more bold, and the seasonal angle helps you avoid the same old lineup.

The pricing is also easier to justify when you think of what is bundled in. At $89.71 per person, you are paying for the guided, timed brewery hopping, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the beer flight sample at each stop. If you tried to set this up yourself, the cost of rides plus admission time would likely creep up fast, especially with three locations.

Meeting at Fairfield by Marriott and getting rolling in a small group

The tour starts at Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown, 239 12 Ave SW, Calgary. It ends back at the meeting point, so you do not need to worry about ending your day somewhere unfamiliar.

You will ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour caps at 14 travelers. That small cap is a real advantage. With a larger group, brewery tasting can turn into a queue game. With a smaller group, you can ask questions, compare notes, and actually hear the explanations about what you are tasting.

You will also have a mobile ticket, which is handy if you are juggling phones, photos, and maps. And if you are relying on transit, the meeting area is listed as near public transportation, which helps if you are not planning to drive.

Timing note: it is about 3 hours 30 minutes total. In that window, the tour keeps each brewery stop to around 45 minutes, which is long enough to do a proper taste, then regroup without dragging the schedule.

Bow River Brewing: eight beers on tap and seasonal variety

This is the stop where you set your tasting tone. Bow River Brewing has eight beers on tap, and the lineup includes seasonal beers, so you are more likely to try something that feels current rather than strictly the same year-round staples.

Plan to treat this first stop like your calibration round. If you come in knowing you like IPA style beers and lighter lagers, Bow River is a good place to check if your favorites are hitting the way you expect today. If you are not sure what you like yet, the broader tap selection gives you more room to experiment early.

The included setup here is simple and effective. Your beer flight is part of the tour, so you can focus on sampling and asking questions instead of negotiating the menu under time pressure. One practical tip: try to start with a beer you think you will enjoy, then move toward something different. Seasonal options often reward that approach.

Where this stop can feel like a drawback is the pacing of the overall tour. Because you only have one flight per brewery, you might find yourself wanting more of your top choice. That is not a flaw, but it does mean you may want to make a mental note of what you want to revisit later after the tour is over.

OT Brewing Company: taking a pause with your pour

OT Brewing Company keeps the vibe focused on the act of tasting and being present. The brewery message is essentially about slowing down long enough to enjoy a good brew, even if you do not share the same passion or interests. It is a friendly reminder that beer tasting is more fun when you are paying attention to the flavors, not rushing to the next stop.

In a brewery-tour format, that mindset helps. With a time cap of about 45 minutes here, you will get the best experience if you actually sample with intention. Use OT as your “second opinion” stop. If Bow River leaned more toward the styles you expected, OT can broaden the day with something that surprises you.

Also, it is one of those places where conversation can happen fast. Even though the tour is structured, this stop is described as an enjoyable moment where people take time to appreciate the beer. If you like social travel, this is often where you will enjoy the group dynamic most because it is easy to compare impressions quickly.

Born Brewing Co.: a beer stop built for your own story

Born Brewing Co. is a different kind of brewery experience. Instead of only being about production and tasting, it is designed as a space where you can engage with Calgary through the beer, then write your own story. The idea is that strangers can become friends over good brews, laughs, and shared tales.

That matters because not every brewery feels like a place you can linger without feeling awkward. Here, the tone is more welcoming and story-friendly, which can make the visit feel less like a checklist and more like a small hangout. If you enjoy the social side of travel, this stop is likely to be one of the more memorable parts of the day.

For practical planning, treat Born as your “capture and reflect” stop. You will still have time for your flight and conversation, but the concept makes it easier to slow down and enjoy the setting. If your goal is to collect experiences, not just samples, this is a good place to do it.

Just remember the tour structure: your flight is included, but the tour does not provide unlimited sampling. If something really hits, you can always purchase additional beer on site, but budget the extra cost.

Included flights, air-conditioned comfort, and how to pace your day

Here is what is actually included: an air-conditioned vehicle and alcoholic beverages, specifically one flight of beer samples per person at each of the three breweries. That adds up to three flights over roughly three and a half hours.

That matters more than it sounds. One flight per stop is a smart structure for two reasons. First, it helps you compare styles across breweries without needing to be a heavy drinker. Second, it keeps the schedule moving, so you do not end up stuck waiting for someone to finish a second or third round.

If you are the type who can get carried away on vacation, pace yourself. Take a few sips, decide what you like, then swap to the next beer instead of chasing volume. With multiple stops close together, your taste buds can shift quickly. The best tasting comes when you slow down just enough to notice the differences.

Also, a quick note on what is not included: gratuity. And hotel pick up is not included, so you will need to get yourself to the meeting point on time.

The maximum group size is 14 travelers, and that is another pacing benefit. You will not have to fight for attention, and you will not lose time to a huge bottleneck of people.

Guide vibe and the drive between stops

This tour is hosted by Canadian Craft Tours. The overall feel, at least in the tours that people highlighted, is that the guide brings both beer know-how and city context. One guide name that comes up is Conner, praised for being sharp on the beers and for pointing out places of interest as the group drove around.

That kind of commentary changes the tone of the whole day. When the guide gives you a little framing on what you are about to taste, the flight feels like more than just drinking. And when they call out landmarks while you ride, you get a little bonus Calgary context without needing extra time out of your schedule.

If you get a guide who talks this way, lean in. Ask one or two questions about styles and breweries. You do not need to be a beer expert to get value from that conversation.

Is $89.71 worth it for this Calgary beer crawl?

For $89.71 per person, you are buying three things: transportation, guided timing, and included flights at each stop. The stop admission is listed as free, which means your main cost is the tour experience itself and what you consume.

If your goal is to try multiple breweries in a single half-day and you do not want to manage rides, this price is easier to swallow. Three flights across three breweries are the core value. You will get variety without needing to research menus, book tastings, or plan who drives.

If your goal is unlimited tasting, it is not built that way. The tour is structured around one flight per stop. You may end up wanting more from your favorite brewery after the tour ends, and that is when extra purchases can add up.

For many people, that is still a win. It forces you to sample widely, then choose what is worth returning to later.

Who should book, and who might want a different plan

This tour fits best if you:

• like craft beer and want to taste across multiple Calgary breweries
• want a simple plan with three stops in 3.5 hours
• prefer a small group day (max 14) over a big bus scene
• enjoy a guide who adds context while you ride

You might think twice if:

• you want unlimited pours
• you are relying on hotel pick up, since it is not included
• you need a very flexible schedule, because each stop is timed and part of the flow

Should you book this Calgary Brewery Tour?

I would book it if you want an easy first or second craft beer day in Calgary. The included flights are the anchor, and the air-conditioned vehicle and small group size keep things comfortable and workable. The three breweries are varied enough that you can try different styles without overthinking the plan.

If you are a casual beer drinker, this format is also friendly because one flight per stop keeps it fun, not heavy. If you are an enthusiast, it can still work well, especially because you can take notes during the flights, then decide what to revisit afterward.

Just go in knowing the main value is the included tasting structure. Budget for a little extra if you find a standout beer you want to keep going with after the tour.

FAQ

How much does the Calgary Brewery Tour cost?

The tour costs $89.71 per person.

How long is the tour?

It is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

How many breweries are included?

You visit three breweries: Bow River Brewing, OT Brewing Company, and Born Brewing Co.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites Calgary Downtown, 239 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1H7, Canada.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and alcoholic beverages, with 1 flight of beer samples included for each person at each of the 3 breweries.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is hotel pick up included?

No, hotel pick up is not included.

How far in advance can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.