A brewery crawl can be fun, or it can feel rushed. This one is built as a 3-stop craft circuit with enough time to actually taste and talk. You’ll go from Bow River Brewing to OT Brewing Company to Born Brewing Co., with beer flights at each stop and a small group size that helps the day feel friendly.

Two things I like a lot: you get a flight of beer samples at every brewery, and you’re doing it with an air-conditioned vehicle and a set schedule that keeps logistics from taking over your day. The host Conner also gets specific praise for generous tap pours and for sharing beer knowledge while pointing out things to notice around Calgary during the drive.

One possible drawback: the time at each stop is about 45 minutes, so it’s not the tour for a long sit-down, slow pour kind of afternoon. If you’re the type who wants to linger, you may wish there was extra time to order beyond the included flight.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Three breweries, one after another: Bow River Brewing, OT Brewing Company, and Born Brewing Co.
• A full beer flight at each stop: you’ll get sampling at all 3, not just one.
• Small group limit (max 14): easier conversations, less waiting around.
• Conner is singled out: guests note generous tap pours and helpful beer knowledge.
• No hotel pickup: you’ll start at Fairfield by Marriott on 12 Ave SW.
• Mobile ticket: less hassle right before you head out.

Bow River, OT, Born: A tight 3-stop craft-beer loop

This is a classic “hit three breweries in one afternoon” setup, designed for Calgary craft beer fans who want variety without planning. The pace is structured: each stop runs about 45 minutes, and you’re on the move for roughly 3 hours 30 minutes total.

The big idea here is balance. You’re not just touring the buildings—you’re tasting. And because you’re going to three different places, you get to compare styles and tap lists in one day. That’s where the included beer flight matters: it gives you a clear sampling framework at every stop.

You’ll also get a bit of the city while you travel. In one account, the host (Conner) was attentive about pointing out places of interest as the group moved between breweries, which turns the “drive time” into useful downtime.

Price and time: Is the $89.71 value fair?

At $89.71 per person, you’re paying for three things: timed access to three breweries, the included beer flights, and the transport (including an air-conditioned vehicle). The tour is also clearly set up for a small group, capped at 14 travelers, so it’s not the kind of mass event where you fight for space.

Here’s the real value question: what do you get for your money beyond beer? You get less decision fatigue. Instead of figuring out which brewery to visit first, where to park, and how to get between them, the tour handles the route and timing. That’s often the difference between a fun beer day and a logistical headache.

That said, the included sampling is a single flight per brewery. If you’re a big “order extra pours no matter what” person, you’ll likely spend more on top of the included flight. If you’re happy tasting and picking favorites, this price can feel very reasonable for the structure you get.

Also note that this is booked fairly in advance—on average about 59 days ahead—so if you want a specific day, you’ll want to lock it in early.

Meeting at Fairfield by Marriott on 12 Ave SW

You’ll meet at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown, 239 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1H7. The tour ends back at the same spot, so you don’t need to worry about finishing somewhere far from where you started.

A couple practical things to plan for:

• Hotel pickup isn’t included, so plan your arrival to the meeting point.
• It’s near public transportation, which is handy if you’d rather avoid driving and parking.
• You’ll use a mobile ticket, which makes last-minute organization easier.

If your day includes other activities nearby, this is a convenient loop because you return to the starting area. It also makes it easier to grab food after the tour without changing locations.

Stop 1: Bow River Brewing’s 8-beer tap focus

Your first stop is Bow River Brewing, where you’ll spend about 45 minutes. The standout detail here is that there are 8 beers on tap, including seasonal beers. For you, that matters because seasonal taps are usually where you get the freshest flavors and the most variety.

The included time is long enough to do more than a quick sip. You’ll get your beer samples (1 flight) as part of the tour, so you can compare:

• IPAs vs. lagers (depending on what’s available on that day’s lineup)
• something seasonal vs. something core

A review highlights that the group tried a mix including IPA and lagers, so you can expect a reasonable spread across popular styles rather than just one narrow lane.

Possible consideration: with only 45 minutes, you’ll want to go in with a light plan. Pick one or two styles you’re curious about, then let the flight guide your choices. If you wait until the last 10 minutes to decide, you may feel rushed even if the staff is friendly.

Stop 2: OT Brewing Company and the mood behind the brew

Next up is OT Brewing Company, also about 45 minutes. The vibe is summed up in their own wording: they invite you to be in the moment and enjoy an OT brew, no matter what the letters mean to you.

That’s marketing language, sure—but it hints at the atmosphere you’re likely to get: a laid-back stop where the goal is social enjoyment as much as it is tasting. Since the tour includes another 1 flight of beer samples, you’ll be comparing this brewery’s take to what you saw at Bow River.

A smart way to use this second stop: don’t treat it like a repeat. Use the first flight to calibrate your preferences—then at OT, try to sample what you didn’t love as much earlier. If you strongly favor one style from stop one, you can use stop two to check if the other brewery does it differently.

Time-wise, this stop hits the “sweet spot” for many people. It’s long enough to talk to staff and refocus, but short enough that you’re still energized for the third stop.

Stop 3: Born Brewing Co. and why it feels like a conversation

Your final brewery is Born Brewing Co., again with 45 minutes. Their pitch leans into community: they describe a place for you to engage with Calgary, provide a space for you to write your own story, and suggest that strangers can become friends over good beer and good laughs.

Even if that’s inspirational copy, it points toward what you might experience during your included flight: more of a social setting than a quiet tasting room. If you’re the type who enjoys meeting people during shared activities, this is likely your easiest stop of the day.

If you want to make the most of the last brewery, here’s what I’d do: arrive ready to pick one beer you might actually order after the flight (if the menu has it), because this is your final chance to get a full “favorite” moment before the tour ends.

One practical note: because the tour returns you to the meeting point at the end, you’ll want to plan how you’ll handle the next part of your day—especially if you’re driving or mixing with other plans.

The tour flow: how the bus ride + timing works

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real comfort upgrade for Calgary weather swings. The schedule is straightforward—three breweries, each with about 45 minutes—so you don’t have to constantly check clocks.

The best part of the pacing is that you’re never stuck in one place too long. That can be good for first-timers because you get a wide cross-section of breweries in one outing. It can also keep your tastes fresh; after two tastings, your palate is awake enough to catch differences instead of flattening out.

One review specifically calls out that the host Conner was knowledgeable and that they also pointed out places of interest during the drive. If you get Conner, you’ll likely find the between-stop time more engaging than just sitting and waiting.

Practical advice: wear comfortable shoes and keep your expectations realistic. You’re tasting flights, not doing a long tasting event with slow pours and deep food pairings. If you treat it like a friendly beer sampling day, it fits perfectly.

Who this Calgary brewery tour suits best

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want to try Calgary craft beer at three breweries without doing planning math
• Like IPA and lager variety, and want sampling rather than committing to full pints immediately
• Prefer small-group experiences (max 14) where it’s easier to talk with your host and fellow guests
• Appreciate an organized schedule with mobile ticketing and no hotel pickup hassle

It may be less ideal if you’re looking for:

• a long, slow, sit-down tasting experience
• a tour that includes much more than one flight per brewery
• a day that can easily turn into a full evening of drinking (since you’ll finish after about 3.5 hours and need to return to the meeting point)

Also, if you’re traveling with a service animal, you’re set—service animals are allowed. And since it’s listed as suitable for most travelers, it’s generally a low-stress activity for a wide range of folks.

Quick planning tips so your day feels easy

Here are a few things that make a difference on tours like this:

• Eat before you go. Flights are fun, but you’ll enjoy them more with a meal in your system.
• Bring a light layer. Even with air-conditioned vehicle comfort, breweries can vary.
• Decide your “one extra order” in your head. Use your included flight to find it, then if you want more, you’ll know what to get.
• Plan your transport after the tour. You’ll end back at Fairfield by Marriott, so decide in advance how you’ll get home.

If weather or timing changes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which makes it easier to book with some breathing room.

Should you book the Calgary Brewery Tour?

If your goal is a fun, organized craft beer sampler across Bow River Brewing, OT Brewing Company, and Born Brewing Co., then yes, this is a solid pick. The included beer flight at each stop is the core value, and the small group size plus an air-conditioned vehicle keeps the experience comfortable and efficient.

I’d especially recommend it if you want variety—especially a mix like IPAs and lagers—and if you enjoy hosts who explain what you’re tasting. The host Conner is specifically praised for that kind of beer knowledge and for keeping pours generous.

Only skip it if you’re seeking a long-form tasting, food pairing heavy experience, or a tour with hotel pickup and total convenience from wherever you’re staying.

If that sounds like what you want, book it, show up at 239 12 Ave SW, and use the flights to find your Calgary “yes, I’d order that again” beers.