Edmonton’s brewing and distilling scenes sure have grown in recent years. And it continues to grow, with a new brewery each year or so! Luckily, there are several ways to find your new favourite brewery or distillery in Edmonton.
Photo Credit: Alley Cat Brewery
Edmonton beer tours are available as guided experiences like bike tours, or shuttle tours. You may also create DIY walking tours of areas like Happy Beer Street, and the Brewery District downtown. Plus, many of these local businesses offer facility tours.
Many of these brewery tours are only open for summer, so now is the best chance at trying all the local brews and spirits.
Urban Pedal Tours
When: all summer, Fridays and Saturdays
Where: Happy Beer Street/99th Street NW
How much: $399 per group of 8-15 people
Canadian Craft Tours
Canadian craft Tours, formerly Edmonton Brewery Tours/Alberta Craft Tours, have local tours scheduled all summer long. These weekend tours include shuttle transportation between the stops. You do need a group of at least 10 people in order to book.
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Whyte Avenue
How much: $100 per tour for up to 10 guests
DIY down Happy Beer Street
So, what is Happy Beer Street? Happy Beer Street is also known as 99th Street NW, and includes the blocks south of Whyte Avenue, all the way to 60th Avenue NW. You can start at the south end at Alley Kat Brewing, or the north end at Bent Stick Brewing. But don’t forget to head down some avenues to get to the breweries a few steps off 99th Street. The walk is only about 2.2km one-way.
DIY around the Brewery District
Edmonton’s Brewery District, on the west end of downtown, has enough local craft breweries that you would think this is where the area gets its name. The name comes from the pre-existing Molson Brewery, which was partially demolished and partially repurposed. Today, the area is a pretty blend of historic and modern areas, with a local brewery around every corner.
Alley Kat Brewery Tour
The 1-hour Tasting and Tour of Edmonton Alley Kat Brewery gives you more than a chance at a behind-the-scenes look. If Alley Kat has any upcoming releases, tour guests are the first to give the beers a taste. All tours end with choosing between a flight of four samples, or a pint of one beer sample.
When: by request
Where: 9929 60th Ave. NW
How much: $20 per person
Hansen Distillery Tour
Tours and tastings at the Hansen Distillery are scheduled for upcoming summer weekends. The 45-minute tour of their distilling facilities ends with tasting flights of five different spirits, including Edmonton’s first craft whiskey.
When: all summer Fridays and Saturdays
Where: 17412 111 Ave NW, Edmonton
How much: $18 per person
Blind Enthusiasm Brewing
Blind Enthusiasm is part of the Happy Beer Street group of Edmonton breweries. So, if you’re touring the area, you can stop in for a tour of “The Monolith.” The Monolith is where they brew and make other creations like fruit wine. All tours end with a guided tasting in the Blind Enthusiasm taproom.
When: all summer Saturdays and Sundays
Where: 9919 78 Avenue NW
How much: $15 per person
Rig Hand Craft Distillery
You’ll find the Rig Hand Distillery in the deep south of Edmonton in Nisku where tours are extra special in June 2023. Towards the end of the month, Rig Hand will celebrate the grand opening of their updated and upgraded facilities. The special tour dates also include live music, and a secret mystery performer.
Private tours are available for larger group of 12-30 people at $10 per person.
When: grand opening tours June 22-24
How much: free
Where: 2104 8 St, Bay B Nisku.
Zoobrew
Take your Edmonton beer tour to the Valley Zoo during summer! The Zoobrew events are a showcase of Alberta beer and spirits all in one location. Your ticket will get you access to sampling, entertainment, and viewing of the animals. The 2023 event will feature 24 Alberta breweries.
When: June 24, July 22, August 19
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road &, 87 Ave NW
How much: $33.96
Barr Estate Winery
Take a trip to the countryside for a unique Alberta winery tour experience. The Barr Estate Winery is about 10 minutes from the southeast corner of Edmonton, with tours available by request.
When: Thursday-Monday all summer
Where: 51526 Range Rd 231, Sherwood Park
How much: $15 per person
Upcoming Wine & Spirit Events
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