With more than 40 breweries and counting, Calgary has exploded into a craft beer hotspot. Brewers in Calgary are experimental and willing to take risks and their taprooms are welcoming community hubs. Most of Calgary's breweries are in concentrated pockets around the city, making them perfect for brewery-hopping.
If you're looking to plan a brewery-focused trip to Calgary, check out the tasty itineraries that Alberta Ale Trail has created.
One of Calgary’s most prolific brewery clusters has grown in an industrial area just south of downtown, with six breweries producing an astonishing number of award-winning brews, all within walking distance. Expect everything from IPAs and craft lagers to fruity and funky barrel-aged offerings. These breweries are also known for the vast amount of seasonal and one-off beers being produced, meaning no two visits are the same.
Best Way to Get Around: Bike or walk.
Local Tip: When hunger hits, Annex Ale Project has a Lil Empire Burger popup serving fine casual burgers and sides.
Located in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood, the area known as Brewery Flats was once home to Calgary’s first brewery (Calgary Malting and Brewing, est. 1892). That brewery is now long gone, but the area has undergone a craft brewery renaissance. The sleek and modern High Line Brewing on Inglewood’s main street is a 20-minute walk away from 80s-themed Eighty-Eight Brewing, with another four breweries to visit in between.
Best Way to Get Around: Bike, walk, or Pedal Pub.
Local Tip: End your day at Cold Garden Beverage Company, which have adjoining patios and taprooms that are bustling late into the evening.
Supporting Local: On June 30th, 2024 the Ol' Beautiful Taproom experienced a devastating fire that destroyed their beloved building. To support their business, staff, and future efforts, you can purchase their tasty beers which will still be available throughout the city on tap and in retail locations.
Enjoy a winter patio beer at Cabin Brewing (photo credit: Colin Way)
Cold Garden's taproom is fun & eclectic (photo credit: Colin Way)
Central neighbourhoods like the Beltline, Sunalta, and Marda Loop all have plenty of craft breweries, beloved by locals and visitors alike. From fresh beer, barbecue, and big screens at the immaculate Trolley5 Brewpub, to exquisite hazy IPAs and Acme Pizza at Tailgunner Brewing’s taproom, it’s impossible to go hungry or thirsty when you're in central Calgary.
One of Calgary’s most unique brewery taprooms is in an old Air Force hangar on Calgary’s former Currie Barracks military base. For over 25 years Wild Rose Brewing has served hearty meals and beer in a cozy room akin to a mess hall. Just down the street is a perfect example of Calgary collaborations with Vaycay Brew Co, Burwood Distillery, and Veranda all sharing a building.
Best Way to Get Around: C-Train, bike, or Pedal Pub.
Local Tip: Between Tailgunner Brewing and Two House Brewing in Sunalta is the Alberta Beer Exchange, a craft beer-focused liquor store that specializes in seasonal and rarities from the province’s small breweries.
Central Calgary Breweries:
Pair any brew from Tailgunner Brewing with mouthwatering Acme Pizza
Grab a beer and a bite at Trolley5 before heading to a Calgary Flames game (photo credit: Colin Way)
As you head north across the Bow River the breweries become more spread out, but excellent beer awaits those who make the effort. The first one you’ll find is Calgary’s smallest production brewery, Two Pillars, which makes just 100 litres of beer at a time. Their focus is on stronger beers and subtly spiced European styles, paired with simple, but delicious bar snacks. Further north, you can’t miss Zero Issue Brewing, where comic book nerds and beer aficionados come together over a constantly rotating beer list.
Best Way to Get Around: Taxi or designated driver
Local Tip: Book a tour at Tool Shed Brewing Company to hear their full, inspiring story of opening against the odds and paving the way for smaller breweries.
Find comic-inspired brews at Zero Issue Brewing
Book a tour at Tool Shed, one of Calgary's original craft breweries (photo credit: Roth and Ramberg)
The Foothills Industrial Park is where the big breweries play! Take a tour of the sprawling Big Rock Brewery facility, Calgary’s original craft brewery, grab some lunch at Brewsters, and then round it out with a flight at Good Mood, Boiling Oar, or Last Spike.
Best Way to Get Around: Taxi or designated driver.
Local Tip: You can get authentic Texas-style BBQ while enjoying 18 rotating taps of Big Rock brews at Big Sky BBQ located inside the brewery.
Breweries in Foothills:
Book a 3.5 hour guided tour to some of Calgary's best craft breweries. Transportation is included.
