City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries

Ottawa’s craft beer scene is flourishing, and the ‘City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries’ offers an immersive way to explore it. This 4-5 hour tour takes visitors behind the scenes at local breweries, allowing them to chat with brewmasters, learn about the brewing process, and discover new favorite beers. Aboard a school-style bus, participants can record their tasting notes and impressions, creating a personalized memento of their beer-fueled adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply curious about this vibrant aspect of Ottawa’s culture, the tour promises an engaging and enlightening experience.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Ottawa.

Key Points

• A 4-5 hour guided bus tour that visits 3 or more local Ottawa craft breweries, providing behind-the-scenes tours and beer tastings.
• Offers opportunities to chat with brewmasters, learn about the local beer culture, and sample a variety of beer styles and flavors.
• Includes tasting note cards to document impressions and track the beers, enhancing the educational and engaging experience.
• The tour departs from a central location in downtown Ottawa, with a maximum group size of 25 for a more intimate setting.
• Not wheelchair accessible, but guests can consult with the provider about accessibility requirements.

Tour Details

The tour lasts 4-5 hours and visits 3 (or more) local Ottawa craft breweries, providing behind-the-scenes tours, samples, and tasting note cards to track the tastings.

Attendees will get an inside look at the brewing process and learn about the ingredients that go into crafting beer.

The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as the sampling and tour fees.

A local guide accompanies the group and provides transportation via a school-style bus.

This is a great opportunity for beer enthusiasts to come together and share their passion in a fun, informative setting.

Inclusions

Included in the price of the bus tour are all applicable taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as the sampling and tour fees at each of the participating breweries. A local guide accompanies the group and provides transportation via a school-style bus.

The tour offers the following inclusions:

1. Behind-the-scenes visits and tours at 3 or more local Ottawa craft breweries.
2. Beer tastings at each of the breweries on the tour.
3. Tasting note cards to help participants track and record their experiences.
4. A fun and informative experience for beer lovers to learn about the ingredients and brewing process.

Meeting Point

Travelers meet at the foyer behind Beckta Restaurant, located at 150 Elgin St in downtown Ottawa, to board the school-style bus for the City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries.

This convenient meeting point is situated in the heart of the city, just steps away from the tour’s departure. Attendees can easily find the group and get ready to embark on their beer-fueled adventure.

The foyer provides a comfortable and central gathering place before the tour begins, allowing participants to mingle with fellow beer enthusiasts and get excited for the day’s activities.

From this starting point, the group will depart on a 4-5 hour journey to discover some of Ottawa’s renowned craft breweries.

Beer Lover’s Experience

From the convenient meeting point, attendees can look forward to an immersive experience tailored for beer lovers. The tour provides a fun and engaging way to learn about the ingredients and brewing processes behind Ottawa’s renowned craft beers through behind-the-scenes visits, guided tours, and generous tastings at local breweries.

This unique tour offers:

1. Opportunities to chat with brewmasters and learn about their passion for crafting exceptional beer.
2. Insights into the local beer culture and the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
3. Chances to sample a variety of styles and flavors, from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers.
4. Tasting note cards to record your impressions and keep track of the beers you’ve tried.

Confirmation and Age Requirement

Upon booking, attendees will receive confirmation, which includes important details about the tour.

The minimum drinking age for participation is 19 years, as per local regulations. This age requirement is strictly enforced, and valid ID must be presented at the meeting point.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility concerns should consult with the tour provider prior to booking.

With a maximum group size of 25 travelers, the experience provides an intimate setting for beer enthusiasts to explore Ottawa’s craft brewing scene.

Guests can expect to receive tasting note cards to document their sampling journey, ensuring they remember the flavors and characteristics of the beers they encounter throughout the day.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour’s accessibility and group size are important considerations for prospective participants. While not wheelchair accessible, the organizers encourage guests with mobility concerns to consult with them prior to booking to determine if the experience aligns with their needs.

With a maximum group size of 25 travelers, the tour offers an intimate setting that allows for personalized attention and a more immersive exploration of Ottawa’s craft brewing scene. The small group size provides several benefits:

1. Opportunities for more in-depth discussions with the brewery staff and tour guides.
2. Easier coordination and movement between the different brewery locations.
3. A better chance to connect with fellow beer enthusiasts.
4. A more tailored and exclusive experience overall.

Brewery Visits and Tastings

The City Beers bus tour offers participants an insider’s look into Ottawa’s craft brewing landscape, with behind-the-scenes visits and guided tastings at three or more local breweries.

During the 4-5 hour tour, guests will get a chance to go behind the scenes and learn about the ingredients and brewing process from the brewmasters themselves.

At each stop, tasting note cards are provided so beer lovers can keep track of the unique flavors and characteristics of the samples.

With knowledgeable local guides leading the way, this experience is a must for anyone interested in exploring Ottawa’s thriving craft beer scene and discovering new favorite brews.

Tasting Note Cards

Throughout the City Beers bus tour, tasting note cards are provided to participants, allowing them to track and document the unique flavors and characteristics of the craft beer samples.

These note cards serve as a helpful tool for beer enthusiasts to capture their impressions and preferences during the brewery visits and tastings.

The note cards typically include:

1. Space to record the brewery name, beer name, and style.
2. Sections to rate the appearance, aroma, taste, and overall impression of the beer.
3. Room to jot down tasting notes, such as dominant flavors, mouthfeel, and any unique attributes.
4. A scale to indicate the participant’s level of enjoyment or preference for the particular brew.

This interactive element enhances the educational and engaging nature of the City Beers tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food or Snacks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food or snacks on the tour. The tour provides beer tastings, but doesn’t include a full meal. Bringing personal snacks can enhance the experience and provide sustenance during the brewery visits.

Is There an Option to Purchase Additional Beer Samples?

Yes, additional beer samples can typically be purchased on brewery tours. The tour includes a set number of samples, but guests can often purchase extra samples at their own expense during the brewery visits.

Are There Any Nearby Parking Options at the Meeting Point?

There are several parking options near the meeting point. Visitors can find paid street parking along Elgin Street or utilize the nearby parking garage at Constitution Square, located just a short walk from the Brew Donkey Tours meeting point.

Can I Customize the Brewery Tour Stops Based on My Preferences?

Yes, customers can typically customize the brewery tour stops based on their preferences. The tour operator will work with customers to build an itinerary that meets their specific interests and visiting preferences within the tour’s duration and capacity.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for the Tour?

There are occasionally discounts and promotions available for brewery tours, such as package deals or discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel. Guests should check the tour operator’s website or inquire directly for any current offers.

Recap

The ‘City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries’ offers an immersive exploration of the thriving craft beer scene in Ottawa.

Participants can expect behind-the-scenes access, beer tastings, and a chance to chat with brewmasters, all while discovering new favorite brews.

With a convenient central meeting point and an intimate group size, the tour provides an engaging learning experience to explore Ottawa’s vibrant craft beer culture.