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YYCTOURS BLOG -
All About the Calgary Craft Beer Scene
Welcome to the YYCTOURS blog where you will find Information on all things Calgary. From Brewery and Beer reviews to beer history and judging tutorials.


Canadian Breweries Shine at the 2026 World Beer Cup
The "Olympics of Beer" just wrapped up in Philadelphia, and while the global stage gets more crowded every year, Canadian brewers continue to prove they aren't just participating—they are setting the pace. With 12 medals returning north of the border, the 2026 World Beer Cup results highlight a fascinating shift. We are seeing the "Old Guard" of Belgian-style mastery (shoutout to Quebec) standing tall alongside a new generation of "Perennial Powerhouses" from BC and Alberta t
3 days ago4 min read


Canada’s Most Awarded Breweries and Craft Producers: 2025 National Ranking from CBA & Canada Beer Cup
Who makes the cut for 2025? We’ve scoured the country to find the absolute best brewery in every Canadian province. From legendary Alberta stalwarts to hidden gems on the coasts, discover the must-visit taprooms for your next road trip and see which local Calgary favorites earned a spot on the list.
May 14 min read


THE BEST BREWERIES IN CANADA 2024 Archive
A full summary of all national brewing awards in Canada for 2024- archived
Apr 2919 min read


Calgary Brewery Tours - Four Dogs Brewing Review
A quick review of Four Dogs Brewing in Calgary - What you need to know.
Apr 294 min read


Five Walkable Brewery Districts in Calgary
Over the last year a few more Calgary breweries opened for business, creating four new Walkable Calgary Brewery Districts where beer fans can have a full afternoon of sampling the freshest YYC beers from at least three craft breweries. Until now, the Barley Belt and Inglewood were the only real ‘walkable’ brewery areas in Calgary that featured at least three breweries in close proximity to each other. The Barley Belt, situated in the Manchester district, just south of the Ca
Apr 296 min read


Best Beer in Alberta - 2025 Alberta Beer Awards
On October 6th, the province's craft beer scene gathered in Red Deer for the 2025 Alberta Beer Awards, celebrating the province’s expanding and diverse brewing community. In September, judges sampled hundreds of beers from 28 categories to determine the top brews of the year, and this night marked the announcement of the winners. Expert judges evaluated aroma, flavour, and overall craftsmanship, resulting in 28 category winners and three standout beers earning Best in Show (g
Oct 14, 20257 min read


Ol' Beautiful Brewing. Rising from the Ashes
Ol' B team members pose with their 6 Alberta Beer Awards. Photo credit- Alberta Beer Awards/ Ol' Beautiful Brewing UPDATE MAY 2026- Congrats to OL' Beautiful for taking home a silver at the 2026 World Beer Cup for Abrazo Mexican Style lager ! In June of 2024, a fire destroyed Ol' Beautiful Brewing’s taproom and small batch facility in Inglewood, leavin
Oct 14, 20254 min read


Alberta Beer Awards: Behind the Scenes
Most beer fans only see the medals, but what happens behind the scenes? Go backstage at the 2025 Alberta Beer Awards and discover the meticulous process of blind judging, the unsung heroes who make it happen, and why it's a game-changer for Alberta's breweries.
Sep 13, 20257 min read


Beyond the Ordinary: Why YYCTours is Your Premier Partner for Calgary & Alberta Experiences (and Why We Are The Best Value For Tours and Transportation)
Have you ever found yourself typing a very specific question into Google, like "how to book a private beer tasting event in Calgary" or "who offers reliable airport shuttle services to YYC?" You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, getting direct, comprehensive answers is key. At YYCTours, we understand these precise needs, which is why we've built our reputation as Calgary's most versatile and value-driven tour and transportation provider. This post isn't just about wh
Jul 17, 20254 min read


Canada’s Best Beers and Breweries of Spring 2025: Canadian Brewing Awards Winners Revealed
Canada's Best Beers of 2025 Crowned at Canadian Brewing Awards Canada's best beers of 2025 were just crowned at the Canadian Brewing...
Jun 8, 20258 min read


Canadian Breweries Take Home Medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup
Canadian Breweries Take Home Medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup
May 1, 20253 min read


The BeerQuest Game
If you love craft beer and adventure, The BeerQuest Game is your ultimate challenge! This interactive experience takes you on a journey...
Feb 24, 20251 min read


The Best Breweries In Alberta - 2024 Alberta Beer Award Results
Jump to Complete List of 2024 Winners This article was originally published on October 10, 2024. To view this year's winners, check out our recap of Best Beers in Alberta 2025 here. The 10th annual Alberta Beer Week is set to begin on October 11 but the kickoff party already started with the Alberta Craft Beer Convention at Edmonton's Westin Hotel. This trade show, designed for brewing professionals, features a wide range of exhibitors from manufacturing, production, and e
Oct 10, 202414 min read


German Pils.
The story of German Pils begins in the mid-19th century, inspired by the groundbreaking creation of Pilsner beer in the city of Pilsen...
Sep 4, 20243 min read


My First Experience as a Beer Judge.
Walking into Big Rock Brewery for day one of the three-day Alberta Beer Awards as a first-time judge was both thrilling and...
Aug 28, 20249 min read


Unity Brew 2024. An Alberta Beer from 1841.
Every year for Alberta Beer Week in October, the Alberta Small Brewers Association releases Unity Brew . A beer style curated by a...
Aug 27, 20244 min read


Why You Should Use YYCTours for Ski Shuttles to All Local Area Ski Hills from Calgary
As winter approaches and the allure of fresh powder calls, one of the best ways to enjoy the local ski hills around Calgary is with the...
Aug 19, 20242 min read


Why You Should Visit Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake When You Come to Calgary (and Why You Should Book with YYCTours.ca)
If you're planning a trip to Calgary, you're in for a treat—not only for the vibrant city itself but for the incredible natural wonders...
Aug 19, 20244 min read


Which Calgary Brewery Tour is the Best?
While Calgary has several brewery tour 'brands,' most are actually corporate-owned subsidiaries operating under different names. Only one company is truly locally owned and operated right here in Calgary: YYCTOURS. Because we are local, our tours are typically $40 cheaper per person than the corporate competition ($89 vs. $130+) for the exact same craft beer experience. This 2026 guide breaks down the pricing and tour details of every major provider to help you see who actual
Aug 12, 20243 min read


Beer Stories and Myths Busted
Beer, one of the oldest and most beloved beverages in the world, has a history as rich and frothy as the drink itself. Across centuries,...
Aug 8, 20243 min read
The team at YYCTOURS appreciates your support. We try our best to cover everything you need to know about the Calgary Craft Scene. From award winning Brewery Tours, Wine Tours and Distillery Tours to maps, reviews, education and everything in between.
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