Over four Saturdays this spring and summer, a free bus will take people from brewery to brewery in the Royal City to allow them to responsibly explore the local beer culture.
All five of Guelph’s local brewers are partnering to support the beer tourism initiative, called the Guelph.Beer Bus.
Each brewery will be a stop on the tour and will offer a different attraction, including live music, tours and food.
“Not only is it keeping everybody safe and secure and encouraging responsible alcohol consumption, but it’s also enticing people to try out some of the great local breweries that they may not have had the chance to,” said Danna Evans, general manager of Culture, Tourism and Community Investment at the City of Guelph.
The tours are intended for tourists from out of town as well as for Guelphites seeking to tap the city’s beer landscape.
The bus will be open to all ages and will stop at Brothers Brewing, Fixed Gear Brewing, Wellington Brewery, Sleeman Brewing, The Fat Duck Gastro Pub and Royal City Brewing.
Evans said the local breweries, big and small, are showing great confidence in their own products by collaborating.
“They have a much better chance to have an impact through tourism by working together,” she said.
Transportation will be provided free of charge, but donations will be accepted in support of Autism Behavioural Services.
Evans said Guelph Transit is seeking to expand its ability to do charters for special events and the Guelph.Beer Bus is an opportunity to do just that.
“I think it’s great for tourism and transit,” said Evans.
The first noon to 6 p.m. Guelph.Beer Bus tour will run from on Saturday May 11, followed by June 8, July 20 and Aug. 10. A full schedule can be found at Guelph.Beer.
Out-of-town visitors can book a stay with Delta Hotel, which is offering a special package for Guelph. Beer Bus visitors.
The initiative is being supported by Guelph Tourism, as well as Regional Tourism Organization 4 through the Destination Guelph Strategic Co-investment Opportunity.
“We got a little bit of funding to help take some risk out and allow groups to be creative to benefit tourism, which also benefits the community and residents as well,” said Evans.
