Tour Guys FAQ – General Public Tours

We get a lot of great questions from curious people (and a few from people who just didn’t read the booking page). Here’s everything you need to know before your walking tour with us.

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Do you still offer free tours?

Not exactly. While our original tours used to be free to book and tip-only, we now charge a small booking fee of about $6 per person ($4 + tax and processing). That fee helps us cover admin, support, and guide scheduling. The tour itself is still pay-what-you-feel-it’s-worth—for the guide. At the end, you tip based on the experience. And yes, the guide keeps 100% of it.

 

What kinds of scheduled tours do you offer?

We offer three types of public tours in Toronto:

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• Pay-What-You-Feel Tours
  • ~$6 booking fee to reserve
  • You tip the guide directly to pay for their work
  • Larger groups (typically)
  • Casual, fun, and short duration (90min)

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• Tour Guys Premium Tours
  • Set price per person (minimum 2 guests per booking)
  • Smaller groups (max 12)
  • Longer routes with more content (3 hours)
  • Tipping is welcome

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• Urban Adventures (Intrepid Travel)
  • Fixed pricing per person (4+ guests per booking - for smaller bookings visit www.urbanadventures.com/toronto)
  • Themed tours (beer, food, neighbourhoods)
  • Small groups (max 12), expert guides
  • Tipping optional

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How much should I tip on a pay-what-you-feel tour?

Most guests tip between $10 and $20 per person, depending on how much they enjoyed it and what fits their budget. It's how the tour guides get paid on these budget-friendly tours!

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Do I need to tip on the other paid tours?

Tipping isn’t expected on our longer paid tours, but if your guide went above and beyond, they’ll always appreciate it. All tips go directly to the guide.

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Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, 100%. Our booking window closes the day before each tour. If no one books, we don’t send a guide.

Booking at least 24 hours ahead guarantees the tour runs. Walk-ups are not recommended.

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What if I want to book last minute?

If the tour you were eyeing is now closed, chances are no one else booked and the guide wasn’t scheduled. Book ahead next time—your booking triggers the tour to run!

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Are your tours wheelchair accessible?

Most of our routes are wheelchair and mobility accessible, though Toronto sidewalks can be unpredictable. Let us know in advance and we’ll confirm the best option for your needs.

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What if the weather is bad?

Tours run rain or shine, unless conditions are dangerous (lightning, extreme heat alerts, etc.). Bring an umbrella or a hat and embrace the city’s moods. We’ll notify you if anything is cancelled and issue a full refund.

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How big are the groups?

Group size depends on the tour:

• Pay-what-you-feel tours: 10–30 people

• Premium and Urban Adventures: 4–10 people

• Private tours: Up to 40 with extra guides

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All our guides are performers—they know how to project, engage, and keep the group moving.

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Can I bring my dog?

We love dogs—but not everyone on the tour does. For public tours, we ask that you leave pets at home. For private tours, animal companions are welcome.

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Can I smoke during the tour?

Much like not everyone loves being around dogs, not everyone loves being around people who are smoking. For the comfort of everyone on the tour, please refrain for the duration of the experience. If you want smoke breaks built into the tour, please contact us about a private tour and let us know.

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Is Tour Guys a Canadian company?

Yes! Tour Guys was founded in Toronto in 2009 and is proudly 100% Canadian-owned and operated. We are a small business that owes everything to our wonderful guests from Canada, the USA, and around the world. Our guides are passionate locals, newcomers who have fallen in love with Toronto, and storytellers who love this city.

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How do I thank my guide?

• On tip-based tours? Tip them—that’s how they get paid.

• On paid tours? A thank-you, a tip, or even a kind review goes a long way.

• Most guides accept cash, Tippy, or credit card tips via their own devices.