Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Contact us

To discuss the possibilities of private or customised tours, alternate dates, or when our on-hiatus tours are returning, please write to Lynn at  [email protected]

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, tickets must be purchased in advance. Tours often sell out so we suggest purchasing your tickets early to guarantee your desired tour day. You can buy certain public Taste Detours tickets with Visa or MasterCard via our online commerce. Just find the Book Now button at the top of our home page.


Can I get a refund or reschedule if I need to?

 It is best to think of your tickets as you would a theatre, sporting event, or concert. You are paying for your space on a Taste Detours to be guaranteed. Reservations are made in advance, and in many cases, food is paid for in advance.
If you cannot make it – for whatever reason – you will need to find someone who can come in your place just like you would with another ticket where you wanted your spot to be guaranteed. *BUT, with advance warning of one week, we can arrange a date change.
Taste Detours frequently sell out and there are no credits for partial attendance or late arrivals.


How much food is served on the tour?

*Please note some tours are on hiatus

Taste Detours To The Core food tour offers enough food to qualify for a lunch, as does our Grand Food Tour Elora. With the combination of drink and food tastings combined with breaks for architectural, cultural, and historical insight, most participants are comfortably full after our food tours. Our Little Bites Appy tour is just that – a bit shorter and more of an appetizer tour pre-dinner. 


What do we eat?

It’s a surprise! We’ll make all the decisions for you by carefully curating your tour offerings. Once you buy your ticket, you’ll waltz in and out of the open doors of our food purveyors on schedule. We’ve got the tips and taxes covered in your ticket too. We just need to be informed about food allergies in advance.

How many stops are there?

We will enjoy 6 or 7 delicious tastings on To The Core Food Tour and The Grand Food Tour Elora, with stops at a combination of specialty shops and restaurants where we mix it up with some sweet, some savoury & some drink. Little Bites has 3 stops and is more of an appetizer tour where we sit for a bit longer.

Can I book a custom or private tour?

Yes, specialty tours can happily be arranged for a minimum of 6 people.
These types of tours are perfect for:

  • Corporate events, conventions, conferences, and team building
  • Networking, social, and singles groups
  • Bachelorettes
  • Outings for clients, family, and friends
  • Birthdays
  • Wedding and baby showers
  • Culinary or cooking field trips
  • You tell us!

Read our Corporate & Custom page for more details.  
Private tours are great for groups of family, friends, and celebrations too.
To discuss the possibilities, please write to Lynn at [email protected]

Do we only walk around and sample food?

Not at all! Taste Detours combines architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture, and culinary insight into a unique local experience. We also like to point out and boast about the unique Guelph and Elora businesses that we pass by.


Are vegetarian options and/or dietary restrictions/allergies honoured on the tour?

Our businesses endeavour to provide alternative tasting options for vegetarians on all of our tours. Please be sure to let us know if you (or anyone in your group) have a dietary sensitivity (e.g. vegetarian, allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. This is not dietary preferences. As long as we know in advance, we will work with the business to accommodate your needs. **We will happily create a custom Vegan/gluten-free tour for your group, just give us enough lead time!


Are alcohol tastings included in the tour?

It can be. On To The Core Food Tour and The Grand Food Tour Elora you are offered an alcohol tasting while our Little Bites starts and ends with local spirits! We recognize that some – but not all – people may choose an alcoholic beverage on their tour and we’d like to keep our prices fair for all types. Alternatives to alcohol are always offered, of course. No alcohol on EatStreet: Moveable Brunch.


Will the tour still happen if it’s raining?

Yes, we tour rain or shine – even snow!  You have to admit that food tastes better in the rain. It’s more romantic that way.


What about locals – is there anything for us?

Definitely! Many of our guests live locally. We encourage local attendees to learn little-known tales and histories of the town, even and try some new Tastes, stories, and experiences from familiar restaurants.


How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?

Our tours will cover no more than 1km of easy walking, with stops for food tastings, restroom breaks, and cultural commentary. The tours generally last between 2 and 4 hours and participants can expect to be standing or walking for some of the time. We walk at a moderate pace and mix our walking and standing portions with some sit-downs for 20-25 minutes. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire.


Are gift certificates available?

Yes, Gift Certificates are available for all tours.  To purchase a gift certificate, please visit here. Once you’ve purchased, you can choose to send the electronic certificate to your lucky recipient or print a prettier version like this Gift Certificate. 


FAQ: Someone in our party has difficulty walking. Will we be able to participate?

We’re aware that not everyone walks at the same speed, so we try to set a pace that works for the entire group. That said, this is a walking tour. You are the best judge of your own ability or the ability of your friends/relatives.


FAQ: Can I shop during the tour?

We ask that you please wait to shop until after the tour so that we can stick to our food-tasting schedule and continue with the informative tour and food tastings in a timely manner. The tours are scheduled for arrival at each tasting location so the food is freshly prepared for the participants. We hope that you’ll revisit your favourite locations at the end of the tour.


FAQ: Is parking available at the starting point of the tour?

Yes, there is a choice of public parking lots located near the meeting location of the Food Tour. Specific parking details are included in the meeting location directions after purchasing ticket(s) with location, pricing, and hours. We recommend that you do NOT park on the street within the downtown Guelph core (pay attention to signage) because there is a strict two-hour limit and the tour might run up to an hour longer. Choose a parking lot instead. In Guelph, if a tour is on a Sunday, park for FREE! Here is information on public lots in Elora.


FAQ: Does the tour end at the same place we meet?

Not necessarily, but the start and end points will be close to each other. Both Guelph and Elora’s downtown cores are extremely walkable, essentially only 4 not-so-square blocks. But chock-a-block full of Taste.


FAQ: What is the weather like in Guelph– do I need warm clothing?

We are Canadian! As such, each tour will vary depending on the season. Wrap up for cooler, wet weather and layer up for warmer days.


FAQ: Are cameras allowed on the tour?

Yes, please! Cameras and filming are encouraged during the tour. We’d love it if you would share some of your experience on our social media channels. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, and TripAdvisor.


FAQ: Are bathrooms available during the tour?

Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at selected food-tasting locations.


FAQ: If a tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?

We do not provide a waiting list, tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. But do contact us to see if we can work out an alternate date for you.

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Any Questions? Call 1 519-820-5510

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