FAQs

A. About Foodie Tours

1. Why should I take a food tour with Okanagan Foodie Tours?: That’s a really good question! For starters, we are the Okanagan’s original food tasting and cultural walking tour company. We are excited to bring a focus to all the fantastic dining options Kelowna and area has to offer. Knowing that people love to eat and explore, we thought it would be a great idea to serve them delicious food while learning about the history and many stories the city has to offer. The owner of Okanagan Foodie Tours (Nancy Quinton) has over 25 years of customer excellence experience and is dedicated to make sure our tours are the best that they can possibly be.
2. What should I expect if I take a 3-hour walking tour with Okanagan Foodie Tours?: Our guided walking and tasting tours combine cultural commentary and historical facts with tantalizing food specialties from local artisans. Tour guests will sample signature dishes and beverages from restaurants, cafes, mom-and-pop shops, and even food trucks – all specially selected for the guests’ dining pleasure. Tours are a great way for locals and visitors to the Okanagan to experience the outstanding food options the area has to offer, meet the talents behind the scene, hear how the dishes were prepared, and learn more about Kelowna and area. Each tour lasts approximately 3 hours and will visit 5-6 restaurants. Trust us, no one leaves hungry!
3. Who takes a Food and Culture tour?: Food lovers, ‘foodies’, food explorers, and regular people! Our tours are designed for anyone that loves great food and loves to discover the hidden gems and interesting stories of the Okanagan. If you are in search of delicious food establishments, history, culture, architecture, and entertainment offerings, that is what you will find on all of our tours. Whether you are from the area or just visiting, married or single, on a first date or have been together forever, socializing with friends and family or on a company outing, our tours offer a lot for everyone.
4. What is a ‘Foodie’?: A ‘foodie’ is an affectionate term for anyone who enjoys food! Food lovers, ‘foodies’, food explorers, and regular people! Our tours are designed for anyone.
5. What about the Cost of the Food?: All food tastings are all included in the cost of the tour. There are 5-6 delicious food tasting stops on each tour and Okanagan Foodie Tours has assisted with the selection of the samples and covered all costs. For those eateries offering beverages, the price has already been worked into the price as well. It will be your choice whether or not to partake!
6. When is the Best Time to take a Tour?: If you are visiting from out of town, we highly recommend taking an Okanagan Foodie Tour at the beginning of your visit to allow plenty of time to revisit the wonderful restaurants you discover during the tour, and to take advantage of the exclusive privileges offered to you.
7. Do your Tours have anything to offer an Okanagan Resident?: Yes, yes, yes! Definitely! Locals can often get in a rut of always going to the same restaurants. An Okanagan Foodie Tour allows you to indulge in different specialties from various locations you may not try on your own. Relish this opportunity and you may find a new favorite to return to later for the full meal experience! We are certain Kelowna locals will discover new flavors and learn things about their city that they did not know before their tour.
8. Will I have a Good Experience taking a food tour as a Single?: Whether you are a single traveler or a local single, our tours provide something fun and different to do in the Okanagan. Our tours appeal to adventurous and sociable people, those excited to try amazing food. People who are open to meeting new people and making new friends! We like to think of each tour group as its own family, exploring the city and breaking bread together. If you are open to having a great time and turning strangers into friends, you will have a wonderful time on an Okanagan Foodie Tour.

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B. Tickets

1. How do I buy Tickets?: Tickets can be purchased either online through this website or by calling 250-808-9890. Ticket purchases can be completed with major credit cards, debit, or using your PayPal account. Cash is not accepted.
2. When do I buy Tickets?: Tickets must be purchased in advance. This is necessary to assist the restaurants with preparation, and to ensure you get the tour you want on the day you want. Buy early as tours do sell out.
3. Is there a minimum Age Limit?: The Patios ‘n Pubs tour includes pub stops with a requirement that all guests be 19+. We recommend in general that foodie tours be an adult experience. The tours are approximately 3 hours long with a walk of about 2.5 kilometers. We feel our tours are more suited as adult entertainment but also understand they may appeal to teenagers. Please Contact us to discuss further.
4. Is there a reduced rate for Seniors?: No. As with a concert or sporting event, your ticket price guarantees your spot on the tour. The restaurants will prepare the same amount of food no matter the age of the guest.
5. Is the tour Wheelchair Accessible?: Okanagan Foodie Tours will make every effort to accommodate wheelchairs. If you cannot climb stairs, have a mobility issue or plan on using a wheelchair, please notify us in the Comment section so that we are able to make suitable arrangements for you. We will contact you prior to the tour to confirm the accessibility arrangements with you.
6. How many People will be on a Tour?: Typically our tours consist of between 2-10 guests. However, larger groups can always be accommodated. To arrange a group tour of more than 10 people, please call our office for details.
7. Can I get a Refund or Reschedule if I need to?: We will do our best to provide a refund or reschedule if you give us enough notice. If less than 48 hours notice, unfortunately no. Once you have registered for a tour the restaurants are notified and meals are planned and prepared. An option would be to sell your ticket yourself or send someone in your place.
8. If the Tour fills up, can I get on a Waiting List?: We do not officially offer a waiting list. However, you may email or call us at 250-808-9890 if you are intent on joining a tour as we may be able to accommodate a single person or couple on short notice. Tours will be marked as ‘Sold Out’ when they are at capacity.

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C. Food & Beverages

1. What Restaurants will we Visit on the Tour?

A list of all the tasting locations can be found on each tour page. However, please know that food-tasting locations can change due to factors beyond our control.

You may visit restaurants run by some of the best chefs in the city, as well as some amazing mom-and-pop-type cooks around. There is definitely a place for all of these experiences on an Okanagan Foodie Tour.

2. Are there any Beverages served on the Tour?

Cold water will be supplied at most establishments along the way, and you are welcome to bring a refillable water bottle. Depending on the tour you have signed up for beverages may be included, and additional beverages can be purchased at most locations.

3. How much Food is there?

Okanagan Foodie Tours’ restaurants serve enough food that for most participants a meal afterwards is not necessary. And that is the truth!
All food tastings are all included in the cost of the tour. You will have sample plates from 5-6 restaurants on each tour. Each tasting has been chosen and paid for by Okanagan Foodie Tours based on what we think is the best of the best in the neighborhood. At the end of the tour, most people are pleasantly full and a meal afterwards is not necessary.

4. Will I need Dinner afterwards?

At the end of the tour, most people are pleasantly full and a meal afterwards is not necessary. In addition to feeling full, our goal is to introduce you to some interesting, new and even old school food items in each neighborhood. Some foods might be familiar and other might be a new experience for you!

5. Can you make accommodations for Food Allergies or Vegetarians?

We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions for our guests, as long as we are made aware in advance. When you book your tour please indicate in the comments section what type of dietary needs you have. This information will be shared with the restaurants. Since portions and selections of sample plates are already pre-determined, every restaurant may or may not be able to change the plan up on short notice, but we will do our best to make this a wonderful experience for all our guests. Our Foodie Tours have been designed to highlight the best and most unique aspects of each establishment. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a “next best” option that also meets the special dietary needs of each of our guests. Since we have your health (and palate!) in mind, we truly appreciate your understanding on this issue.

If you have food allergies please contact us before purchasing a ticket for any of our food tours. Please email us at info@okanaganfoodietours.ca or call us at 250-808-9890.

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D. Tour Logistics

1. How Long is a Tour?

Approximately 3 hours. Just enough time to discover some great new eateries you’ll want to go back to one day soon!

2. How many People do you take on a Tour?

Typically our tours consist of between 2-10 guests. However, larger groups can always be accommodated. To arrange a group tour of more than 10 people, please call our office for details.

3. Are there Bathroom Stops?

Of course there are! Your tour guide will keep you very happy and comfortable and let you know when the next restroom opportunity is coming up.

4. How much Walking is involved?

Not more than you can handle! Tours take approximately 3 hours and we spend 20-25 minutes in each restaurant so guests get a chance to rest. We walk at a leisurely pace and highly recommend everyone wear comfortable walking shoes!

Please note there may be some stairs that we navigate during the tour. If stairs are a problem for you or any of your guests, please indicate this in the Comment section when you purchase your tickets so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

5. Do the Walking Tours take place in Poor Weather?

Yes, all our tours are held rain or shine! In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside all of the establishments on the tour. We are only outdoors for 5-10 minutes between stops. You should still dress appropriately for the day’s weather conditions. In rare circumstance that a tour must be cancelled due to weather, we will notify guests directly.

6. Where can I Park?

Please refer to your tour’s page for parking suggestions. Note that tours run approximately 3 hours so if using parking meters, ensure you have sufficiently covered your timeframe with the tour. Note that many meters have a 2 hour limit!

7. Does the Tour Start and End at the same place?

Tours are designed to finish as close as possible to where they begin. Okanagan Foodie Tour guides will be happy to provide directions after the tour. Return trips will likely be just a short walk depending on where you parked.

8. Do I Tip the Tour Guide or Restaurant Staff?

Okanagan Foodie Tours will be covering gratuities for the restaurant personnel. Whether or not you wish to tip your tour guide is completely up to you. Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected!

9. Are Cameras allowed on the Tour?

Absolutely! In fact, please take lots of pictures and then upload them to our Facebook page or Instagram them! We too will take pictures and share them – just in case you forget your camera!

10. Can I book a Private Group Tour?

Yes, Private Group Tours are available for all of our tours and we will work with you to design the perfect group event. To learn more, please visit our Private Group Tours page and submit a Private Group Tour Request Form. We will respond to your enquiry promptly.

11. Are Tours offered in languages other than English?

Sorry, tours are only offered in English at this time. If you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour, please contact Nancy at 250-808-9890 to confirm.

12. May I bring my Dog on the Tour?

Sorry, due to the various food establishments we visit (and the associated rules and regulations), pets are not allowed on our tours with the exception of service dogs.

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