Free guided tours in Paris: A tasty way to navigate downtown

Guests who participated in the June 7th Walk & Welcome Downtown Tour received a special Big Dig donut at Paris Bakery. 

By Chris Whelan

Editor

This summer, visitors to Paris, Ontario, can enjoy something new, and completely free, thanks to local entrepreneur Janice Vilaca. Known for her popular Tasty Road Trips food tours, Vilaca has launched a unique downtown experience: free guided walking tours designed to help guests sip, savour, shop, and discover the charm of the town during ongoing construction.

“I actually met with the County a few months ago,” said Vilaca. “They were interested to learn if I had any ideas about how Tasty Road Trips might support helping visitors navigate downtown, to find all the great places to sip, savour, shop and not miss all the scenic views. My response was swift and tourism-focused. Free tours!”

Inspired by global travel trends, Vilaca and the County agreed that free walking tours would be a fun and accessible way to engage both locals and tourists. She carefully designed and curated the experience in partnership with the local BIA, ensuring that businesses were informed and involved.

Each one-hour tour includes a free Market Bag, printed literature about Brant County shopping and sightseeing highlights, and a tasting experience at a local stop. “We stop along the way, say hello, introduce visitors and shop owners, and then we move along,” Vilaca explained. “The intention is to make guests familiar and comfortable navigating the barricades.”

The Market Bag isn’t just a souvenir, it also signals to local businesses that the person carrying it has joined the tour, part of a broader initiative to support downtown commerce.

Tours are available on select dates June 28, July 1 (9:30 a.m. only), 5, 19, 26; August 2, 9; and September 6, 13, with two time slots offered each day at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Each tour is capped at 20 participants, though walk-ups are welcome. Registration is free through Eventbrite.

Rather than being food- or history-focused, these tours centre on downtown Paris itself. “This is a unique summer 2025 only experience,” said Vilaca. “Light history, with the focus on the businesses downtown.”

Vilaca recalled a memorable moment from their very first tour. “A grandma and her granddaughter walked up asking for directions — they were trying to find Petit Marche and were just 20 feet away from it. They were visiting from Montreal and joined the tour on the spot. The granddaughter was thrilled to learn about all the amazing things behind the fencing — ice cream, chocolate, donuts, bracelets. It was a great first connection to visitors.”

Vilaca is joined by fellow Taste Team member Carol in leading the tours. And while the tours are free, any tips received will be donated to The Raw Carrot, a local social enterprise.

Ultimately, Vilaca hopes the tours will leave guests with a lasting impression: “The main purpose is to ensure visitors feel confident in what Paris has to offer in a time when everything isn't fully visible and easily accessible. We want them to know we appreciate them visiting and will make it enjoyable to explore.”