You can now take new walking food tours to restaurants around Whitby

New walking food tours have just launched in Whitby where you can be guided around to various restaurants in the southern downtown core and the northern Brooklin downtown areas.

“From renowned breweries to hidden culinary gems and vibrant local hot spots, participants will explore a diverse array of dining destinations while discovering the rich history, heritage, and fascinating facts about Whitby,” reads a tour description.

“Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Downtown Whitby as you sample delicious dishes, sip on crafted beverages, and admire captivating public art. Step into an unforgettable journey through food, history, and community in the heart of Whitby.”

Tours last about two hours and have a capacity of 20, and participants must be 19-plus as alcohol will be served.

The Whitby-Brooklin Food Tour starts at 41 Baldwin St. and is 1.6 kilometres long. It involves seven to 10 tastings including Thai and Latin American cuisine, juices, sweet treats and craft beer.

The Brooklin downtown tour visits:

• Manhattin Kitchen & Eatery
• Bangrak Thai Street Food
• The Goodberry Espresso Bar
• El Jeffe de Pollo
• Vitality Juice
• Cupcake Junkie
• Station Bakery
• Banter & Co. Craft Brewery
• Corrados Italian Restaurant
• Tip Top Creamery

The Downtown Whitby Food Tour starts at 405 Dundas St. W. and is 2.3 kilometres long. It will involve nine to 12 tastings including Indian and Italian cuisine, local coffee and one of “Oprah’s Favourite Things.”

The Whitby downtown tour visits:

• Antonio’s Italian Deli
• Tuscan Wolf Pizzeria
• The Souk cafe
• Jacked Up Coffee
• Balti Indian Restaurant
• One More Cocoa

The tours aren’t specifically vegetarian or gluten-free but you can reach out and the tours will work with the restaurants for an option if available.

In an interview with INdurham, Mayor Elizabeth Roy praised the project and how quickly it sold out, explaining the idea for the tours came up during the development of Whitby’s third annual food guide.

She described herself as a “foodie” who was glad to see the “very rich culinary culture” of Whitby celebrated, saying “when people are watching their nickels and dimes” eating out is one of the first things they pull back on. She advises participants to arrive at the tours with “an empty stomach or some stretchy pants.”

If you’re interested in joining these tours, act fast as the Brooklin tours only have a few spots left and the downtown tour is sold out, though you can join a waitlist. Brooklin tickets are $30, and downtown tickets are $35. Tickets and waitlist are available online.