ToursByLocals

ABOUT

ToursByLocals is a Canadian company with its headquarters in Vancouver. It specializes in connecting travelers with local tour guides across more than 170 countries and 2,000 destinations worldwide. The company was founded in 2008 by Paul Melhus and Dave Vincent. The company’s mission is to provide personalized travel experiences by connecting tourists directly with trusted, independent guides. These guides offer a wide range of services, including day tours, week-long excursions, historical site visits, culinary adventures, and even virtual tours. By focusing on private tours, the company aims to deliver more authentic and flexible travel opportunities compared to conventional group tours.

Unlike traditional tour operators, ToursByLocals functions as a platform that enables local guides to create and manage their own tours while maintaining shared quality standards. Travelers can search by destination and date, browse available private tours, and book securely online, often customizing their itineraries by communicating directly with the guides. Each guide undergoes a rigorous application and screening process, ensuring that only a select number are accepted to offer their services on the platform. The company earns a commission on bookings and supports guides with technology and customer service.