Senior Tour Leader and City Guide

Toonie Tours; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 23,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Toonie Tours is seeking a Senior City Guide and Tour Leader to build the Ottawa operation. You will own tour quality, day-of execution, and guest experience, leading groups of up to 20 with engaging storytelling.

Tours are not scripted; you bring content to life and help guests enjoy their stay in Ottawa. This seasonal full-time role includes training and ramp before peak, with potential for ongoing opportunities.

Qualifications

• Storytelling and public speaking to engage groups.
• Ability to lead groups of up to 20 guests.
• Customer service focus and positive attitude.
• Willingness to coordinate with HQ and local contacts.

Responsibilities

• Lead tours at a high standard with guest connection.
• Ensure on-time departures and reliable service.
• Coordinate day-of issues and guide substitutions.
• Support training and onboarding of new guides.

Skills

Storytelling

Public speaking

Leadership

Customer service

Group management

Scheduling

Tools

Google Workspace

Google Chat/Slack

Job description

Job title: Senior City Guide and Tour Leader

Company: Vancouver Toonie Tours Ltd.

Type: Seasonal Full-time (summer) with off-season core potential for the right person

Start: ASAP (training + ramp before peak)

The Opportunity

Toonie Tours is expanding in Ontario and building a high-performing operation in Ottawa. This role is for someone who wants real ownership without corporate bureaucracy.

You will be the Senior City Guide and Tour Leader - the person responsible for tour quality, day-of execution, and keeping the local operation tight.

You’re a great storyteller! You’re interested in sharing compelling stories about the history of your city, the architecture and the local Flavor. You thrive on engaging with tourists and helping them make their stay a positive one. You are comfortable leading groups of up to 20 people at a time, and also comfortable letting guests know that we both make our living by requesting gratuities on our Free Walking Tours. Tours are not scripted - we have a specific route to follow and lot’s of content and you bring it to life!

This is not a “just guide tours” role. You’re building the local standard.

Your Mission

Deliver great tours, run reliable departures, and keep the location operating smoothly—so guests feel taken care of and the business performs.

You will lead by example, coordinate issues quickly, and make sure the operation doesn’t rely on heroics.

What You’ll Own - Tour Excellence (Senior Guide)

• Lead tours at a high standard (storytelling, guest connection, pacing, safety)
• Drive reviews and repeat intent through memorable experiences
• Support training and shadowing of new guides
• Ensure tours are staffed and run on time
• Coordinate day-of issues (late guests, meeting point confusion, guide substitutions)
• Maintain guide schedules and communication flow with HQ CX Desk and City contacts
• Enforce tour standards and training compliance

We Build Playbooks Together

At Toonie Tours, everyone contributes to playbooks and training. Part of this role is documenting what works and turning it into checklists, templates, scripts, and SOPs—so the business improves every week, not just gets busier.

Tools You’ll Use

• Google Workspace (basic docs/checklists)
• Internal chat (Google Chat/Slack)
• Guide schedule tools and contact lists

Your Scorecard (How We Measure Success)

Tour Execution

• Tours delivered as scheduled (coverage and reliability)
• On-time starts %
• Standards compliance (spot checks / coaching acceptance)

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Seasonal, Casual, Contract

• Flexible scheduling that fits your lifestyle.
• Performance-based earning potential.
• Meet people from around the world.
• Develop public speaking and customer service skills.
• Share your passion for Ottawa and your local community.
• Fun, engaging, and rewarding work environment.
• Be part of a growing Canadian tourism company.
• Enjoy team events, discounts, and other company perks.