Ok, so I haven’t actually done a free walking tour with Vancouver’s Tour Guys, but I’m recommending their services just on principle: the world’s on our doorstep for the Olympics, the highways and byways are a teeny bit crowded, and the least stressful way to explore the city right now is on foot.

If you haven’t done a free walking tour before–they’re popular in Europe but fairly new to Canada–here’s how it works:

• Go to www.tourguys.ca to choose your tour. If you only have time for on, consider guide Steve Woodall’s recommendation: “My favourite tour is the West End & Granville Island, as it highlights how Vancouverites actually live, it’s filled with some hidden gems like the float homes of Granville Island and some great stories. Besides, who doesn’t like a tour that ends at a brewery?”
• Reserve your spot online so they can staff accordingly. They can, for example, offer tours in French and Portugese if demand warrants.
• Show up in comfortable walking shoes at the Olympic Countdown Clock in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery at 1 pm. Tours run daily through the 2010 Olympics, Feb. 12-28.
• If you enjoy the 2.5-hr tour, consider offering a tip. $10 is pretty standard, but it’s completely up to you how much–or even whether–to give. And Steve promises: there is no nagging-for-tips on these tours.

That’s it! Fun and virtually free!

Have you done a TourGuys walking tour in Vancouver or Toronto? What did you think?