Breaking Bread with New Friends

For first-time visitors to a city, Sean is a big believer in joining food tours to immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll learn the history and hotspots, discover new foods and restaurants, and even get recommendations on other places to visit. But for Sean, the most satisfying part of the tour is the new connections. 

Throughout each tour, folks from all around the world gather and share their excitement. One day, two strangers from the same town in the Netherlands could meet. Another day, work colleagues might unexpectedly join the same tour and forge a newfound friendship. Sometimes, a young couple will bond with an older couple.

“And then, at the end of the tour, they’re exchanging phone numbers! I think that’s great. That’s what I try to bring to my tours—this sense of community. You’re now part of Gastown!” says Sean.

As the tour leader, Sean makes an effort to interact with every participant one-on-one, helping shy or nervous attendees feel included and welcomed. A voice actor and theatre performer by trade, his confidence and sense of humour make him a perfect fit for this dynamic job. His fluency in French is particularly helpful when francophone visitors take part. 

Variety Is the Spice of Life

Sean’s job with Taste Vancouver Food Tours offers excellent flexibility as he juggles artistic pursuits. He still regularly performs and teaches acting workshops, and the skills he’s learned in the theatre are extremely valuable as a tour guide.  

“What drew me to this job is the storytelling aspect, the presentational aspect, the entertaining—bringing people together through history, food, and getting a better understanding of Gastown or Vancouver. And it’s the sharing aspect of it as well. I have something that I’m offering them that they can then take away.”

Above all, Sean says the variety of the job is what motivates him. Sure, the schedule for the tour may remain the same—but every day, there are new people with different questions, stories, and perspectives. Though he’s travelled the route many times before, Sean never gets tired of watching people experience it for the first time. 

“I live vicariously through them as I’m watching them have the food, biting into the Chicken Karaage that’s nice and tender. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Gastown, walking back thousands of times. But getting to see it through a new set of eyes is quite magical.”