Membership in the Tourist Guide Association of Toronto brings many advantages including networking opportunities, member benefits and discounts, tour-guiding support and advice, and the chance to have your views represented at the city and provincial level through the actions of our executive board and our collective voice as a professional association.

Membership in the TGAT is significant and builds over time - the more you use the association and its member benefits, the more you’ll get out of your membership. In many cases membership pays for itself through the discounts and other benefits available.

Reasons to become a member of the TGAT:

Networking opportunities and events

The TGAT plans member events and gatherings throughout the year which offer plenty of opportunity to meet other tour guides and make meaningful connections both online and in-person. To see what we've got planned check the Events page.

To see what we've been up to recently, visit the TGAT Facebook Page.

Member benefits and discounts

The TGAT is a member of the Toronto Attractions Council and Destination Toronto and members have access to discounts and complimentary admission to attractions in Toronto and beyond.

Many of our events and opportunities for professional development (like workshops provided by Trip School) are exclusive only to members. Some events we host may be offered to the public at a cost, but they are free for our members. If you take advantage of these events, your membership soon pays for itself in value. You can see a full list of the advantages of membership on the Why Join page.

Business support and advice, guides for hire

Thanks to the resources and experience within the Association, as well as its strong connections within the tourism industry across and outside the region, it is well-placed to assist members in finding support and advice, potential work opportunities, in addition to a listing in our Guide Directory for Certified Guides where people can hire a guide directly.

Lobbying and influence

Seeking members’ opinions on business matters and representing those views at the city, provincial, and country level are fundamental functions of the Association, as well as influencing policy development on key issues affecting our industry. Our Executive Board is in regular contact with other tourist guide associations and collectively, we are working to elevate the tourist guide profession here and abroad.