FAQ's | tour erie

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when do tours start?

Each tour is offered on specific days/ times from June-October. Please see tour descriptions and/ or calendar to see what is available. In the off-season, November to May, our tours are "call/contact us to book." We are happy to do a winter tour, if you wish! The Eerie Stories, Legends and Lore tour starts at the Flagship Food Hall's 22 NORTH PARK ROW entrance (not the State Street entrance). The Best of Erie Waterfront tour starts and finishes at the flagpole in front of the Bicentennial Tower, 3 State Street. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure time for tour check-in to ensure a smooth and prompt start. Every participant will be asked to read and sign a waiver before the tour begins (Note: if you book online, you'll do this in advance when you book/pay).

What should I wear?

Tours take place rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Bring rain gear or an umbrella if needed. Note that the temperature is often cooler after the sun goes down, so you may want a jacket. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shoes with heels as well as flip-flops are not recommended. If it is a sunny day, don't forget sunscreen and a bottle of water!

Where can I park?

For the ghost tour, there is a lot of metered street parking in Erie on North and South Park Row and State Street. Another great spot to park is the Flagship District parking ramp, a short walk from the tour start location at Flagship Food Hall.

For the waterfront tour, there are some free spots around the Bicentennial Tower, but these can fill up quickly in the summer. Additional parking is available in the nearby Sheraton hotel parking lot (fee).

Please note that Erie's Bayfront Highway is undergoing renovations, so if you book a waterfront tour, expect some delays. Please be patient as this work will improve traffic flow (cars, foot, and bikes) in the future! Yay for progress!

Can I bring my kids?

We LOVE kids, even teens! We are a very family-friendly organization, so children under the age of 4 can join for FREE! Please be aware that the ghost tour may not be appropriate for children as we will discuss murder, crime, supernatural activity, and more. Use your parental discretion when deciding whether to bring children to this tour.

Can I bring my drink?

Here's a useful and fun fact about Erie: We do not have an open container law in the city. This means you can grab a cocktail or beer at a nearby brewery/bar and bring it with you! That said, please drink responsibly and be sure to have a D.D. lest you become the next spirit haunting our fair city.

What if a member of my party has special needs?

We are committed to providing a fun, and positive experience to all people. If a member of your party has special needs, please let us know about any accommodations you need, in advance, and we will do our absolute best to meet your request. The routes we walk are wheelchair-friendly and handicap accessible. That said, we'd appreciate a heads-up if a member of your party may need some special attention so we can have an additional tour guide on hand to provide the best service.

Do you ever cancel?

Tour Erie reserves the right to cancel the tour in case of emergency or illness until 1 hour before the scheduled time. If the weather is truly awful (think wind, cold, AND heavy rain), we may cancel. If a tour is canceled (VERY rare), you may reschedule without any extra charges or request a full refund.

What if I can't attend the tour I booked?

You have options:

No shows: If you don't show up without letting us know ahead of time, you forfeit the right to receive a refund.

Cancel: If you let us know 24 hours before the tour starts, we will cancel your tour reservation and give your money back. In case of less than 24 hours' notice, you will get a tour credit for use anytime in the future, it never expires!

Reschedule: Your tour reservation can easily be rescheduled at no charge, subject to availability. Just send us a message at least 12 hours in advance. If we are unable to reschedule the tour, you will be issued a tour credit anytime in the future (never expires) or, in some cases, a full refund.

How fit do I need to be to do the walk?

The routes are very easy to walk, are mostly flat, are all on solid surfaces (sidewalks/asphalt paths), and we walk at a leisurely pace, making several stops on the 90-mintue to two-hour tour. Our routes are 1 to 1.5 miles long. But please be honest about your health condition and walking ability. Can you leisurely walk for a mile and a half? Consider that it can be very humid in Erie in summer and there is little shade along the bayfront. If you have serious health problems, please do not walk with us, as we will be exposed to the seasonal elements. That said, our tour guides are certified in CPR and First Aid and will have a cell phone with them at all times.

What if I want to walk faster/ further?

We have several fitness walk routes between 3-5 miles that we're happy to lead you on. While we won't cover as much history as a regular tour, we'll cover more ground - including a stop by the Erie sign-keep you entertained and give your heart and legs a workout. Contact us for more information.