Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are a veteran of many house tour or this is your first, you will likely have questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions we have fielded to date. If you have a question that does not appear on this list, please let us know.

1. Where can I buy tickets?
2. I want to bring a friend along but don’t have a ticket for them and the tour is tomorrow -- can I buy tickets on the day?
3. Can I bring the kids?
4. Do you offer babysitting?
5. Can I bring my new puppy along on the tour? (He’ll be good!)
6. How long will it take me to tour all eight stops on the tour?
7. Will I get a map?
8. What if it rains?
9. Are there places to stay in Port Perry?
10. Where's a good place to eat?
11. What should I wear on my feet when touring the homes?
12. Can I use the washrooms at the houses?
13. Where are the public washrooms?
14. Can I go through twice?
15. May I take pictures?
16. Where will the refreshments be served?
17. What does it mean when you say “all proceeds support” your charities.

Q. Where can I buy tickets?
A. Tickets are on sale as of September 9th and may be purchased in advance either in person, by telephone, or via mail. Find out how!

Q. I want to bring a friend along but don't have a ticket for them and the tour is tomorrow -- can I buy tickets on the day?
A. If there are still tickets available on the day of the tour, we will sell them. However, if we sell out, your friend may be disappointed. To be safe, buy your tickets early.

Q. Can I bring the kids?
A. While I’m sure your kids are exceptionally well behaved, this is an adult-only event.

Q. Do you offer babysitting?
A. Sadly, no -- we are not equipped to offer babysitting services.

Q. Can I bring my new puppy along on the tour? (He'll be good!)
A. As cute as your puppy probably is, our homeowners don't want him romping through their homes. Leave the pooch (and all other pets) at home.

Q. How long will it take me to tour all eight stops on the tour?
A. Good question. You should plan to allot the majority of the 6-hour day to the tour. All of our venues are right in Port Perry / Prince Albert area so travel considerations between the homes are minimal and at most 15 minutes. You will also want to save some time to enjoy refreshments at the church.

Q. Will I get a map?
A. Absolutely! Your tour Program Guide which also serves as your ticket includes the address for each of the stops on the tour and a map in the middle pages. If you get lost, we're a friendly bunch. Ask someone to direct you back to the church and we can get you back on track.

Q. What if it rains?
A. While we ordered a beautiful sunny day for the tour, there is still a slim chance that it will rain. The tour will happen rain or shine. Come prepared -- bring your umbrella and don't forget slippers. A water resistant bag in which to carry your shoes is a good idea as well.

Q. Are there places to stay in Port Perry?
A. Absolutely. Visit our Links page for a list, plus the Scugog Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Port Perry BIA are also good resources.

Q. Where's a good place to eat?
A. There are lots of great restaurants in the Port Perry area. Perhaps the best resource to find a restaurant is the Downtown Port Perry BIA website.

Q. What should I wear on my feet when touring the homes?
A. As any house tour veteran knows, neither shoes, nor socks, nor bare feet are allowed inside the homes. Please bring a pair of slippers to wear on the tour and a carry bag for your slippers and shoes.

Q. Can I use the washrooms at the houses?
A. As hospitable as our homeowners are, they decided they do not want to open their washrooms to the 500+ people who will be touring their home. Can you blame them?

Q. Where are the public washrooms?
A. You can use the washrooms at Port Perry United Church and there are public facilities marked on the map provided with your tickets.

Q. Can I go through twice?
A. Nice idea, but no. Take your time, enjoy yourself, but remember -- you have eight beautiful homes to tour in only six hours. Plus, you need to leave time to sample the yummy treats at the church.

Q. May I take pictures?
A. No. Out of respect to our homeowners, pictures are not allowed.

Q. Where will the refreshments be served?
A. Refreshments will be served in the auditorium at Port Perry United Church from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. Bring your House Tour ticket to gain admission to the refreshment area.

Q. What does it mean when you say “all proceeds support” your charities.
A. The Port Perry Town & Country House Tour is organized and staffed entirely by a large group of energetic and talented volunteers. There are some expenses incurred in running this event. The lead organizer (Port Perry United Church) absorbs some of these expenses while our generous sponsors cover the remainder. Any remaining sponsorship money and ticket sales or the proceeds are donated to our chosen charities -- Joanne's House, Community Care Durham, and YWCA Durham's Second Stage Housing for Women.