Food tours in Victoria, British Columbia hit all the right spots for culinary explorers. What I love about the compact downtown area is how easily you can experience multiple tastings within just a few hours. My favorite is the “Sip, Savor, Stroll” tour – it’s efficient at 2.5 hours and focuses on quality over quantity with three top restaurants. The “Chinatown and Old Town” tour offers great value with 6-7 tastings while uncovering fascinating local history. The “Food and History” tour smartly combines Victoria’s heritage sites with six strategic food stops, including North America’s oldest Chinatown. For a thorough city orientation, the “Downtown Food and City” tour blends landmark sightseeing with local food sampling. Let’s examine the best food tours Victoria has to offer.
Key Points
- Victoria offers a variety of food tours showcasing the city’s culinary diversity, from award-winning restaurants to local specialties and historic neighborhoods.
- Small group sizes and knowledgeable guides provide a personalized dining experience and insights into Victoria’s food culture and traditions.
- The tours cover a wide range of cuisines, including South Indian, Thai, Mexican, Filipino, and French, catering to diverse palates.
- Flexibility in dietary accommodations and cancellation policies make the tours accessible and convenient for participants.
- High customer satisfaction, with positive reviews praising the tours’ quality, knowledge of guides, and overall experience.
Victoria: Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour
The Victoria: Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour offers a delightful culinary experience in the heart of British Columbia’s capital city. Priced from $142.38 per person, this 2.5-hour tour takes guests on a journey through three award-winning restaurants, where they’ll savor local cuisine, sip premium wines and curated cocktails, and explore iconic sights like the Inner Harbor and the Empress Hotel.
The tour begins at L’Apero Wine & Cheese Bistro, where guests enjoy a wine and cheese pairing. Next, they visit The Courtney Room for a curated cocktail and farm-to-table cuisine. The final stop is Q at the Empress, known for its famous Gin & Tonic and exquisite desserts.
With a group size limited to 10 participants, the tour ensures a personalized experience. Gratuity for the tour guide is included, and there’s a vegetarian option available upon request.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, those under 19, or those with lactose intolerance.
Read our full review: Victoria: Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour Review
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Victoria: Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour With Tastings
Enjoy Victoria’s vibrant culinary scene with the Victoria: Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings. This 2-hour walking tour takes you through the city’s oldest neighborhoods, uncovering a diverse array of flavors.
You’ll visit 6-7 stops, including the Victoria Public Market, Fisgard Street, and the Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, where you’ll savor South Indian, Thai, Mexican, Filipino, and French cuisine.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and architecture of Chinatown and Old Town from engaging guides who share stories about the local restaurant owners and chefs. Highlights include tasting farm-to-table dishes, Thai dumplings, and char siu buns.
The tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences, with food and drink tastings, an “Eat Like a Local” discount card, and bottled water included.
Regardless of weather, this tour operates, though stops and samples may change based on availability. Be sure to notify the tour of any dietary requirements at least 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Victoria: Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour With Tastings Review
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Victoria: 2-Hour Food and History Tour With Tastings
Travelers seeking to uncover Victoria’s captivating culinary landscape and historic charm can embark on the 2-hour Victoria: Food and History Tour with Tastings. Priced from Kč 1,780 per person, this guided tour takes visitors through the city’s iconic neighborhoods, including the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the charming Fan Tan Alley.
Along the way, participants enjoy a total of 6 food tastings from local vendors, providing a delicious introduction to the local food scene. The tour covers approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles), with stops at the Victoria Public Market, Government Street, and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings.
Guided by knowledgeable local experts, participants learn about the city’s rich history and culinary traditions. The tour operates rain or shine, and with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a flexible and convenient way to experience the best of Victoria.
Based on overwhelmingly positive reviews, this tour is recommended for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families alike.
Read our full review: Victoria: 2-Hour Food and History Tour With Tastings Review
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Victoria: Downtown Food and City Tour
Offering a comprehensive introduction to Victoria’s captivating culinary landscape and iconic landmarks, the 2-hour Victoria: Downtown Food and City Tour guides participants through the heart of the city.
Priced from $85.43 per person, the tour showcases the best of Victoria’s artisan food scene, allowing visitors to sample local cheese, pastries, and BC wines.
Along the way, guests will explore the city’s most beloved attractions, including the Legislature, the Empress Hotel, historic churches, and theaters.
The tour also ventures into non-tourist neighborhoods frequented by locals, providing a unique perspective on the city.
Highlights include Korean corn dogs, a halloumi kale salad, cheese samples, and local desserts like chocolate and macarons.
An exclusive Eat Like a Local discount card is also provided.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 41 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable and hospitable guides, as well as its accommodations for dietary restrictions.
Read our full review: Victoria: Downtown Food and City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Book a Food Tour in Victoria, BC?
To book a food tour in Victoria, BC, visitors can contact local tour companies directly or use online booking platforms. Many offer easy online reservations with flexible scheduling options to accommodate visitors’ travel plans.
What Is the Typical Duration of a Victoria Food Tour?
Typical Victoria food tours range from 2 to 4 hours long, allowing participants to sample a variety of local cuisine and learn about the city’s culinary scene. Tour durations may vary depending on the specific itinerary and the number of stops included.
Can I Customize a Victoria Food Tour to My Dietary Needs?
Many Victoria food tour companies offer customizable experiences to accommodate dietary needs. Travelers can often request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options to ensure their tour aligns with their food preferences and restrictions.
Do Food Tours in Victoria Provide Transportation Between Stops?
Many Victoria food tours do provide transportation between stops, allowing guests to conveniently sample various eateries without the hassle of driving. It’s best to inquire about transportation options when booking a tour to ensure it meets your needs.
Are Food Tours in Victoria Suitable for Children or Families?
Many food tours in Victoria are family-friendly, with options suitable for children. Some tours provide snacks or small meals, making them a great activity for families. However, it’s best to check with individual tour operators about their policies regarding children.
The Sum Up
Victoria, British Columbia offers a fantastic culinary experience for visitors. From the Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour to the Downtown Food and City Tour, there’s a food tour to suit every taste. Guests can explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, sample local delicacies, and learn about the area’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to experience the best of Victoria, these tours provide a delightful and informative way to do so.