Victoria: Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour With Tastings

Explore the vibrant cultures of Victoria’s Chinatown and Old Town on this immersive 2-hour food tour. Led by a local expert, you’ll sample diverse cuisines, visit iconic landmarks, and discover charming hidden alleyways. The highlight? Tasting local craft beverages at the renowned Whistle Buoy Brewing Company. With an ‘Eat Like a Local‘ discount card, you’ll have the chance to further uncover the rich culinary scene and dynamic community. Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you craving more.

More food tours nearby

Key Points

The tour starts at Victoria Public Market, explores Chinatown and Old Town neighborhoods, and concludes at Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, lasting approximately 2 hours.
Highlights include sampling diverse local cuisines, visiting iconic landmarks like the Victoria Chinese Public School, and discovering charming alleyways like Fan Tan Alley.
The tour provides an immersive experience of the vibrant community and cuisine, with tastings at modern local restaurants reflecting the neighborhood’s culinary heritage.
Included in the tour is an ‘Eat Like a Local’ discount card, offering special discounts and offers at participating restaurants and shops.
The tour runs regardless of weather conditions, with flexibility to ensure a memorable experience for all participants.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Starting Location and Duration

The tour begins at the Victoria Public Market, located at 1701 Douglas Street, and lasts approximately 2 hours.

Guided by a knowledgeable local, the food tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Chinatown and Old Town, exploring the vibrant history and diverse culinary offerings of these iconic neighborhoods.

Throughout the 2-hour experience, you will have the opportunity to visit several landmark locations, including the Victoria Chinese Public School and the charming alleyways of Fan Tan Alley.

The tour concludes at the Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, where guests can savor local craft beverages and reflect on the delicious discoveries made during the journey.

Highlights of the Tour

Throughout the tour, guests can savor a variety of local cuisine, from South Indian to Thai, Mexican, Filipino, and French, providing an immersive experience into the diverse culinary landscape of Chinatown and Old Town.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks, such as the Victoria Chinese Public School and the charming alleyways of Fan Tan Alley, while learning about the vibrant history and community of these historic neighborhoods.

Plus, the tour culminates at the Whistle Buoy Brewing Company, where guests can indulge in local craft beverages and reflect on the delightful discoveries made during the journey.

Iconic Landmarks in Chinatown

Along the tour, participants have the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Chinatown.

Among the highlights is the Victoria Chinese Public School, a historic building that once served as an educational hub for the local Chinese community. Visitors can learn about the school’s significant role in preserving Chinese language, traditions, and values.

Another notable stop is Fan Tan Alley, a narrow, winding street that was once the center of Chinatown’s gambling activities. Today, the alley is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic community.

Throughout the tour, participants can enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Chinatown and Old Town such a unique and captivating destination.

Vibrant Community and Cuisine

Visitors on the Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour can sample a vibrant array of cuisines, from South Indian curries to Filipino delicacies, that reflect the diverse culinary heritage of the community.

The tour offers tastings at modern local restaurants, giving participants a chance to experience the hip and lively vibe of the area.

Guests can try a variety of dishes, including Mexican tacos, Thai street food, and French pastries, while learning about the history and cultural influences that have shaped the neighborhood’s food scene.

The tour provides an immersive way to explore the rich flavors and stories that make Chinatown and Old Town such a unique and exciting destination for food lovers.

Food and Drink Tastings

The Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour offers guests the opportunity to savor a variety of local food and beverage samples.

Participants can expect to try South Indian curries, Filipino delicacies, Mexican tacos, Thai street food, French pastries, and more, providing an immersive culinary experience reflective of the diverse flavors found in the community.

From modern restaurants to iconic landmarks, the tour guides guests through Victoria’s vibrant Chinatown and Old Town, showcasing the rich history and lively atmosphere.

With included food and drink tastings, as well as an ‘Eat Like a Local’ discount card, this tour allows visitors to indulge in the best of the city’s culinary offerings.

Discount Card for Guests

Along With the food and drink tastings, the Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour includes an ‘Eat Like a Local’ discount card for guests to use at select participating restaurants and shops in the area.

This exclusive card provides special discounts and offers, allowing tour-goers to continue exploring the vibrant culinary scene after the tour has ended.

The card can be used at a variety of establishments, from modern eateries to iconic local businesses, giving guests the opportunity to truly enjoy the flavors and experiences of Chinatown and Old Town.

With this added perk, the food tour becomes an even more valuable and memorable adventure for participants.

Weather and Availability Considerations

The tour runs regardless of weather conditions, ensuring guests can explore the vibrant neighborhoods rain or shine.

While the tour stops and food samples may change depending on availability, the experience remains consistently engaging.

Guests should notify the tour operator of any food allergies or vegetarian requests at least 24 hours in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

This level of flexibility and attention to detail underscores the tour’s commitment to providing a memorable and customized outing. The tour’s ability to adapt to various circumstances demonstrates its dedication to delivering a top-notch experience for all participants.

Tour runs rain or shine
Stops and samples may vary based on availability
Notify of allergies/dietary needs 24 hours in advance
Flexibility ensures a memorable experience

Dietary Requests and Notifications

Guests with any food allergies or vegetarian requests must notify the tour operator at least 24 hours in advance to ensure their dietary needs are accommodated. This is crucial as the tour includes a variety of cuisine, from South Indian to Filipino, and the operator needs to make the necessary arrangements.

The tour will continue regardless of weather, but the specific stops and samples may change depending on availability. This flexibility allows the tour to provide the best possible experience for all participants.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Physically Demanding Is the Walking Tour?

The walking tour is moderately demanding, covering a distance of around 2 miles over 2 hours. Guests should be able to comfortably walk for extended periods. Those with mobility issues may find parts of the tour challenging.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Guests can receive a 10% discount on the tour price by showing valid student or senior ID at the start of the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. The company offers private tours that allow groups to tailor the itinerary and tastings to their preferences. Pricing and minimum group size may vary, so it’s best to inquire directly with the tour operator.

What Is the Policy for Late Arrivals or No-Shows?

The tour policy does not allow for late arrivals or no-shows. Participants must arrive at the designated meeting point on time, as the guide and group cannot wait for latecomers. No refunds are provided for no-shows or late arrivals.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes periodic restroom breaks for participants’ convenience. While the exact timing may vary, the guide ensures there are opportunities to use the restrooms during the 2-hour walking tour experience.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby