Vancouver: Secret Food Tour with Sushi, Chocolate & Gastown Walk

Summary

Gastown’s flavors from sushi to chocolate plus city stories

You’ll wander Gastown’s brick streets tasting warm scotch eggs, fresh sushi prepared by local chefs, sweet chocolate bars, and more—all with a small group led by a guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect plenty of laughs (and maybe some drizzle) as you discover why food is at the heart of Vancouver life.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought Vancouver would smell like the sea and fresh bread at the same time, but that’s how it hit me when we met our guide near Gastown. She waved us over with this easy grin and started right in—no big intro, just “Let’s get moving before the rain catches us.” We ducked into a spot for scotch eggs first (I’d only ever had them in pubs before), and she explained how this recipe had a twist from one of the city’s old British families. The yolk was still warm and soft inside, which surprised me—I always expect them to be rubbery. There was this faint curry note I couldn’t place. Someone behind the counter winked when I asked about it but wouldn’t say.

We wandered past the steam clock—honestly louder than I expected—and she pointed out tiny details in the brickwork that most people probably miss. The air smelled like wet cedar and espresso drifting from somewhere nearby. Next up was sushi (the main reason I booked this Vancouver food tour). The chef handed us little plates himself—he barely spoke but nodded when I tried to thank him in Japanese. The fish was so cold and clean-tasting it almost made my teeth ache. Our guide told us Vancouver has more sushi places per capita than Tokyo—don’t quote me on that, but it felt true just walking around.

Later we tried a pork sandwich that dripped down my wrist (worth it), then a dessert bar that tasted like maple syrup and toasted oats. Somewhere between bites, we stopped at the Olympic torch—I didn’t realize how massive it is until you’re standing under it. There was laughter from another group nearby; someone dropped their chocolate on the pavement and just shrugged—felt very Vancouver somehow.

I still think about that slow walk back through Gastown as dusk set in—lights flickering on above shop windows, our guide telling us about her favorite rainy-day cafes. It wasn’t perfect weather or anything, but honestly, that made it better. There’s something about eating your way through a city while your shoes get a little damp and you’re just full enough to want one more bite of whatever comes next…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Gastown and city views

• Visit small statue in Gastown
• See first steam clock in Gastown
• Enjoy 360-degree city view at Vancouver Lookout
• Pass by Olympic torch from 2010 Winter Games

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Vancouver food tour?

This tour includes six different tastings featuring sushi, chocolate, scotch eggs, tacos, dessert bars, pork sandwiches, plus a secret dish.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

You should contact the tour provider in advance to discuss dietary requirements; they aim to accommodate where possible.

Does this tour include entry to any attractions?

No paid attractions are included; you’ll visit sites like Gastown’s steam clock and Olympic torch as part of the walking route.

How much walking is involved?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking through central Vancouver; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are drinks included with the tastings?

The main inclusions are food tastings; drinks may not be included unless specified at each stop.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is near Gastown in downtown Vancouver; exact details are provided after booking.

What if it rains during the tour?

The tour runs rain or shine; bring an umbrella or raincoat just in case—it’s Vancouver!

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point.

What’s included

Your day includes six food tastings—scotch eggs with seasoning, gourmet sushi straight from local chefs, street-style chicken tacos, handcrafted dessert bars, slow-roasted pork sandwiches, plus an extra secret dish—all guided by a local expert as you walk through Gastown and visit city landmarks like the steam clock and Olympic torch before finishing up comfortably full.