Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: Local Hidden Gems
Seven tastings across downtown: wine, bakery, street food, seafood, chocolate, macarons, and the stories behind them
A 2-hour walking tour of downtown Victoria led by a local guide, stopping at small independent restaurants and bakeries off the main streets to taste BC wine, Middle Eastern street food, authentic Korean corndog, local seafood chowder, chocolate and French macarons. The guide shares the history of Victoria's neighborhoods, landmarks and buildings as you walk. Vegetarian options available with 24 hours notice. Not suitable for gluten-free diets. Children from age 3 are welcome.
Step-by-step itinerary
Downtown Victoria food and city tour
- Start at historic 1924 building
- Learn about British Columbia Parliament Buildings
- Walk along Inner Harbour and see Fairmont Empress Hotel
- Tour Victoria Inner Harbour waterfront
- Hear about historic vaudeville theatre
- Guided walk along Fort Street
- Visit iconic cathedral with guided history
- Tour Government Street and its old buildings
- British Columbia Parliament Buildings passing by
- Fairmont Empress Hotel passing by
- Victoria Inner Harbour 5m
- Fort Street passing by
- Government Street 5m
What’s included
- Local guide leading the entire route.
- seven food and drink tastings including BC wine, bakery goods, street food, seafood chowder, chocolate and macarons.
- stories and history of downtown Victoria's landmarks and neighborhoods.
Times
- Tuesday and Thursday 11:30
- Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 14:30
Before you book
Operated by Off the Eaten Track
Prices and times updated yesterday
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The experience
The tour starts at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, a 1924 landmark designed by architect Francis Rattenbury, then moves through the Inner Harbour past the Fairmont Empress Hotel and along Fort Street and Government Street: some of Victoria's oldest blocks. A local guide leads the route and tells the stories of the vaudeville theatre, the cathedral, and the buildings that shaped the downtown core. The walking is moderate, about 30–40 minutes spread across the two hours, with some standing at each stop.
Food comes from local small businesses, not tourist-facing restaurants. You'll taste BC wine, baked goods from one of Canada's best bakeries, Middle Eastern street food, an authentic Korean corndog, local seafood chowder, a chocolate tasting, and French macarons. The menu shifts depending on which restaurants are open that day, so the stops themselves may vary. Not all venues have seating, so some tastings happen while standing or walking. The tour mixes savory and sweet samples throughout.
Bring comfortable shoes and dress for the weather: the tour runs in all conditions. If you're vegetarian, let the operator know at least 24 hours before the tour starts and they'll arrange options. Gluten-free requests cannot be accommodated. The guide speaks English and keeps groups small enough to move through the downtown streets without losing anyone.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to taste what locals actually eat instead of restaurant-row menus, and you're comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and standing while you eat. The small independent stops and the guide's neighborhood knowledge are what make it different from the standard downtown circuit.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (3 to 18 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What exactly do I taste on this tour?
BC wine, baked goods from a top-tier local bakery, Middle Eastern street food, authentic Korean corndog, local seafood chowder, chocolate tasting, and French macarons. The specific restaurants may change depending on what's open that day, but the mix of savory and sweet stays the same.
How much walking is involved?
The tour covers downtown Victoria over two hours with about 30–40 minutes of light walking mixed in. You'll stand at each tasting stop, and not all restaurants have seating available, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Can I do this tour if I'm vegetarian?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. You must request them at least 24 hours before the tour starts so the guide can arrange alternatives at the food stops.
What landmarks does the tour visit?
The tour starts at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, passes the Fairmont Empress Hotel and Victoria Inner Harbour, and walks along Fort Street and Government Street, where the guide shares the history of a vaudeville theatre, a cathedral, and the oldest buildings in downtown.
Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: Local Hidden Gems
2h · EN
from CA$ 125 per person
≈ US$ 91 in your currency
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