Victoria Downtown Food Tour: BC Wine, Bakeries & Street Eats

Summary

Victoria’s flavors from Parliament to Fort Street with sweet & savory bites

You’ll wander Victoria’s downtown with a local foodie guide, tasting everything from warm bakery treats to Korean corn dogs and BC wine. Meet passionate business owners along Government Street and Fort Street, hear quirky stories behind each stop, and share laughs over unexpected flavor pairings. It’s not just about eating—it’s about feeling part of Victoria for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ve never tried a real macaron until you’ve had one here,” our guide, Alex, grinned as he handed me the tiniest pastel cookie I’d ever seen. We were somewhere between the Inner Harbour and Government Street, dodging a drizzle that smelled like wet cedar and fresh bread. The bakery owner waved us in with flour-dusted hands—she had this way of saying “bonjour” that made you feel like you belonged for a second. Honestly, I thought I’d just be snacking my way through Victoria but it felt more like being welcomed into someone’s kitchen at every stop.

The day trip around downtown Victoria was less about ticking off sights (though the Parliament Buildings looked almost too grand in the grey light) and more about stories—like how that cheese shop on Fort Street started out selling only two kinds of cheddar, or why everyone in town seems to know the guy making those Korean corn dogs. Alex seemed to know half the city; he’d wave at someone and suddenly we’d be sampling something new, like a smoky Middle Eastern flatbread I still think about when I’m hungry late at night. The BC wine tasting surprised me—crisp and cold, even though my fingers weren’t—and paired weirdly well with chocolate. Not what I expected, but somehow perfect.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much over food. Someone tried to pronounce “Empress” in French and got it so wrong the whole group cracked up—even Mrs. Lee from Vancouver who barely smiled at first. There was a moment by the Fairmont Empress Hotel where everything went quiet except for the clink of glasses and some distant gulls; it felt like we were all in on a secret picnic right in the middle of town. The tour moved fast—sometimes we stood outside to eat because there wasn’t space inside—but nobody seemed to mind. Maybe it was the sugar rush or maybe just good company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Downtown Victoria food and city tour

• Start at historic 1924 building
• Learn about British Columbia Parliament Buildings
• Walk along Victoria Inner Harbour
• See Fairmont Empress Hotel
• Visit Steamship Building area
• Learn about historic vaudeville theatre
• Guided walk along Fort Street
• Tour iconic cathedral with stories
• Explore Government Street's old buildings

Top questions

How long is the Victoria downtown food tour?

The tour involves about 3–40 minutes of light walking with several stops for tastings along downtown Victoria streets.

Are vegetarian options available on this food tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at least 24 hours before the tour starts.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this Victoria food tour are wheelchair accessible.

What types of food are included on the tour?

The menu includes BC wine tasting, baked goods, Middle Eastern street food, Korean corn dogs, gourmet cheese, chocolate tasting, and French macarons.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included along with various tastings throughout the tour.

Where does the Victoria food tour start?

The tour starts near Victoria Inner Harbour by historic buildings including Parliament and The Empress Hotel.

Can infants join this walking food tour?

Infants and small children can join; strollers/prams are welcome but infant meals are not included.

What should I wear for this walking food tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and dress according to weather conditions as some walking outdoors is involved.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of sweet and savory foods—think BC wine, bakery treats, cheese samples and more—with a knowledgeable local leading you through downtown Victoria’s best spots. Lunch is provided during your stops; tours run rain or shine so come prepared for any weather.