Victoria: Food & History Walking Tour with Tastings

Summary

Victoria’s flavors and stories in Chinatown alleys and lively squares

You’ll taste your way through Victoria’s historic streets—from craft beer at Phillips Brewing to sweet buns in Chinatown and savory bites in Market Square. With a local guide leading you through Fan Tan Alley and past the Parliament Buildings, you’ll hear quirky stories and meet friendly faces along the way. It’s an easy walk packed with flavor—and moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start a food tour at a brewery, but there we were—inside Phillips Brewing, the air thick with that malty smell I always associate with college parties (but nicer). Our guide, Jamie, handed out tiny glasses of something hoppy and bright. She joked about “breakfast of champions” and honestly, it felt right for a Victoria morning that couldn’t decide between drizzle or sun. I’d never done a day trip like this in Victoria before—food tours are usually my thing in bigger cities—but already I could feel the city’s pace slowing me down.

We wandered into Chinatown next, through The Gates of Harmonious Interest (I still can’t say it without messing up) and then Fan Tan Alley—so narrow my shoulders brushed brick. There was this moment when the smells changed: incense from a shop, then suddenly fried garlic from somewhere hidden. Jamie pointed out a tiny bakery window where we tried sweet buns I’d never have noticed alone. She told us about the old gambling dens here; an older man sweeping his doorway nodded as we passed. I liked that she seemed to know everyone.

Market Square was noisy with buskers and people arguing gently over coffee tables. We tasted little meatballs—Italian style, rich tomato sauce—and then something spicy and Korean that made my nose run (in a good way). At one point I lost track of what was next because I was distracted by someone’s dog wearing rain boots. We cut through Bastion Square and Trounce Alley, pausing for chocolate samples while Jamie explained how Fort Victoria used to stand right here. The wind off the Inner Harbour picked up as we walked toward the Parliament Buildings—seagulls squabbling overhead—and I kind of wished the tour would keep going just so I could keep listening to these odd little city stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Victoria food and history walking tour

• Begin at Phillips Brewing Tasting Room
• Walk through Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown
• Visit Market Square public space
• Explore Government Street shops and bars
• Stroll Trounce Alley pedestrian area
• Stop at Bastion Square, former Fort Victoria site
• Finish near Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings

Top questions

How long is the Victoria food & history tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins inside Phillips Brewing Tasting Room at 2000 Government St.

Are there vegetarian options on this food tour?

Tastings vary but often include vegetarian choices; check ahead for specifics.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the route are wheelchair accessible.

What kind of food tastings are included?

You might try Italian meatballs, Korean chicken, southern biscuits, Indonesian spring rolls, tea, chocolate, and more.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing for Victoria’s weather.

Can children join the Victoria food & history walking tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants are welcome in prams or strollers.

Is public transportation nearby for reaching the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Phillips Brewing Tasting Room.

What’s included

Your experience includes six local tastings along the route—think craft beer, sweet buns, savory bites—with all stops guided by a knowledgeable local who shares stories as you walk through Chinatown, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government Street, Inner Harbour and past the Parliament Buildings. Wheelchair access is available throughout; tours run rain or shine.