Victoria: Old Town & Chinatown Walking Tour with Historian

Summary

Victoria’s alleys and stories come alive on foot with a local historian

You’ll walk Victoria’s historic streets with a local historian who brings old scandals and hidden corners to life—from Bastion Square’s darker tales to Chinatown’s secret alleys. Expect sensory moments (like incense or sea air), stories you won’t find on plaques, and plenty of chances to ask questions as you go.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so curious just standing by the Inner Harbour in Victoria, but there was something about the way our guide—her name was Janet—waved us over that made me want to listen. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with coffee from somewhere nearby. We started out along the water, and Janet pointed at the old Parliament buildings, her voice clear through the headset (which honestly saved me from missing half her jokes). She had this way of pausing mid-story, like she was letting us fill in the blanks ourselves.

We wandered down Government Street, past shop windows full of bright things I wanted to touch. There were people everywhere—locals chatting, a busker playing something mournful on violin. Janet told us how Victoria is small enough that you can walk most of its history in under two hours; I believed her as we ducked into Bastion Square. The square felt different—colder somehow—and she started telling us about public hangings that happened right where we stood. I caught myself glancing up at the old brickwork, half-expecting it to whisper back.

The part that stuck with me was Johnson Street—she said it used to be the Red Light District when Victoria was a wild seaport town. Didn’t see that coming. We squeezed into this narrow alley (I think it’s called Fan Tan Alley?), and someone behind me laughed nervously because it really is that tight. It smelled like incense and damp stone, which sounds weird but actually kind of fit the mood. Janet didn’t sugarcoat anything; she talked about scandals and rough edges, not just pretty buildings. I liked that.

By the end, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with stories—some funny, some dark. I still think about those details: the cold stones under my hand in Bastion Square, or how Janet grinned when I asked if any ghosts ever followed her home (she just shrugged). If you want a day trip in Victoria that’s more than surface-level sightseeing, this walking tour feels honest—and you’ll probably leave with more questions than answers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Victoria's historic downtown

• Meet guide at Inner Harbour
• Walk through Old Town and Bastion Square
• See 1800's architecture highlights
• Stroll along Government Street
• Learn about public hangings in Bastion Square
• Visit Johnson Street Red Light District
• Explore Victoria's most infamous alley

Top questions

How long does the Victoria walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Is the historical walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Where does the walking tour of Victoria start?

You meet your guide by the Inner Harbour in Downtown Victoria.

Does this day trip cover Old Town & Chinatown?

Yes, you’ll explore highlights of Old Town, Bastion Square, and Chinatown during the walk.

Are headsets provided for hearing the guide?

Yes, headsets are included so you can clearly hear your guide throughout the tour.

Is lunch included on this Victoria walking tour?

No meals are included; only guiding services and headsets are provided.

Can infants join this historical walking tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guiding by a professional local historian plus personal headsets so you won’t miss any details as you explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Government Street, Old Town highlights like Bastion Square and Chinatown—even those infamous alleys—all at a comfortable pace for most fitness levels.