Victoria: Old Town Food & Drink Walk with Winter Ferry Ride

Summary

Victoria winter walking tour with food tastings ferry ride drinks

You’ll wander Victoria’s Old Town with a local guide, tasting dumplings in Chinatown, sipping craft beer and cocktails in cozy bars, and gliding across the Inner Harbour by ferry—even on chilly winter weekends. Expect laughter over new flavors and stories you’ll want to retell long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ve gotta try the dumplings here,” our guide said, already grinning as we ducked under lanterns in Victoria’s Chinatown. I was still warming up from the drizzle outside, but the steam in that tiny shop felt like a hug. We wandered through Fan Tan Alley—so narrow my umbrella scraped both walls—and I tried (badly) to pronounce something on a sign. Li, our guide, just laughed and shook her head. The city felt alive even on a grey Saturday, with shopkeepers waving at Li like old friends.

Bastion Square had this echo to it—maybe from the old stones or just how quiet it gets in winter. There’s a story about public executions there that Li told us (not exactly lunchtime chat), but then we were off again, weaving past Market Square’s brick arches and pausing for some crispy fried something—I never caught the name, but it was salty and perfect with the first sip of local beer. You could smell coffee everywhere, even outside; Victoria just has that cozy thing going on.

I didn’t expect to love the ferry ride so much. It’s quick, but floating across the Inner Harbour with cold air biting your cheeks and those big hotels glowing gold along the water… I still think about that view. Our last stop was this bar where everyone seemed to know each other—someone actually clapped when our drinks arrived (no idea why). The “most popular cocktail in Victoria” tasted herbal and sharp; not what I’d order at home, but somehow just right after all that walking. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip in Victoria that mixes food, history, and those little moments you can’t plan for—this one surprised me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Victoria's Old Town and Harbour

• Visit Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley
• Walk through Bastion Square
• Stroll Market Square shops
• Enjoy Inner Harbour views
• Try 3-4 local food bites
• Sample 2 craft beers
• Drink a popular local cocktail
• Ride the harbour ferry

Top questions

Is the Victoria food tour available year-round?

The harbour ferry is only included on Saturdays and Sundays from November 1 to March 15; other elements run year-round.

How many food tastings are included?

You’ll get 3 small bites at different establishments during the tour.

Are drinks included on this Victoria walking tour?

Yes—1 local cocktail and 2 samples of craft beer are included along with food tastings.

Does this tour include a harbour ferry ride?

The harbour ferry is included on weekends during winter (Sat/Sun from Nov 1–Mar 15).

How much walking is involved?

The tour covers several downtown neighborhoods; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide downtown near Chinatown.

Can vegetarians join this Victoria food tour?

The specific menu isn’t detailed; dietary needs should be confirmed before booking.

What should I bring for ID?

You need two pieces of ID: one photo ID and one showing your name.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Old Town Victoria with stops for three small bites at unique eateries, samples of local craft beer and a signature cocktail, plus a scenic harbour ferry ride (on Sat/Sun in winter), all led by an English-speaking local who knows every shortcut and story worth sharing.