Victoria is a fantastic spot for drinking tours thanks to its lively craft beer scene, innovative distilleries, and stunning scenery. Unlike many cities, Victoria offers a genuine sense of community among brewers and distillers, with places like Herald Street Brew Works and Macaloney’s Island Distillery putting out award-winning drinks. The Victoria Craft Brewery Tour is a favorite for its laid-back atmosphere and chance to meet local beer lovers, while the Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour offers a broader taste of the island’s high-quality spirits and beers. For those who want a bit more activity combined with their drinks, the East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer offers a scenic hike coupled with pub stops, blending outdoor adventure with local flavor.
If you’re planning your trip, you’ll find that each tour caters to different interests—whether you prefer sampling innovative beers, learning about distilling, or hiking along rugged coastlines. Victoria’s diverse options ensure there’s something for all, from casual taster sessions to full-day explorations.
1. Victoria Craft Brewery Tour
At number one on our list is the Victoria Craft Brewery Tour, a 3-hour excursion that combines visiting three local breweries with sampling some of Victoria’s best craft beers. For just $89.08 per person, this tour is an excellent way to explore Vancouver Island’s thriving brewing scene without worrying about driving. The tour includes all transport, so you can focus on tasting — a real plus if you’re new to the area or just want a relaxed experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on small, innovative breweries like Herald Street Brew Works and Moon Under Water Brewpub and Distillery. At Herald Street, you’ll enjoy a flight of unique, often one-off beers, while Moon Under Water offers German-style brews and a fun Creepy Uncle Dunkel. With about 45 minutes at each location, you get enough time to appreciate the distinct styles and chat with local brewers or fellow travelers. The tour’s reviews highlight its friendly atmosphere and educational aspect, with visitors noting it as the best craft beer experience they’ve had in Victoria.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer lovers seeking a laid-back, social tour with quality brews and local insights. The price includes tasty samples and easy logistics, making it a good value.
2. Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour
At number two, the Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour provides a 3.5-hour taste of the island’s diverse craft scene for $111.35 per person. This tour takes you beyond beer, including two breweries and one distillery — specifically Ile Sauvage Brewing, Macaloney’s Island Distillery, and Herald Street Brew Works. The experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at production processes, plus generous tastings of both spirits and beers.
What makes this tour special is its focus on small, experimental breweries like Ile Sauvage, known for wild and sour beers, and the award-winning distillery with high-quality single malts. The guide’s extensive knowledge enhances the visit, providing context about the local scene and the unique brewing and distilling methods. Visitors have described the sour beers at Ile Sauvage as “an experience,” and the tour as “absolutely the best” they’ve taken in Victoria.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who want a deeper dive into the craft beverage scene, especially if distilled spirits intrigue you as much as beer. It’s a bit longer and more comprehensive, making it worth the extra cost for serious enthusiasts.
3. East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer
Third on the list is the East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer, a 6-hour adventure priced at $129.59 per person. This tour combines a scenic hike along rugged coastline with relaxing pub stops, perfect for those who want outdoor activity complemented by good drinks. The small group size (up to 8 participants) makes it intimate and personalized.
The hike begins with a pickup from downtown Victoria, heading to East Sooke Park, where you’ll trek through lush rainforest and along spectacular ocean vistas. The highlight is the chance to see seals and possibly whales while enjoying the dramatic scenery. After the hike, you’ll visit a local historic pub with a colorful past, where you’ll enjoy a light meal and a refreshing pint. The tour concludes with a return to Victoria, enriched by the combination of athletic activity and socializing.
Reviews mention the “amazing beer” at the final stop and the overall value of combining hiking with local drinks. The moderate 3-hour hike plus pub visit makes it suitable for active travelers who want more than just tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a memorable outdoor experience paired with local beer and storytelling. It’s longer and more strenuous but offers a full day of adventure and relaxation.
$129.59 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour
When selecting a Victoria drinking tour, consider your interests and energy level. If you love exploring multiple breweries without the fuss of driving, the Victoria Craft Brewery Tour offers unbeatable value with a relaxed pace. For those curious about the full spectrum of craft beverages, including spirits, the Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour provides a richer experience, especially with its behind-the-scenes insights. Meanwhile, if you’re after a mix of outdoor activity and drinks, the East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour combines scenic hiking with pub stops, perfect for active adventure-seekers.
Think about your budget and time — the brewery tour is shorter and more affordable, while the full-day hike with drinks offers a more immersive outing. Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure spots for these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Victoria’s drinking tours cover a good range of experiences — from tasting innovative craft beers and spirits to combining outdoor activity with social drinking. For a laid-back introduction to local brews, the Victoria Craft Brewery Tour is hard to beat. If you want to explore the full craft scene, including distilling, then the Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour is your best bet. And for a day of scenic hiking with a side of beer, the East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour stands out.
No matter what you choose, these tours promise memorable moments and a real taste of Victoria’s vibrant drink scene. Be sure to book early, especially for the popular options, and enjoy discovering some of Canada’s best craft beverages.