Victoria: The Ultimate Chocolate Tour

If you’re a chocoholic looking for a sweet way to explore Victoria, this 2-hour chocolate tour is an absolute treat. For $65 per person, you’ll visit a handful of local bakeries and specialty shops, sampling everything from decadently rich drinking chocolates to quirky macarons. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll stroll through Government Street and downtown Victoria, soaking up both the sugary delights and the city’s vibrant local culture.

What we find especially appealing are the variety of tastings — from the rare chocolate bars at The Chocolate Project to the iconic Victoria Creams and Nanaimo Bars — and the chance to understand how French influences shape Canadian confections. The tour’s intimate size and friendly guides make it feel more like a local food adventure than a touristy scramble.

One potential consideration is the walking distance—roughly 2-3 kilometers—so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, if you have severe dairy allergies, some parts of the tour might not be suitable. This tour suits those who enjoy small-group experiences, love chocolate, and want a deeper look into Victoria’s culinary scene without a huge time commitment.

Key Points

• Authentic tasting experience at local bakeries and chocolate shops.
• Learn about the influence of French culture on Canadian sweets.
• Visit historic and popular Victoria locations like Rogers Chocolate.
• Enjoy a range of chocolates, from truffles to ice cream.
• Valuable insights into the history and economic impact of chocolate in Victoria.
• Ideal for foodies, chocolate lovers, and those seeking a relaxed, walkable tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Victoria’s Chocolate Scene

Victoria isn’t just about its scenic harbor and historic buildings; it also boasts a lively scene of small, family-run chocolatiers and inventive pastry shops. This tour is perfect for those wanting to combine a bit of sightseeing with indulgent tasting. The fact that it’s led by an engaging guide—like Brenda, who gets rave reviews—means you’ll not only sample chocolates but also hear stories behind each shop.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: The Chocolate Project

Your adventure begins at The Chocolate Project, a well-known local spot famous for its rare and hard-to-find chocolate bars. Here, you’ll get a quick lesson on how chocolate is harvested and made, which adds a satisfying educational touch to the tasting. Expect to sample some unique chocolates you probably won’t find elsewhere.

Wandering Downtown and Beyond

After satisfying your curiosity and palate, the tour meanders along Blanshard and Fort Streets, giving you a chance to admire Victoria’s charming streetscape. The focus remains on local chocolate shops, and as you walk, your guide will share insights about Victoria’s history and its deep-rooted connection to chocolate making.

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Chocolate & Co for Truffles and Drinking Chocolate

Next, you’ll visit Chocolate & Co, a cozy spot famous for its gourmet truffles and the luxurious experience of drinking chocolate. Here, you’ll understand why this indulgence is a favorite among locals, especially when paired with a beautifully crafted truffle.

Quirky Macarons at Bon Macaron

Moving on, Bon Macaron offers a playful twist—chocolate macarons filled with unique flavors. The textural contrast and creative flavors make these a standout, and many mention how these quirky confections add a fun element to the tour.

Chocolats Favoris: Quebec’s Chocolate Wonderland

A visit to Chocolats Favoris feels like stepping into a chocolate paradise. Known for its dessert dips in chocolate sauce, this Quebec-based favorite offers chocolate ice cream that’s decadently coated, satisfying any ice cream lover.

Historic Rogers Chocolate

The oldest chocolatier in Canada, Rogers Chocolate, holds a special place. It’s here that you’ll sample the famous Victoria Cream along with a trio of chocolates. The shop’s history and your guide’s stories make this stop both a taste and cultural education.

End at Off The Eaten Track’s Tasting Room

Finally, the tour wraps up at the Off The Eaten Track tasting room, where you’ll sample a Nanaimo Bar, a quintessential Canadian dessert. It’s a sweet way to finish, leaving you with a memorable taste of Victoria’s culinary heritage.

What’s Included and What Not

The tour covers all the tastings at six local chocolate businesses and is led by a professional guide. You also receive an Eat Like a Local discount card, adding value for future explorations. However, gratuities are extra, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at the first stop with comfortable shoes and water.

The Experience and Its Value

At $65, this tour offers a good balance of value and quality. You’re sampling from six different shops, which means you’ll taste a wide range of chocolates and sweets. What makes it especially appealing is the small-group format, allowing for personalized attention and engaging storytelling from guides like Brenda, who gets glowing reviews for her knowledge and enthusiasm.

The educational component—learning how chocolates are made, and about Victoria’s economic ties to chocolate—adds depth. Plus, the walkable route through downtown Victoria is a bonus, providing a taste of the city’s streets and architecture.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Flavors

Many reviews highlight the deliciousness and variety of the chocolates. One traveler even quips, “for the first time in my life I heard my wife say I think I had too much chocolate,” illustrating how indulgent and satisfying the experience can be. Others praise the knowledgeable guides, who blend fun facts with personal stories, making the tour both informative and personable.

The stops are thoughtfully chosen, capturing Victoria’s local charm and the influence of French culture on Canadian confections. The inclusion of Quebec’s Chocolats Favoris reflects a broader Canadian chocolate scene, adding variety.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll walk about 2-3 km, including stairs.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• The tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
• This tour isn’t suitable for those with severe dairy allergies.
• Perfect for food lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a relaxed, tasty exploration without a long time commitment.

Victoria’s Chocolate Tour offers an engaging blend of delicious sampling, cultural insights, and city strolls. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant food scene while satisfying your sweet tooth. The stops are carefully curated, and guides like Brenda bring the stories and flavors to life, making each tasting memorable.

This tour appeals especially to those who appreciate artisan chocolates, enjoy learning about local history through food, and prefer a small-group, relaxed pace. It’s ideal for a fun afternoon, especially if you’re staying in Victoria or visiting for a short time and want a flavorful, authentic experience.

If you’re looking for a sweet adventure that combines education, local charm, and irresistible treats, this tour should be high on your list. Though it’s not a comprehensive city tour, it’s a delightful way to spend a couple of hours and leave with a belly full of chocolates and a smile.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, children who enjoy chocolates and are comfortable walking for around 2-3 km will likely enjoy this tour. Just note that the tour is designed for ages that can handle walking and tasting multiple samples.

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons. You can reserve and pay later, providing flexibility.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, with a walk covering about 2-3 kilometers, including stops and some stairs.

Are the tastings enough for a full snack or meal?
While the tastings are generous, they’re more like a sweet snack rather than a full meal. It’s perfect for a light indulgence or dessert.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions?
The tour is suitable for some dietary needs, but those with severe dairy allergies should be cautious, as some chocolates contain dairy.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind the walking distance and stairs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle are recommended.

What if it rains?
The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly and be prepared for possible wet weather.

Victoria’s chocolate tour is a delightful mix of tasting, learning, and city strolling—perfect for anyone who loves sweets and wants to discover local flavors with a friendly guide by their side.

You can check availability for your dates here: