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The 7 Best Food Tours in Victoria British Columbia
Victoria, BC, isn’t just known for its stunning harbor, historic architecture, and lush gardens — it’s also a treasure trove of culinary delights. What makes Victoria stand out as a food-tour destination is its mix of local flavors, multicultural influences, and scenic settings. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, international cuisines, or a sip of local wine, this city offers a variety of experiences to satisfy every palate.
Among the tours we love, the Victoria Bites and Sights Tour stands out for its combination of food, drinks, and scenic boat rides, giving you a well-rounded taste of the city’s charm. Meanwhile, the Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour offers a deep dive into Victoria’s historic neighborhoods and their lively culinary scene. Each tour provides a different way to experience Victoria’s authentic flavors and local stories, making it easy to find one that matches your interests.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we cover a range of food tours in Victoria: from short but sweet tastings and historic explorations to full-day winery trips and evening culinary experiences. Whether you’re after a casual walk, a behind-the-scenes look at wine-making, or an upscale progressive dinner, there’s a tour for you. For example, the Victoria Bites and Sights Tour combines harbor views with local bites, while the Victoria: Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal offers a multi-course meal with stunning city vistas. Keep reading to find out which tour best suits your appetite and travel style.
1. Victoria Bites and Sights Tour with Food, Drinks and Ferry
At number one, this tour offers an engaging mix of small bites, local drinks, scenic water views, and a guided walk through Victoria’s historic streets. For around $62 per person, you get 2.5 hours of exploring British Columbia-inspired food and drink at beautiful venues. The highlight is the brief boat ride on the harbor, which provides a refreshing perspective of the city’s skyline and waterfront.
What makes this tour especially appealing is the combination of culinary sampling and sightseeing. You’ll visit a variety of spots, sampling local appetizers (free with a drink purchase), while your guide shares stories about Victoria’s colorful past. It’s perfect for travelers who want an interactive experience that combines history, scenery, and flavors. The tour’s top reviews praise its friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable guide, and the chance to make new friends in a relaxed setting.
Bottom line: For a well-rounded, fun introduction to Victoria’s food and waterfront, this tour offers excellent value and a taste of the city’s culinary and maritime charm.
2. Victoria: 2-Hour Food and History Tour with Tastings
For those interested in history as well as food, this 2-hour guided walk is a perfect fit. At just $79 per person, it combines history lessons with local food tastings across Victoria’s historic districts. The tour begins in the city’s oldest Chinatown, dating back to 1858, and takes you through the alleyways and tunnels of Old Town.
A key feature is visiting Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street, and exploring the Johnson Street shopping district, with its mix of boutiques and cafés. The tour includes tastings from local vendors, giving you a chance to try authentic regional snacks and small plates. Guests appreciate the informative narration and the opportunity to learn about Victoria’s multicultural roots.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for history buffs who want to pair their cultural curiosity with tasty samples and local stories. It offers a compact yet immersive experience of Victoria’s historic neighborhoods.
3. Victoria: Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings
If you’re eager to explore Victoria’s most colorful neighborhoods, this 2-hour tour delivers. At $86 per person, it takes you through Victoria’s oldest Chinatown and Old Town, where you’ll visit 6 or 7 culinary stops. The focus here is on modern local cuisine, with tastings from contemporary restaurants showcasing flavors from South Indian, Thai, Mexican, Filipino, and French cuisines.
What makes this tour stand out is the blend of food, architecture, and stories. You’ll walk past landmark sites like Fan Tan Alley and Market Square, learning about the history and architecture while sampling delicious dishes. Reviews highlight the hip vibe and diverse menu that reflect Victoria’s multicultural identity.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want to sample a variety of international foods while discovering the city’s historic and architectural highlights.
4. Victoria: Downtown Food and City Tour
At number four, this tour offers an insiders’ look at Victoria’s artisan food scene in the heart of downtown. Costing $86 per person for 2 hours, it includes samples of local cheese, pastries, and wine. You’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic buildings, such as the Legislature and The Empress Hotel, with the opportunity to try Korean, Middle Eastern, French, and Pacific Northwest cuisines.
The guide takes you through historic churches and theaters, sharing stories behind each site, while you enjoy tastings at local hotspots. The tour is well-suited for those wanting a culinary walk combined with sightseeing, and the visit to a neighborhood where locals hang out provides a more authentic experience.
Bottom line: For a city-centered culinary tour that combines rich history, local food, and scenic sights, this option offers good value and a chance to explore Victoria’s downtown’s hidden gems.
5. Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley
A bit different from the city-based tours, this full-day winery experience takes you to the Cowichan Valley, known as BC’s wine region. For $119, you spend 6 hours visiting three wineries, sampling organic wines, and enjoying a farm-to-table lunch made with local ingredients.
The tour offers panoramic mountain views along the route, adding to the overall appeal. The wineries are carefully selected for their organic practices and quality wines, making it a hit for wine lovers. Guests enjoy the relaxed pace and the opportunity to learn about BC’s emerging viticulture scene directly from the winemakers.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking a day trip outside Victoria, combining tastings, scenic views, and a farm-fresh lunch in a countryside setting.
6. Victoria: Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour
For something a little more glamorous, this evening tour (price noted as $144) combines dining, drinks, and nightlife in Victoria’s top restaurants. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll visit three acclaimed restaurants, sampling local cuisine, premium wines, and handcrafted cocktails, including the famous Empress G&T.
This tour shines in its evening ambiance and the chance to experience Victoria’s food scene at nighttime. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Inner Harbor and the Empress Hotel, making it perfect for couples or anyone wanting a romantic night out. The tour’s focus on curated drinks and elegant bites creates a memorable, upscale experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies who want to indulge in a stylish, relaxed evening with excellent food, drinks, and iconic sights.
$144 per person
7. Victoria: Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal
At the top of our list for food and scenery pairing, this tour features a 3-course meal across three restaurants with spectacular views. For $101, you’ll enjoy a progressive lunch or dinner, with each course served at a different restaurant offering panoramic vistas of the city, mountains, or harbor.
The tour emphasizes local cuisine with optional wine or beer pairings, enhancing the experience. Your guide will take you through Victoria’s most iconic eateries, giving insights into their history and the city’s culinary scene. The combination of delicious food and breathtaking scenery makes this a favorite among those wanting a full sensory experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a luxurious, scenic meal journey that combines exceptional food with stunning views.
$101 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour for You
When selecting your ideal Victoria food tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you love a little adventure with scenic boat rides, the Victoria Bites and Sights Tour is a fantastic choice. For history enthusiasts, the Victoria: 2-Hour Food and History Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s past and delicious bites.
Looking for a coastal vineyard escape? The Food & Wine Tour to Cowichan Valley provides a full-day experience, while those wanting a romantic evening might prefer the Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour.
For families or casual travelers, shorter tours like the Downtown Food and City Tour offer a great mix of food, history, and local color. Remember to book early, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Victoria offers an array of food tours that cater to all tastes and schedules. From the scenic harbor cruise combined with bites to the full-day winery adventure, the city’s culinary scene is as inviting as its scenery. For those seeking a blend of history, culture, and cuisine, Victoria’s tours won’t disappoint.
If you want a quick taste of the city’s flavors, the Victoria Bites and Sights Tour is an excellent pick. For a more immersive experience with stunning views, the Vistas and Views Food Tour is hard to beat. And if wine is your passion, don’t miss the Cowichan Valley vineyard tour.
Whatever your preference, Victoria’s food scene is ready to surprise and satisfy. Book early to guarantee your spot and enjoy a memorable culinary journey in this charming British Columbia city.