Victoria, British Columbia, offers more than just stunning harbor views and historic sites. It’s also a lively place for drinking tours that combine local culture, scenic settings, and a healthy dose of fun. Whether you’re into scenic ferry rides, craft beer tastings, or outdoor adventures ending with a cold one, Victoria’s drinking tours have something for every type of traveler. We particularly like the Pickle Pub Crawl for its waterfront charm and free appetizers, and the Victoria: East Sooke Park Hike with Pub visit for combining outdoor activity with local brews in a perfect balance. These experiences give you a taste of Victoria that’s both relaxing and memorable.
We’ve put together a list of the top four drinking tours in Victoria, each with its own unique twist. Whether it’s tasting craft beers in historic neighborhoods or hopping between waterfront pubs on a ferry, these tours showcase the best of Victoria’s vibrant drinking scene.
Quick Overview
Victoria’s drinking tours span from lively pub crawls to outdoor adventures ending with craft beers, offering a variety of ways to explore the city’s local beverage scene. Highlights include a scenic waterfront pub crawl (Pickle Pub Crawl), a hiking and pub experience (East Sooke Park Hike), a craft beer tour in historic districts (Chinatown and Old Town Craft Beer Tour), and a local brewery exploration (Victoria: Local Brewery Tour). Each offers a distinct way to enjoy Victoria’s lively drinking culture.
1. Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers
At number one, the Pickle Pub Crawl stands out for its waterfront setting and fun, casual vibe. For just $52 per person, you get to hop between some of Victoria’s best waterfront venues on charming harbor ferries. This tour is perfect for those who love a relaxed pace combined with scenic views. Along the way, you’ll enjoy free appetizers with every drink purchase—so your taste buds get a treat without breaking the bank. The guide makes it easy to find your way around, sharing insights into Victoria’s local culture and history in between stops.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of scenic ferry rides and visiting hand-picked watering holes that are often overlooked by travelers. The group size is small enough to encourage conversation and making new friends. It’s ideal for travelers who want a lively, social experience that’s also easy on the wallet. The reviews highlight a 4.8-star rating based on 49 reviews, with many praising the friendly guide and the fun atmosphere.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy waterfront views, socializing, and a casual pace, this ferry-based pub crawl is a great choice. It offers a relaxed way to experience Victoria’s local drinking scene without a lot of fuss.
2. Victoria: East Sooke Park Hike with Pub visit
For those who want to combine outdoor activity with a good drink, the East Sooke Park Hike with Pub visit is a top pick. For around $126 per person, this 6-hour adventure starts with a guided hike through East Sooke Park, often called one of Vancouver Island’s most scenic natural areas. Led by a local expert, you’ll explore lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas. Keep an eye out for seals, whales, and seabirds along the way.
The hike concludes with a visit to a historic local pub, where you can unwind with delicious craft beer and tasty bites. The drive from Victoria is comfortable, making this a well-rounded day for outdoor enthusiasts who also appreciate a good pint. This tour is rated 5/5 based on a single review, which highlights the personalized attention and spectacular scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is its seamless mix of nature and local culture. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a memorable experience beyond the city streets. However, be prepared for some moderate physical activity.
Bottom Line: If outdoor exploration paired with a relaxing pub visit sounds appealing, this hike-and-drink combo offers a rewarding day out with stunning views and good company.
$126 per person
3. Victoria: Chinatown and Old Town Craft Beer Tour
At number three, the Chinatown and Old Town Craft Beer Tour offers a deep dive into Victoria’s historic neighborhoods and its lively craft beer scene. For $97 per person, this 2.5-hour guided tour takes you through the narrow alleyways and historic streets of Chinatown and Old Town, visiting four local breweries and iconic pubs. Along the way, you’ll taste four beer samples and enjoy three food tastings from local vendors, making it a true taste of Victoria’s craft scene.
The guide shares stories about the area’s history and its burgeoning craft beer culture, giving the tour an educational edge. It’s a great choice for those interested in history, local food, and beer. Exploring hidden alleyways and sampling local brews makes this tour feel authentic and intimate. The experience is particularly suitable for visitors with limited time but a strong interest in Victoria’s beer scene.
While specific reviews aren’t available, the tour’s focus on both history and craft beer makes it a compelling choice for those who want a well-rounded cultural experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re eager to explore Victoria’s historic districts and sample some of its best brews in a short time, this guided tour provides a perfect mix of education and tastings.
$97 per person
4. Victoria: Local Brewery Tour with a Guide
Rounding out our list, the Victoria: Local Brewery Tour with a Guide offers a relaxed, social way to explore the city’s vibrant beer scene for about $86 per person. Over 3 hours, you’ll visit some of Victoria’s well-known breweries, like Moon Under Water and others, while learning about the history of beer making from your local guide. What sets this tour apart is the focus on Canadian beers and the opportunity to taste a variety of flavors in a friendly, party-like atmosphere.
Guests enjoy the chance to play interactive games, making it a perfect choice for groups or travelers looking to socialize. The guide’s insights into Victoria’s brewing evolution add depth to the experience, making it both fun and educational. Although the rating is not specified, the emphasis on high spirits and local hotspots indicates a lively, engaging environment.
This tour is ideal for beer lovers who want to discover Victoria’s best breweries while enjoying a lively, guided experience. It balances beer education with a fun social setting, making it a good pick for relaxed evenings.
Bottom Line: For a laid-back, engaging brewery visit with plenty of tastings and socializing, this tour hits the mark—especially if you want to learn about Victoria’s beer culture firsthand.
$86 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When selecting a drinking tour in Victoria, consider your interests and available time. If waterfront scenery and casual socializing appeal, the Pickle Pub Crawl is a top choice. For those who love outdoor activities, the East Sooke Park hike combined with a pub visit offers a memorable mix of nature and local brews. History buffs and beer aficionados might enjoy the Chinatown and Old Town craft beer tour, while craft beer enthusiasts seeking a lively, guided experience would find the Local Brewery Tour ideal.
Factor in factors like budget, duration, and physical activity level. For example, if you prefer a leisurely afternoon with minimal walking, the pub crawl or brewery tour may suit you best. If you’re up for outdoor adventure, the hike plus pub visit provides a rewarding day.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, when Victoria’s tourism scene is busiest.
Final Thoughts
Victoria offers a surprisingly diverse array of drinking experiences that go beyond just ordering a pint at a pub. Whether you prefer scenic ferry pub crawls, outdoor hikes ending with craft beers, or exploring historic districts with tastings, this city has something to suit your style. The Pickle Pub Crawl is perfect for social waterside fun, while the East Sooke Park hike appeals to active travelers. Beer lovers will appreciate the craft beer tour in Chinatown and Old Town, and those wanting a comprehensive local brewery experience should consider the guided brewery tour.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance and planning around your interests will ensure a memorable, enjoyable time in Victoria. With options like these, you’ll find no shortage of ways to raise a glass and toast this charming city.