Vancouver Island offers more than stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Its lively food and beverage scene makes it a fantastic destination for drinking tours. Whether you’re interested in exploring Victoria’s waterfront pubs via ferry, sampling craft beers in historic neighborhoods, or enjoying pizza paired with local brews, Vancouver Island has something to satisfy your palate. Of the options listed here, we especially like the Pickle Pub Crawl in Victoria’s Inner Harbour for its scenic ferry rides and cultural insights, and the Victoria Alleyways and Ales Craft Beer Tour for its intimate brewery visits in historic districts. Both combine authentic local flavor with fun explorations.
If you’re after a more casual, food-focused experience, the A Slice of Victoria Pizza and Craft Beer Walking Tour offers a relaxed stroll through Chinatown and Old Town, tasting legendary pizza alongside local brews. These tours highlight the island’s rich brewing culture and diverse neighborhoods, making each outing memorable. Check out these options below to find your perfect fit.
1. Pickle Pub Crawl in Victoria’s Inner Harbour
At number 1, the Pickle Pub Crawl in Victoria’s Inner Harbour combines city sights with a waterfront ferry experience, making it a standout. This 3-hour small-group culinary adventure allows you to hop between local pubs while enjoying panoramic views of Victoria’s skyline. You’ll start at the Inner Harbour with a visit to the Empress Hotel and Parliament Building, both iconic landmarks, before boarding a harbor ferry to explore the city from its waters. The tour includes stops at Bastion Square, a lively spot with live music and historic charm, and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can relax with a cold beer and watch seaplanes take off. The final stop at Victoria’s Chinatown features BC’s second-oldest brewery, where local beers and Victoria-inspired cocktails await.
What makes this tour special is the mix of scenic ferry rides, historic landmarks, and local pub culture. It offers a charming mix of sightseeing and tasting, with snacks included if you choose to buy drinks. Reviewers love the water taxi rides and the lively atmosphere, with one noting, “We had a great tour, Lewis, our guide was fun and informative.” It’s perfect for those who enjoy a scenic, relaxed pace with socializing and local flavor.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a unique blend of sightseeing, ferry adventures, and pub hopping—ideal for visitors who want to see Victoria from the water while sampling its best drinks.
2. Victoria Alleyways and Ales Craft Beer Tour
At number 2, the Victoria Alleyways and Ales Craft Beer Tour is a 2.5-hour walking journey through Victoria’s historic Chinatown and Old Town neighborhoods. This tour visits 4 local breweries and iconic pubs, including the historic Fan Tan Alley, Canada’s narrowest street, and Market Square, a lively hub for locals.
The tour includes 4 beer tastings and 3 food samples from local vendors, giving you a well-rounded experience of Victoria’s craft beer scene. The guides lead you through hidden alleyways and lesser-known corners of these districts, providing insights into their past and present. The tour finishes at Bastion Square, a vibrant area full of history and lively patios. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5-star review from participants who praise its insider information and intimate atmosphere.
This tour is especially suited for craft beer lovers who enjoy exploring neighborhoods on foot and learning about local history. Its value lies in the combination of tastings, walking, and cultural stories—a real insider’s look at Victoria’s vibrant brewery scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer enthusiasts who like walking, discovering local stories, and sampling at multiple breweries in a short time.
3. A Slice of Victoria Pizza and Craft Beer Walking Tour
At number 3, the A Slice of Victoria Pizza and Craft Beer Walking Tour brings together two comfort foods—pizza and craft beer—in a two-hour stroll through Chinatown, Old Town, and Market Square. This tour features visits to three legendary pizzerias, each serving a slice and a craft beer, giving you a taste of Victoria’s best pizza spots.
Starting in Chinatown, the guide shares stories about the city’s oldest neighborhood before stopping at a hidden gem for pizza and beer. The tour continues through historic Bastion Square, where you’ll learn stories about notorious characters and vibrant culture, all while sampling local brews and delicious pizza. This experience is more relaxed, focusing on food and fun rather than intense tasting or sightseeing.
While it’s the least expensive tour at just over $70, it offers great value for those seeking a casual, food-focused experience with a bit of history thrown in. If you’re a pizza lover who enjoys exploring neighborhoods on foot, this is a fun, flavorful choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a laid-back, culinary outing combining Victoria’s pizza and craft beer scenes in a short, social walk.
$70.02 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When choosing between these options, consider your interests and schedule. The Pickle Pub Crawl is perfect if you want a scenic, waterfront adventure with a mix of landmarks and pub culture, especially if you enjoy ferry rides and historic sights. The Victoria Alleyways and Ales Tour suits craft beer fans who want an intimate, neighborhood-based experience, with plenty of tastings and storytelling. Meanwhile, the Pizza and Beer Walk offers a casual, tasty outing ideal for those wanting to sample Victoria’s pizza scene while exploring on foot.
Think about your budget too. The pub crawl offers a great balance of experience and cost, while the craft beer tour is a bit pricier but provides more in-depth brewery visits. The pizza tour is a good budget-friendly option for food lovers. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
To sum it up, Vancouver Island provides a variety of drinking tours that cater to different tastes—from scenic ferry pub crawls to beer tasting in historic districts or pizza paired with local brews. For a complete experience, try combining a walking tour with a waterfront pub crawl if time allows. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated craft beer enthusiast, these tours promise a flavorful taste of Victoria’s local culture. Be sure to book early to enjoy these fun, authentic experiences on your trip.