Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Tour by Off The Eaten Track. Website.
The days are longer and the weather is warming up; spring is the perfect time to step outside and indulge in a culinary adventure. Whether you're a foodie looking for hidden gems or a visitor to Victoria eager to experience different flavours, food tours offer an immersive way to taste the best of local cuisine. Although a “food tour” may seem like a tour intended for visitors, it is a unique way for locals to experience the city. Check out our list of springtime food tours.
Founded in 2012, Off The Eaten Track specializes in showcasing small businesses and lesser-known eateries that define Victoria’s diverse food culture. Their curated tours take participants beyond the usual tourist spots, diving deep into the flavour stories, and history of the city’s food scene.
Guided Tours
For those who enjoy an immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides, Off The Eaten Track offers several guided walking tours, each with a unique theme:
Downtown Food & City Tour: A two-hour culinary adventure through downtown Victoria, introducing food lovers to hidden gems and diverse cuisines.
Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Tour: A journey through Canada’s oldest Chinatown and historic Old Town, featuring tastings of dumplings, craft beers, and Filipino pastries.
Evening Sip, Savour, and Stroll: A leisurely evening experience highlighting local wines, handcrafted cocktails, and gourmet dishes across some of Victoria’s best restaurants.
Victoria Chocolate Tour: A dream for chocolate lovers, this tour visits seven local chocolatiers, offering delicious samples and insights into the city’s sweet traditions.
Self-Guided Tours
For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, Off The Eaten Track also provides self-guided tours. Accessible through mobile devices, these tours come with audio commentary, suggested routes, and exclusive discounts at participating eateries. It’s a flexible and budget-friendly way to experience Victoria’s culinary delights on your own schedule.
Cost: From $65-$200
This award-winning company offers guided walking tours that blend local flavours with fascinating historical insights. Founded by passionate traveller and history enthusiast Andy Olson—who has travelled to 52 countries in search of great food—each tour brings his knowledge and love of tourism, history, and cuisine together.
Signature Food Tours
Chinatown, Old Town & Inner Harbour Food Tour: Their original two-hour tour explores Victoria’s most iconic districts. Along the way, guests visit landmarks such as Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, and the Inner Harbour while enjoying six curated tastings. The food stops often include southern-style biscuits, meatballs, pastries, chocolate, and craft beer. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Alleyways & Ales Craft Beer Tour: Introduced this year, this 2.5-hour tour delves into Victoria’s craft beer scene. Participants explore the historic Chinatown and Old Town districts, visiting four local breweries and enjoying three food tastings. The tour provides a deep dive into the region’s brewing culture while uncovering hidden alleyways and historic pubs.
Vistas & Views Progressive Food Tour: Also launched in 2025, this high-end tour offers a progressive dining experience across three of Victoria’s top restaurants. Guests enjoy a full three-course meal, with each course served at a different venue. The restaurants are carefully selected for their gourmet dishes and breathtaking views, from the Inner Harbour to the Olympic Mountains.
Cost: From $90-$230
Among Victoria’s diverse culinary offerings, the Underground Donut Tour stands out as a delightful journey for those with a sweet tooth. This tour not only satisfies cravings but also offers participants a unique perspective on the city's rich history and culture. The tour offers a two-hour walking experience covering approximately two miles, making it accessible and enjoyable for participants of all ages.
Cost: Approximately $65 per person
Established in 2016 by two adventurous friends inspired by a similar concept in New Orleans, The Rolling Barrel introduced Canada’s first pedal pub crawl to Victoria. This innovative tour allows participants to explore the city while pedalling a custom-built, multi-person bike, fostering a fun and interactive environment. Not exactly a food tour, but a great experience for anyone wanting to try something new.
Each tour features stops at notable Victoria establishments, such as Belleville’s Watering Hole, Irish Times, Church Hill, and Swans Brew Pub. These venues offer exclusive discounts and appetizers to Rolling Barrel participants, enhancing the overall experience.
Public Tour: Priced at $45 per person, this 2.5-hour tour includes one drink and visits three iconic Victoria pubs. Participants enjoy discounts on food and beverages, with free appetizers available at certain stops. Tours are customizable, with flexible stops and personalized music playlists.
Mini Tour: At $30 per person, this 1.5-hour tour includes one drink and features a visit to one pub, offering free appetizers for every four guests with the purchase of a drink. The experience also includes yard games before and after the tour, with music and water provided onboard.
Private Tour: For groups seeking an exclusive experience, the private tour is available at $550, accommodating up to 15 participants. This 2.5-hour tour includes one drink per person and offers customizable stops and music playlists, visiting three iconic pubs with similar perks as the public tour.
Taste the City app provides a digitally guided tasting experience, allowing users to explore multiple restaurants in a single evening without the need for a physical guide. The app offers curated tasting experiences that are both pre-planned and prepaid, ensuring a seamless culinary adventure. Here's how it works:
Booking a Tasting: Users select a location and choose from available tasting options. They can specify the date, time, number of participants (up to six), and any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Receiving Details: Upon booking, participants receive a confirmation text with the name and address of the first restaurant.
At the Restaurant: Upon arrival, guests inform the host they are with Taste the City and present their booking code. Each restaurant provides a pre-selected tasting dish that reflects their most popular menu items.
Progressing Through Tastings: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes into the tasting, participants receive a text message with the next location's details. All venues are within easy walking distance, promoting a leisurely exploration of the city's dining scene.
What makes this food tour different and mysterious is that participants do not know the exact restaurants or dishes in advance, adding an element of surprise and adventure to the experience.
Cost: Starting at $75 per person
Flavour Trails is a program that celebrates regional food and agriculture, fostering community connections and supporting local economies. The program features self-guided tours across different regions, allowing participants to explore and connect with local farmers, food producers, and businesses.
Downtown Victoria Flavour Trails Festival: Celebrating the vibrant and diverse array of flavours in Victoria's downtown core, this festival offers cooking classes, workshops, and dishes featuring local, seasonal ingredients. This festival will be available the weekend of April 26-27.
North Saanich Flavour Trails Festival: In partnership with the District of North Saanich and Destination Greater Victoria, this festival celebrates local farmers, fishers, chefs, vintners, brewers, cider makers, distillers, and more. This festival will be available the weekend of August 23-24.
Central Saanich Flavour Trails: This trail invites farms, gardens, organizations, and businesses related to food and agriculture in Central Saanich to participate, showcasing the region's rich agricultural offerings. This festival will be available the weekend of July 12-13.
The Pickle Pub Crawl is one of Victoria’s most unique and fun ways to explore Victoria’s waterfront and pub scene. Instead of walking from bar to bar, participants hop aboard little harbour ferries—nicknamed “pickle boats”—and cruise between four waterfront pubs and restaurants. Along the way, guests enjoy drinks, complimentary appetizers, and stunning views of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
The tour lasts about three hours and is guided by a local host who shares insights about Victoria’s history and culture. It operates year-round, with more frequent departures during the summer months. Guests must be 19 or older, and the tour runs rain or shine.
Although this may seem like a tour intended for visitors, it is a unique way for locals to experience a fun night out.
Cost: $65
This half-day experience takes guests through the vineyards of the Saanich Peninsula, stopping at boutique wineries to sample handcrafted wines and learn about the unique terroir that makes this region so special.
Unlike larger group tours, this experience is completely private, offering a more intimate and personalized journey. Guests are guided through multiple wineries, where they’ll enjoy tutored tastings, meet local winemakers, and gain insight into the diverse grape varieties grown in the area.
Featured Wineries:
Church & State Wines: Known for its award-winning varietals and stunning vineyard views, this winery offers a sophisticated tasting experience.
Deep Cove Winery: Celebrated for its handcrafted wines and warm hospitality, Deep Cove offers a cozy tasting room experience.
Symphony Vineyard: This boutique winery is known for its small-batch wines and serene countryside setting.
The Roost Farm Winery & Bakery: Combining wine tasting with freshly baked goods, The Roost offers a unique farm-to-table experience.
