Boosting a temperate climate year-round with its location on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria, British Columbia is known internationally as the City of Gardens. The city has an annual flower count dating back to the 1970’s, the total number of blooms counted in 2018 was over 3.4 billion. Foodies will delight with the abundance of amazing food and wine tour offerings. Check out these and other amazing ways to experience this beautiful area.
Take a unique walking tour of Victoria that combines a history lesson and modern food. Explore three historic areas, Chinatown, Victoria Public Market, and Market Square. Enjoy 10+ samples of food and beverages from 7 to 8 stops. Sample local craft beer, an Indian infused poutine, hand pies, locally roasted coffee and much more. This two hour Modern Chinatown Food History Tour departs at 11 am Tuesday- Friday and is offered from March 1st through the end of the year. Cruise Friendly Refund Policy applies.
The Downtown Victoria Food Tour is also available with departures at 2:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday beginning in November 2022. Historic sights on this tour include Inner Harbour, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, The Royal Theater, bustling Ford Street and more. Downtown Food City Tour includes 10+ samples at 6 to 7 foodie stops.
The Eat Like a Canadian Food Tour offers 15+ samples of food and drink at 7-8 stops. A Guided tour of Fisherman’s Wharf, Inner Harbour, and Government Street is included. Sampling of Canadian dishes poutine, local Seaford, and maple syrup are included. Eat Like a Canadian Tour departs at 2 pm daily beginning in June.
Chocolate and Churches! Take a guided tour of Victoria including Government Street and Downtown. Make stops at Rogers’ Chocolates, Chocolats Favors, Bon Macaron, and Chocolate & Co. Enjoy 8 chocolate samples including chocolate cream, macarons, a mole sauce, and chocolate tart. Sightsee at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Andrews’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral along the way. Chocolate Churches Food Tour lasts 2 hours and is offered daily.
If Whale Watching is on your vacation to do list, this tour has a 98% success rate in sightings and leads the industry. This 3.5 hour tour on an open boat is a very comprehensive whale and wildlife experience. Hats, gloves, sunscreen, binoculars, blankets and marine guides are provided. Open Boat Whale Watching Tour is offered twice daily from May 1st through October 31st. A Semi-Covered Boat experience, Open Boat Sunset Experience, and Semi-Covered Boat Sunset Experience are also available.
Enjoy a luxury private city tour of Victoria and Butchart Gardens for up to 7 people. This tour can be personalized to fit your interests and activity level. In addition to the gardens stops can include Fisherman’s Wharf, Lieutenant Governor’s Mansion, Parliament buildings, inner harbor, downtown, Chinatown, Emil Carr’s house, Empress hotel, James Bay heritage community, and historical landmarks. This 4 hour Luxury Private City Tour of Victoria and the Butchart Gardens is offered daily and has a Cruise Friendly Refund Policy and Back to the Ship Guarantee. A shorter private tour without a stop at Butchart Gardens is also available.
Spend the day visiting some of Canada’s largest and most diverse National historic sites. Visit Hatley Castle, Fort Rudd, CFB Esquimalt with a possible stop at Macaulay Point. Private Historical Tours of the Islands National Defence Tour lasts 6 hours and is offered daily.
Get out of the city on this private Waterfalls, Coombs, and Cathedral Grove Rain Forest experience. This all day experience starts with a scenic drive over the Malahat summit up to the island past Nanaimo to Coombs. Visit Englishman River Falls, and the country village of Coombs. Experience the Little Qualicum Falls and Cathedral Grove. Private Waterfalls, Coombs, and Cathedral Grove Rain Forest is offered daily.
Another opportunity to get out of the city is this private Sooke to Port Renfrew tour. Visit Sooke, French Beach, Jordan River, and China Beach. Also see Botanical Beach, Port Renfrew and possibly Avatar Grove. Explore sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and old growth forests, home to some of the world’s oldest and largest trees. This day long Discover Sooke To Port Renfrew tour is offered daily.
Take a hike along the South Coast of Vancouver! Depart from downtown Victoria for a 45 minute scenic drive to your destination. Once you arrive you will gear up for the hike. Hike through rainforest to a historic copper mine before heading down to explore the rugged coastline. After some time exploring make your way back to the pickup point for the drive back to Victoria. Private Scenic Coastal Hike lasts 4 hours and is offered daily.
Explore the Cowichan Valley Vineyards in the scenic countryside on this private wine tasting tour. Stops are at 3 and possibly 4 vineyards. Typical vineyards include Enrico, Rocky Creek, Blue Grouse, Merridale Cidery, Unsworth, Zannata, Cherry Point and Venturi Schulze. This 6 hour Private Cowichan Valley Wine Tour is offered most days except Sundays.
Another private wine experience is the Saanich Valley Vineyards. This area is only 20 minutes from the city. Typical vineyards visited include Muse Winery, Church and State, Victoria Spirits, De Vine Vineyard, Symphony, and Sea Cider. This 6 hour Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour is offered daily and is customizable.