5 Historical Tours in Victoria That Live Up to the Photos

1.Victoria Guided Food and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,015 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82Our pick

Andy of A Taste of Victoria Food Tours leads a maximum of 12 people through Old Town, Chinatown, and the Inner Harbour. Expect chocolate, tea, biscuits, spring rolls, pierogi, and other local bites, with stories about Victoria’s past and advice on where to eat next. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“Andy was very knowledgable and we had a great walking tour! The local food was excellent and so was Andy's knowledge of the history.”

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2.Great Bears of Bute: Grizzly Bear Viewing & Indigenous Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $457

Travel by heated boat from Campbell River to Orford Bay, watching for whales, orcas, seals, dolphins, and eagles. Homalco guides then lead you by minibus to riverside viewing sites for grizzlies and salmon, with lunch, coffee, cultural stories, and a return boat ride included.

“The best experience ever! I would do this 100 times again. We saw grizzlies, salmons and we loved the nature!”

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3.Historical Victoria Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $18Best value

Start at Victoria’s Inner Harbour and walk with a local guide through Old Town, Bastion Square, Market Square, and Chinatown. Hear stories of public hangings, the old Red Light District, First Nations history, and Fan Tan Alley. Headsets keep the commentary clear, and the group is limited to 15 people.

“Chris did a fabulous job of bringing the colorful history Victoria to life! It was a beautiful day - we really enjoyed it!”

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4.2-Hour Food and History Tour with Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 2 hours · from $84

Meet guide Andy Olson at Phillips Brewing Tasting Room for a two-hour walk through Victoria’s Chinatown and Old Town. Taste food and drinks at local stops, squeeze through Fan Tan Alley, see Market Square and Bastion Square, then finish near the Inner Harbour. The 2.5-kilometre route is wheelchair accessible and runs rain or shine.

“The best way to know a little bit of the city, culture and food! Super highly recommended”

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5.Essence of Victoria: Private Tour of Nature, History & Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Richard guides this private four-hour Victoria tour by comfortable van, combining Beacon Hill Park, coastal views, Craigdarroch Castle, Government House, Oak Bay, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Inner Harbour. You can adjust stops, shop for souvenirs, and choose pickup from a cruise ship, ferry, airport, hotel, or local address.

“Richard brought Victoria alive to our family of 5! We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon drive around Victoria! Breathtaking views and custom stops make this a wonderful sightseeing day! Comfortable van and knowledgable guide!”

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