Victoria: Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour

Victoria: Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour

If you’re looking for a way to combine Victoria’s stunning scenery with a taste of its best culinary offerings, the Victoria: Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour might just be your perfect evening. Offered by Off The Eaten Track, this 2.5-hour guided experience takes you through three acclaimed restaurants, each with its own flavor and flair, all while walking past some of Victoria’s most recognizable sights like the Inner Harbor and the Empress Hotel.

What we really like about this tour is its balance: you get enough walking to enjoy the city’s ambiance without it feeling rushed, plus the variety of food and drink keeps things interesting from start to finish. The knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging, sharing stories about Victoria that add context to your surroundings. However, the modest walking distance and the focus on food and drink might not suit everyone, especially if you’re not a fan of walking or have dietary restrictions that are hard to accommodate on a set menu.

This experience is ideal for curious food lovers, couples, or small groups who enjoy authentic, well-curated culinary adventures that highlight local flavors while offering a glimpse of Victoria’s charm.

Key Points

• Three restaurant stops offer a diverse sampling of Victoria’s award-winning cuisine.
• Curated drinks include premium wines and signature cocktails, like the famous Empress G&T.
• Iconic sights such as the Inner Harbor, Fort Street, and the Empress Hotel are part of the walk.
• Expert guides provide engaging stories and context about Victoria’s history and culinary scene.
• Small groups (limited to 10 participants) ensure a personalized experience.
• Weather doesn’t matter — the tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared for the conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Victoria Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour

Starting at L’Apero Wine & Cheese Bistro

The tour begins at L’Apero Wine & Cheese Bistro — a cozy spot known for its thoughtfully curated wine and cheese pairings. Here, you’ll get a chance to sample rare cheeses paired with both BC and international wines. This initial stop is a great warm-up, setting the tone for what’s to come. The staff’s expertise makes this a relaxed yet informative introduction, especially if you’re a cheese lover or simply eager to learn more about wine pairings.

This first part of the tour is praised for its quality and the staff’s knowledge. One reviewer noted, “The wine and cheese pairing was such a treat, and it was obvious the staff knew their stuff.”

A Short Stroll Along Fort Street

After the cheese and wine, you’ll head out for a casual walk down bustling Fort Street. This stretch is lively, full of local shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it a perfect setting to take in Victoria’s charming downtown vibe. The walking portion is about 35 minutes in total, which some may find leisurely, but it’s enough to stretch your legs and enjoy the city’s ambiance.

The Courtney Room: Farm-to-Table Wellness

The next stop is The Courtney Room, a restaurant celebrated for its farm-to-table cuisine. Here, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated cocktail paired with dishes crafted by award-winning chefs. The focus on fresh, local ingredients means you’re getting a true taste of Victoria’s culinary talent. The pairing of cocktails with food elevates the experience, making it both a feast for the palate and a visual delight.

Guests often comment on the elegance of the setting and the quality of the food. One reviewer mentioned, “The farm-to-table dishes at The Courtney Room exceeded my expectations, and the cocktail was perfectly balanced.”

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Final Stop at Q at The Empress

The final stop takes you inside the historic Empress Hotel, where the atmosphere shifts to something more luxurious. Here, you’ll sample the hotel’s famous Gin & Tonic, paired with desserts made by renowned pastry chefs. The setting is stunning, and the desserts are a highlight — rich, beautifully presented, and expertly crafted.

This part of the tour has received high praise for its ambiance and the quality of the desserts. One guest remarked, “Ending at the Empress with their signature G&T and exquisite desserts was the perfect conclusion.”

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $144 per person offers considerable value when you think about the three stops, food, and drinks. You’ll enjoy food at each location, with a total of three drinks, including a wine tasting and two signature cocktails. Beyond the food and drink, the guide shares stories about Victoria’s history and sights, enhancing the experience beyond just eating.

However, gratuities are not included, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for those with dietary restrictions related to dairy or for pregnant women.

Practical Notes for Travelers

Meeting at L’Apero Wine & Cheese Bistro, you’re advised to check in early. The guide will be there 15 minutes before, so arriving on time is key to starting smoothly. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is great for inclusion, but it does involve outdoor walking, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Because it takes place rain or shine, packing a small umbrella or rain jacket is wise. The tour is typically in the evening, making it a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

The Experience of the Guide and Group

Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides, who weave stories about Victoria’s sights and history into the experience. The small group size (up to 10) means plenty of personalized attention and opportunities to ask questions.

How Does the Tour Provide Value?

At $144, this tour offers an immersive introduction to Victoria’s culinary scene without the hassle of planning multiple reservations. The combination of high-quality food, curated drinks, and storytelling makes for a memorable evening. The inclusion of three restaurant stops means you sample a variety of styles — from cheese and wine to farm-to-table dishes and elegant desserts — providing a well-rounded taste of the city’s culinary richness.

The walking component adds a scenic and relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy Victoria’s historic streets and waterfront views. The guide’s insights and the intimate group size ensure you feel engaged and well-informed, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals most to foodies eager to explore local flavors in a relaxed setting, couples looking for a romantic, taste-focused evening, or small groups of friends wanting a social, guided dining adventure. It’s also suitable for visitors who appreciate a mix of cuisine, scenery, and storytelling but may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or specific dietary restrictions that can’t be accommodated.

Final Thoughts

The Victoria Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour offers a balanced and tasteful way to experience the city. It’s a delightful combination of culinary excellence, charming streets, and local storytelling — all wrapped into a manageable 2.5-hour journey. For those who enjoy exploring a city through its food and drink, this tour is a great option, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of booking multiple restaurants yourself.

With highly-rated guides and stunning views, it is especially well-suited for travelers who want an intimate, authentic taste of Victoria’s vibrant food scene without feeling overwhelmed. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your ID, and prepare for a delightful evening of flavors and stories.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tour can be made vegetarian upon request if you notify the provider 12 hours in advance.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, usually held in the evening.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, must be 19+ with valid ID to participate.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card and comfortable shoes for walking.

Does the tour run rain or shine?
Yes, the tour takes place in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

What’s included in the price?
Three restaurant stops with food, three drinks (wine tasting and cocktails), and stories about Victoria’s sights and history.

This detailed look at the Victoria Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour shows it’s a well-rounded, engaging way to enjoy the city’s best flavors and sights in just a few hours. Perfect for those who value quality, storytelling, and a bit of local charm on their culinary journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby