About this experience
This small-group culinary experience explores Canada’s oldest Chinatown and the atmospheric streets of Old Town through the lens of Victoria’s most exciting restaurants. Designed and curated by award-winning food writer and restaurant judge Bonnie Todd, this tour blends refined tastings with expert storytelling and insider access built over 14 years in the industry.
Enjoy generous, chef-driven tastings from carefully selected culinary partners — including elevated South Indian cuisine, refined farm-to-table plates, handcrafted dumplings, standout tacos, artisan pastries, craft beer, and more.
Between tastings, your professionally trained guide brings the neighbourhoods to life with immersive storytelling — from the legacy of Canada’s oldest Chinatown to hidden architectural details and layered cultural history in Old Town. Yes, you’ll wander down Fan Tan Alley — but you’ll understand why it matters.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr 30 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Local guide
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Food tasting
Not included
- Gratuities (recommended) for tour guide
Itinerary and highlights
Your experience begins at our central meeting location where you’ll be welcomed by your professionally trained guide and introduced to the small group - including a tasting!
The tour spends approximately 30 minutes exploring Canada’s oldest Chinatown while enjoying multiple curated tastings from respected local culinary partners. Between bites, your guide shares the cultural history, architecture, and stories that shaped this vibrant district.
Don't just walk through Fan Tan - truly experience it with a guide to bring it to life through stories. This photogenic street is ripe with history and has a ton of hidden treasures that only a local guide can reveal. We of course will also taste some delicious food here.
Next, we transition into Old Town, walking through Market Square and along heritage brick streets. Over the next 45–60 minutes, you’ll enjoy additional chef-driven tastings — from globally inspired cuisine to elevated local favorites — while learning how Victoria’s dining scene has evolved over the past century.
Meeting and pickup information
- We meet at our first foodie stop, Maiiz Nixtamal. Please not your guide will meet you in front of the restaurant, they will be holding a clipboard and wearing a nametag. This restaurant opens at 11am.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Off the Eaten Track
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum drinking age is 19 years. We have a non-alcohol sample for youth and for those looking for a non-alcohol experience
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, we need to know of any dietary issues before the tour starts.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please triple check the date that you booked. We can not reschedule your tour if you miss the date - you will have to re-book at full cost.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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