The 10 Best Walking Tours in Victoria, Vancouver Island

September 9, 2021 Milan Banda

Victoria is a thriving city of heritage architecture and time-honored traditions like afternoon tea. With the ocean at its doorstep and wilderness in its backyard, it’s also a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find everything from a world-class science and natural history museum to a blooming public park where peacocks roam freely, plus a range of unique shops, cafes and restaurants. And more cycling routes than any other Canadian city, providing a great way to explore the scenery.
Restaurants in Victoria

1. Victoria BC's Secret Streets and Hidden Alleyways

Gate of Harmonious Interest, Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R5, Canada LinkUp Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We take you through some alleys and streets that most people never get to see when visiting Victoria. You'll learn about Victoria's history, fun facts about the city and get the best recommendations for places to visit and stuff to do while in Victoria BC.

Inclusions: City Map of Downtown Victoria with the Best Local Hot Spots to visit

Exclusions: Gratuities

2. Mystical Rainforest Tour: Forest Bathing & Nature Mysticism

Francis King Regional Park - Main Parking Lot, Munn Rd, Saanich, BC V9E, Canada Elemental Magick
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Mystical Rainforest Tours: Embark on a mindfulness based stroll through the wild enchantment of a Temperate Rainforest. Experience Forest Bathing: Being immersed in the healing energies of a Forest. Seeing, touching, tasting, smelling & listening to the vibrant presence & ecosystem that brings the forest to Life. Practice the art of Nature Mysticism: Come to the realization that you are part of something much greater than yourself. Tune into the life force of a mystical rainforest while listening to the uplifting sounds of a Tibetan Singing Bowl. Participate in a guided visualization exercise - Imagine that you are a tree, feeling grounded to the earth beneath you, while listening to a selection of music blending in with the peaceful sounds of the surrounding forest. Cap off your tour with an encounter with a 650 year old Douglas fir, acknowledging Mother Nature as your host.

Inclusions: Local guide, Guide in fluent in ASL (American Sign Language)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)

Reviewed By AsliPandey

John Fraser the creator of Elemental Magick Holistic adventures is a super awesome soul. I always wanted to experience the rich dense forest of some part of Canada & our experience with our guide "John" just took our forest experience onto a next level. Just walking in the forest is not the same when you literally bathe & meditate in the forest engaging all our 5 senses in it. Never thought that a forest could be experienced like this & with John we entered into a unseen surreal experience of the forest. We will recommend that if you wanna heal yourself & get rid of your worries and anxieties then this experience of Forest bathing with Elemental Magick is a must & you won't be disappointed. Thank you John for this outstanding experience. Another awesome day in life.

3. Chocolate & Churches Walking Tour

812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3, Canada Off The Eaten Track
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Victoria has an abundance of two great things; beautiful historic churches and delicious chocolate. Join us on a guided walking tour that combines a history and an architectural tour of places of worship with a food tour where we will indulge in chocolate from local businesses. On this guided tour we will visit 3 places of worship including St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Christ Church Cathedral, and St. Andrew's Cathedral. Guests will hear stories of how they came to be and what makes them architecturally significant. Come hungry as we will visit six local businesses sure to satisfy the chocoholics in the group! Stops include historic Roger's Chocolates, Chocolats Favoris, Bon Macaron, Crust Bakery, La Taquisa, and the new Chocolate & Co, a collaborative shop of local chocolatiers. A perfect tour for history buffs and chocoholics!

Inclusions: Guests are treated to multiple chocolate treats including macarons, handmade chocolates, a mole taco and a decadent drinking chocolate.

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Reviewed By Rolie T

This was a fun and informative day for us. We have lived in Victoria all our lives and yet we learned all kind of interesting tidbits about its history. The guide was very knowledgeable. We discovered many great little shops that we will go back to in the future. highly recommend the tour.

4. Small-Group Zipline Adventure

5128c Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0E2, Canada Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours
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5.0 based on 78 reviews

Experience an exhilarating outdoor adventure that takes place on 100 acres of coastal temperate rainforest with magnificent mountain and ocean views. All tours are fully guided by our professionally trained staff who make the experience carefree and comfortable while offering educational insight into the wildlife, history, and natural beauty of the West Coast. Shuttle service to and from our location, 8 ziplines, 2 suspension bridges, and a 10 minute Unimog ride up to the top of the zipline course are included in your adventure.

Inclusions: 2-hour zipline tour, Shuttle service (if option selected), All necessary equipment is provided

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By MorphyNeo

Great value for money - $60 each for a private group of 4. Boston and Chloe were great and made us feel totally safe and were fun to be with. Highly recommend adding this to your itinerary

5. Victoria Guided Food and History Tour

Victoria Public Market at the Hudson, 1701 Douglas St #6, Victoria, BC V8W 0C1, Canada A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
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4.9 based on 699 reviews

This 2-hour tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes stops at The Harmonious Gates of Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government St., the Inner Harbour, and the Parliament Buildings.  Depending on the day, there are between 6-8 tastings along the route as we discuss the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria, B.C.  Tastings can include bread, macarons, meatballs, pierogies, southern biscuits, spring rolls, tea, chocolate, craft beer, and much more!

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By SKprairiemom

This was a fantastic way to see some of downtown Victoria from someone who lives and loves what he does - Andy lives right down by the harbour/Chinatown and knew so much about the area. Stops were each unique and places we’d seen on our previous strolls but hadn’t considered going in! COVID protocols followed and while not necessarily good for business, the smaller group made for a very personal experience - 5/5!

6. Victoria Canopy Zipline Tour

BLDG #15, Entrance, WildPlay Adventure Parks West Shore Victoria, 1767 Old Island Hwy, Victoria, BC V9B 1J1, Canada WildPlay
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4.9 based on 9 reviews

The Victoria WildPlay Canopy Zipline tour includes a six zipline adventure with four fun bridge games throughout the course. The Canopy Zipline is a fully guided experience, so all guest can enjoy the incredible views as they explore the stunning coastal rainforest from up in the tree canopy.

Inclusions: Certified Guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges, All necessary equipment

Exclusions: Food and drinks available onsite, not included., Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Appropriate clothing

Reviewed By D K

My teenaged kids can do the Classic course in an hour if they don't need to wait for anyone ahead of them so we decided to do the Extreme for an extra $10 (which is cheap considering you paid $45 + tx to do the Classic). It's a lot higher up and definitely more challenging with rope climbing, walking on swinging logs, round balls and monkey bars. Definitely tiring but nicely ended with some ziplines. I was told the Nanaimo one was a bit harder but not as high! They got through this one in 30-40 minutes. Not as busy as the Classic course but definitely another level harder. Staff were great on talking you through tough spots, rescues (yes, my kid couldn't unhook her clasp at one of the obstacles) and wore masks. Hand sanitizers located in spots throughout the property. Harnesses are sanitized. Wear layers and comfortable clothing. Way busier in the summer than during school months. Not sure if there are real washrooms on-site or a port-a-potty so be prepared. I called ahead to avoid coming during any group bookings. Good value, great exercise, and in the great outdoors.

7. Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour

812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3, Canada Off The Eaten Track
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4.9 based on 26 reviews

DON'T BE A TOURIST, BE AN EXPERT FOODIE EXPLORIST! On this fun and tasty tour we take you to our favorite hidden gems in the downtown core serving up delicious multi-cultural cuisine that is unique to Victoria led by a local foodie expert guide. ON THE MENU: savoury baked goods from one of Canada's best bakery, a Bahn Mi sandwich, charcuterie from a local deli, Middle Eastern street food, authentic tacos, a unique tea, and a selection of macarons! Make new friends, meet local business owners, hear stories about history, get amazing insider tips about where to eat next, and avoid tourist trap eateries with the help of a local guide. VEGETARIANS WELCOME! WHY DO THIS TOUR? * You are an adventurous soul that wants to try new things * You have a passion for finding small hard-to-find local businesses that aren't tourist driven * You want a local authentic experience and want to eat food made by locals

Inclusions: Professional guide, Food and drink tastings, Afternoon tea, Lunch, Local guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By Rolie T

This was a fun and informative day for us. We have lived in Victoria all our lives and yet we learned all kind of interesting tidbits about its history. The guide was very knowledgeable. We discovered many great little shops that we will go back to in the future. highly recommend the tour.

8. Victoria Kids Aerial Adventure Course

BLDG #15, Entrance, WildPlay Adventure Parks West Shore Victoria, 1767 Old Island Hwy, Victoria, BC V9B 1J1, Canada WildPlay
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4.8 based on 4 reviews

Enjoy the serenity of getting away in nature on this aerial adventure for kids in Victoria, British Columbia. In Victoria, the Kids Adventure Course is the coolest urban escape. Obstacle games are cleverly hidden among the towering trees and rocky terrain of the city's west shore. Face the challenge and discover the excitement of suspended aerial-obstacle games and zip lines. The Kids Adventure Course includes two rounds of confidence-building games and obstacles. Kids explore independently (while chaperones cheer them on).

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Certified guide, Harness

Exclusions: Food and drinks available on site, not included, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By D K

My teenaged kids can do the Classic course in an hour if they don't need to wait for anyone ahead of them so we decided to do the Extreme for an extra $10 (which is cheap considering you paid $45 + tx to do the Classic). It's a lot higher up and definitely more challenging with rope climbing, walking on swinging logs, round balls and monkey bars. Definitely tiring but nicely ended with some ziplines. I was told the Nanaimo one was a bit harder but not as high! They got through this one in 30-40 minutes. Not as busy as the Classic course but definitely another level harder. Staff were great on talking you through tough spots, rescues (yes, my kid couldn't unhook her clasp at one of the obstacles) and wore masks. Hand sanitizers located in spots throughout the property. Harnesses are sanitized. Wear layers and comfortable clothing. Way busier in the summer than during school months. Not sure if there are real washrooms on-site or a port-a-potty so be prepared. I called ahead to avoid coming during any group bookings. Good value, great exercise, and in the great outdoors.

9. Historical Chinatown Walking Tour

1681 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 0A1, Canada Ghostly Walks Walking Tours
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4.8 based on 16 reviews

Savor the sights, sounds and stories of Canada's oldest Chinatown on this 90-minute walking tour. Follow in the footsteps of gold miners, merchants, laborers and revolutionaries as you weave your way along Chinatown’s main streets and then into Fan Tan Alley (the city’s most infamous thoroughfare).

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: If visiting the Tam Kung Temple, an optional donation of $1/person is recommended, Gratuities

Reviewed By BarN417

Brynne was an excellent host, I had so much fun and learned a lot about Victoria history. And I was definitely a bit spooked at the end of the night!

10. Victoria Welcome Tour: Private Tour with a Local

First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd, Victoria, BC V8T 1A8, Canada Lokafy
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1.0 based on 1 reviews

With our walking tours, you’ll skip the mundane historical tours and discover the city through a local’s eyes. Experience a tour that will transform the way you travel to make it as much about the people you meet, as it is the places you see. Our local guides (Lokafyers) are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and perspective. Since Lokafyers are not professional guides and tour occasionally, they provide an experience that’s authentic and personal, like a friend showing you around their city. By the end of the tour, you'll feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay.

Inclusions: Local guide "Lokafyer", Customized private walking tour

Exclusions: Entrance fees, Personal expenses, Tips and gratuities (optional), Food and drinks, Local transportation around the city (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)

Reviewed By radiostayrockbrazilt

guide couldn't speak English properly and she was a student, how had finished high school I guess and no basic knowledge o history of her own country ahahaha . wellit was a waste of money, next time we travel to Europe we rather book a REAL/ LICENSED travel guide who knows a bit at least of history of his/her own country !! don' waste time with lokafy, if you wanna good service pay a biiit more and get a professional or somebody who know what he/she's doing !

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