Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Victoria, Vancouver Island

A Taste of Victoria Food Tours is an award-winning 2-hour guided historic walking and food tour through Chinatown, Old Town and the Inner Harbour of beautiful Victoria, B.C., Canada. Along the route guests will take part in 6-8 food tastings, while learning the vibrant history of this beautiful city.

RIDE-N-STYLE & experience the charm of our PRIVATE SPECIALZED TOURS and top rated guides when SIGHTSSEEING in the comfort of our classic convertibles from the 1920,s to the 70's. Locals and tourist since 1999 have enjoyed a memorable, safe, photo friendly, informative, tour that is fun and reasonably priced. Your professional guide will chat about current affairs and LOCAL HISTORY slowly cruising Government st, Scenic Marine Drive to Victoria's residential, commercial, industrial, and world famous attractions like the Inner Harbour. Including F Rattenbury's designed Parliament Building, Empress Hotel & Steam ship Terminal, Dunsmuir's Criagdarroch Castle and the Butchart Gardens, Victoria's Downtown, Old town, Chinatown, Cruise ship Terminal, Rockland, Oak Bay, The Gorge Waterway and Fisherman's Wharf. Our Classic Vehicle sightseeing tours specialising in small group sizes and works well with family groups, physically challenged or elderly senior client's, enabling you to comfortably see and photograph popular sites with the unobstructed top down views out of reach or off limits from Victoria's famous Double Decker Busses, Horse and Buggy, Pedi cabs, Bicycle or Walking Tours.

Come enjoy the ultimate Victoria Kayaking Experience with Ocean River Adventures. Located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, kayaking is a great way to explore our historic city. Join us on one of our Harbour Kayak tours or Sunset Tours. We also offer an Oak Bay Shoreline Kayaking Tour as well as our unique Discovery Island Kayak Tour, recognised as one of the top tours in Victoria. Offering expeditions, tours and courses throughout the Vancouver Island region, our guests will experience all the wild West Coast has to offer. Hands-on education about water and marine conservation is a key theme and we only employ certified guides that respect sensitive ecosystems and species while teaching about the importance of ocean sustainability, preservation and conservation. Victoria’s premier paddling and outdoor adventure company. Want to try something different? We are also a premium stand up paddle tour operator in the southern Vancouver Island and Victoria region.

Kayaking is the best way to see Victoria. We specialize in safe, fun and educational kayak tours of Victoria's Harbour and waterfront. Our floating location at Fisherman's Wharf is a 10 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal and 20 minutes from downtown on the scenic boardwalk. We are the closest kayak shop to the Juan de Fuca straight, so when conditions allow, we will paddle along the coast to the kelp forests and an island the harbour seals frequent. Along the way we may see different shore birds like eagles, osprey, oystercatchers, cormorants, and the great blue heron. Starfish, jelly fish and kelp crabs are usually hiding just below the surface. Kayaking is easy and we make it easier by offering paddling jackets, gloves and a bottle of water. Plus on our kayak launch you won't even get your feet wet!

Join us for a magical sail aboard the historic Tall Ship Duen. Smell the gentle ocean breeze as it lures you away from the dock through Victoria’s bustling Inner Harbour and out into the beautiful Strait of Juan de Fuca. All guests young and old are encouraged to participate in sailing, so come prepared to tug on the sheets that haul the sails! As we cruise towards the magnificent snow-capped Olympic Mountains, take a turn on the bowsprit or see the majesty of the ship under full sail from our inflatable vessel. Relax and savor your picnic or a sip of wine as we keep our eyes peeled for some of BC’s world famous killer whales, or sea lions and bald eagles. We offer three hour sailing trips and 1.5 hour evening cruises, as well as private charters. Contact us today to get on board! Face masks required as of Transport Canada mandate.

**UPDATE** We intend to operate our guided walking tours throughout the winter season 2020-2021. We take the safety of our guests, guides, and restaurant tour partners very seriously. Every guests will be given a complimentary "Covid Safety Kit" that includes a mask, hand wipes, and a soothing tea from The Empress Hotel. Our guides will be wearing masks and we strongly encourage our guests to wear them too. We take a maximum of 6 guests per tour, we offer hand sanitizer throughout the tour, and we will encourage and enforce a 2-metre distance between guests. That being said we are thrilled to continue to offer fun, delicious, and interesting food tours that showcase the amazing culinary scene in Victoria and by joining one of our tours you are supporting multiple small local businesses. Each guest receives a complimentary Eat Like a Local discount card after each tour that you can use to eat & shop after or during the tour. We are excited to host you on our award-winning food tours!

Boyle's Tap - Thursday's for a better tomorrow

Experience the natural beauty of Victoria with a local photographer and long time resident, as he shares with you his favourite vistas and Victoria's hidden gems. Our Natural Beauty Tour offers stunning scenery at 8 stops along our gorgeous coastline (you just have to be able to walk up slight inclines comfortably) - the first stop is only 7 minutes from your downtown hotel, and is among the best value of any Victoria Tour. Our Hike to the Top of Gowlland Tod Park is best short Hike in the area as the views are so spectacular - its moderate in difficulty, but we have had a 3 year old and a 78 year old do it, so you can too! Each tour includes door to door service from your hotel, snack, water, and a professionally taken photo (emailed).

SUP Victoria offers Stand Up Paddleboard rentals, lessons, & tours on the waterways of Victoria. We are 100% mobile business. We will deliver you boards directly to you. Our brand new fleet of SUPS offers something for everyone & our knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer any of your questions. Whether you are looking for a plain old rental, beginner to advanced instruction, a tour, or SUP Yoga - On the water with SUP Victoria is the place to be!