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Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria

355 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 355 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Victoria, Canada
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (6) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Food tasting
  • Local guide
  • Gratuities (recommended) for tour guide
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

540 Fisgard Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1R4, Canada

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

538 Yates St #
Victoria, BC V8W 1K8, Canada

The end location is roughly a 15 minute walk to the starting location.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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MAiiZ Nixtamal Eatery & Tortilleria

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!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site

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.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Fan Tan Alley

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Market Square

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-7021P7

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
355 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 355 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
335
4 stars
12
3 stars
4
2 stars
3
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (6) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Food tasting
  • Local guide
  • Gratuities (recommended) for tour guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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