Culinary tours in Victoria incorporate ingredients from the nearby agricultural regions of the Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula, along with the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America.
Sample west coast cuisine on an urban walking tour with Travel with Taste Culinary Tours, or discover exotic – and tasty – flavours on a trip to Victoria’s Chinatown with Chef Heidi Fink Tours.
For a self-guided culinary tour, venture out to the Cowichan Valley and Saanich Peninsula – both rich farming areas are known for their commitment to “slow food,” and their abundance of farmers markets, farms, orchards and wineries. Find farmers markets in downtown Victoria too.
And don’t miss the cooking schools here in British Columbia’s capital city. Take Victoria cooking classes that incorporate local ingredients and produce dishes ranging from vegetarian to Italian.
Guided Culinary Tours
Revel in the best of Victoria's culinary scene with Travel with Taste Tours. Meet with the people behind the food and wine, such as farmers, vintners or chefs, and munch on tasty charcuteries, fresh cheeses, savoury pâtés and flavourful chocolate – accompanied by Vancouver Island wine. Pick from single or multi-day trips to the Cowichan Valley, Saanich Peninsula or Salt Spring Island, where everything from wild BC salmon, Cowichan Bay Farm chicken, and Salt Spring Island lamb await.
Acclaimed Asian-cuisine chef Heidi Fink leads culinary tours through Canada's oldest Chinatown. Learn about exotic flavours, unusual vegetables, aromatic spices and sauces, and then dig into Chinese barbeque, bakery items and tea.
To combine wine and food in a culinary tour, try a tour with Vine Seekers, which pairs wine tastings with gourmet lunches and interpretive nature walks.
Self-Guided Culinary Tours
Explore the city by foot, bike or transit on a self-guided culinary tour. Choose between restaurants that range from fine dining establishments and ethnic eateries to waterfront fish-n-chip stands and historic gastropubs. Victoria is renowned for its brewing culture: stop by one of the many brewpubs and breweries for pints of craft beer.
In summer, visit the Bastion Square farmers market (Thursday and Friday) and Moss Street farmers market (Saturday) to find local ingredients for inspiring dishes. Browse the stalls and pick up plump tomatoes and strawberries, sweet honey, artisan breads and more. There's artwork and crafts, too. Head to Sidney (a 25-minute drive) to find more local wares at the Sidney Night Market (Thursdays in summer).
Victoria Cooking Schools
Culinary classes in Victoria – along with restaurants and culinary tours – combine celebrated chefs and fresh, local ingredients from nearby farms in the Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley.
Take a class with award-winning chef and cooking instructor Heidi Fink, who has shared her recipes, cooking techniques and enthusiasm with students for more than 10 years. Choose from more than 40 hands-on or demonstration classes (most of which are vegetarian) that cover a variety of global cooking styles.
At Cook Culture, a kitchen store and culinary school, cook alongside local chefs – some from Victoria’s best restaurants – in hands-on classes, or join a demonstration class to learn how to prepare quick and nutritious meals. Some in-store demonstrations are offered free of charge. Classes cover many foods and topics: Thai food, vegetarian meals, artisan breads and more.
Straightforward techniques, fresh ideas and seasonal recipes all come together at French Mint. Sit back, enjoy delicious samples and watch a professional provide culinary tips in one of the demonstration lessons, or work in pairs alongside an instructor in a hands-on course limited to four people. Thirty classes ensure there is something for everyone.
Antichi Sapori (Italian for "old world taste"), offers Italian cooking lessons from expert instructors, one of whom grew up near the Colosseum in Rome. Classes take place in the instructor's home; food is prepared in the kitchen and served on a large table overlooking the ocean. Make tasty polenta, ravioli, gnocchi, and more.
Festivals and Events
Celebrate Victoria's love affair with food and wine at one of its annual festivals. The popular Taste Victoria (July) is a favourite among locals. Meet top chefs from Vancouver Island and participate in tastings, seminars and demonstrations.
Dine al fresco with Feast of Fields (September) where culinary creations by local chefs are sampled in a roving roster of locations that has included a sheep farm and winery.
The Island Chef’s Collaborative “Defending Our Backyard” event (August) not only features local food, but aims to promote the people behind it with sustainable demonstrations and informative talks.
Practical Points
- The peak season for culinary touring in Victoria is between March and October, although some tours are offered year-round.
- Tours may require advance booking.
- Check with local Visitor Centres for maps, information on transportation and trip ideas.
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