Tianna ClarkeAfter promising ourselves a fitter and healthier year, we started to track every calorie we consume, even when dining out.
But joining food tours is a different story. After all, these tours come with several walks around the area, which also doubles as a great excuse to consume more calories than we ever needed.
So if you want to explore Vancouver through a gastronomical adventure, these tours are the tastiest way to do it. Continue reading, pick your comfiest shoes, and get ready as your jeans are about to give up!
1. Vancouver Foodie Tours
Media credit: @vanfoodietours
Website: https://foodietours.ca/
Address: 1494 Old Bridge St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S6
Contact Details: +1 604-295-8844
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
If you need a good introduction to Vancouver’s food scene, then going for Vancouver Foodie Tours is the way to go. And if you prefer a tour that feels like you’re just going around with a friend, then you’ll love their unscripted tours too.
Here, the tour guides will make sure to cover different food choices so you can get a taste of almost every cuisine in just one go. You’ll also get a chance to know more about the vendors’ stories, which will make you appreciate whatever you’re eating.
There were really good portions from each restaurant, that’s why we took advantage of the walking tour in between these Vancouver restaurants.
The best part is that, our tour guide also took the time to highlight every architectural or historical spot while we moved around the city.
They’re also a great option for big groups, as this food tour guide ensures you all stay together throughout the trip. In fact, they’re an ideal pick for first-time visitors to Vancouver.
It’s also great that they can accommodate clients with accessibility needs. One of us used a mobility scooter, and they made sure we got through the crowd with ease.
Pro tip:
If you want to beat the crowd, consider a private food tour, especially if you’re planning to go out on a Sunday.
2. Taste Vancouver Food Tours
Media credit: @tastevantours
Website: https://tastevancouverfoodtours.com/
Address: S #300, 601 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1
Contact Details: +1 604-767-4132
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Another food tour that will give you the chance to know more about Vancouver’s history in between food stops is through Taste Vancouver Food Tours.
They normally have breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner food tours, so you can easily choose which times work best for you. Of course, if you’re after the historical spots, we recommend choosing a daytime food tour!
The tours normally last up to three hours, which includes the food crawl and the actual walking tour. Rachel, one of their tour guides, was really funny, so you can try to ask for her if you want someone that will keep the crowd engaged.
They’re also mindful of the time, so if you’re planning another tour afterward, you can definitely schedule that without any worry.
What we liked about this food tour provider is that they accommodate different dietary needs, even if you’re not on a private tour. Just make sure to inform them during booking, so they can make necessary arrangements before the food tour.
When it comes to drinks, you’ll have the privilege to choose between alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Just be easy on the alcoholic ones especially if it’s your first restaurant stop (unless you prefer walking around a little tipsy!).
Pro tip:
If you’re joining an afternoon food tour, consider skipping the heavy dinner. After almost seven restaurants, you’ll surely be too full for a heavy meal at night.
3. Secret Food Tours
Media credit: @secretfoodtours
Website: https://www.secretfoodtours.com/vancouver/
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
We always hear about Secret Food Tours from our colleagues, so we figured it was time to see what the fuss is all about. They’re also a great option if you prefer to go with a small group.
There are also 12 people in one group, so you’ll really get the attention you want. And if you prefer it to be more intimate, you can even book for a private food tour session.
Here, you can enjoy poutine with a twist, gourmet Asian treats, some authentic Mexican tacos, a crowd-favorite pistachio baklava, Turkish coffee, and of course, a secret dish from Secret Food Tours!
Their food tours normally go for three hours and a half. Just take note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included in their package, so make sure to prepare these arrangements on your end.
And oh, the start and end spots for this tour are near public transits so you don’t have to worry about your transportation.
Pro tip:
This food tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so plan your trip accordingly.
4. A Taste of Victoria Food Tours
Media credit: @atasteofvictoriafoodtours
Website: https://www.tourismvictoria.com/things-to-do/attractions/a-taste-of-victoria-food-tours
Price: Starts at $74.75 per adult
If you only have two hours to spare for a gourmet walking tour, then you can highly consider A Taste of Victoria Food Tours. Your group is also limited to 12 people to ensure their personalized service.
Here, you’ll get to see the famous Victoria Public Market first before you make your way to the Parliament buildings.
Some of the food that you can try here are chocolates, tea, pierogi, and spring rolls. You won’t be too full towards the end of the food tour as the servings are just enough, so you can plan that dinner afterwards.
Meanwhile, morning schedules are also available. We prefer morning food tours since the historical sights are less crowded during that time.
For those of you who are planning to bring their kids, you can conveniently bring their strollers with you. Even better, their transportation is also accessible for those on wheelchairs.
Pro tip:
At the end of your tour, don’t forget to request for a list of restaurants from your guide. They will gladly give you more spots to try for the rest of your stay in Victoria.
5. Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour
Media credit: @skoosha
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g154943-d11486376-Gastown_Walking_Gourmet_Tour_Food_Drinks_Local_History-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html
Price: Starts at 209.40 per adult
Gastown is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Vancouver, so make sure to join a walking food tour around this area too. We signed up for the Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour so we could know more about the town’s history.
Since we’re just a small group, we got to enjoy our time taking several pictures on the cobblestone streets, and the historical spots such as the Steam Clock.
Here, you’ll get food tastings from three iconic Gastown restaurants. Spoiler alert: it’s a mix of savory, sweet, and even a Japanese fusion!
Meanwhile, alcohol lovers can enjoy craft beer, wine, and cocktail pairings during this food tour too.
Towards the end of the tour, you’ll also be given an exclusive printed guide of their foodie recommendations—including discounts!
Pro tip:
For those of you who prefer vegetarian and pescatarian options, make sure to advise the tour management upon booking. Just note that gluten-free requirements won’t be accommodated.
6. A Wok Around Chinatown
Media credit: @awokaroundchinatown
Website: http://www.awokaround.com/
Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2
Contact Details: +1 604-736-9508
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: Starts at $102.83 per adult
If you love Asian food, then you shouldn’t skip a trip to Chinatown. And one way to explore it is through A Wok Around Chinatown.
What we loved about this food tour provider is that their guides had a remarkable restaurant experience, so you’ll surely get the best food recommendations during this food tour.
The tour was led by Bob Sung, a local chef and historian in Vancouver. He grew up around the area, so you’ll be surprised to hear several stories in every stop.
We’ve been to Chinatown, but there were certain streets and hidden alleys that we didn’t know existed until Bob walked us through the neighborhood.
It’s a four-hour long food tour, so make sure you have the right headspace. There were multiple stops along the way, so be ready for some information overload too!
Okay, back to the food! Here, you’ll enjoy three tastings while walking around Chinatown, and a full dim sum meal at the end of the tour.
This tour also includes entry to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. And if you want to dive a little deeper into the tea world, you’ll probably enjoy their quick Chinese tea lessons during the tour.
Pro tip:
This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travellers due to its lengthy duration.
7. Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour
Media credit: @granville_island
Website: https://feverup.com/
Price: Starts at $116.66 per adult
For the locals out there, you probably thought that you’ve seen everything in Granville Island. We totally get you, but we were kind of surprised that we haven’t seen most of it after participating in the Granville Island Market VIP food tour.
This guided food tour will only take around two hours, so if you’re looking for a quick food tour around the city, you can highly consider this one.
Visiting the Granville Island Public Market will give you an opportunity to meet its local chefs, producers, and vendors. You’ll also be given several discounts from more than 90 vendors around the market, so it’s a great way to shop for treats and souvenirs.
You’ll also enjoy more than twenty signature Canadian tastings, including 10 food destinations during your food tour. And as cheese lovers, our most favorite was the cheese samplers.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about each cuisine and culture so you can make the most of your trip.
Pro tips:
• Since there are multiple food stops during this two-hour food tour, skip the heavy meal before the tour.
• Consider bringing a tote bag as you’ll probably end up buying several produce from the market.
8. Vancouver Local Taste Trail
Media credit: @islandtrailseries
Website: https://www.byfood.com/experiences/vancouver-local-taste-trail-19895
Price: Starts at $103.96 per adult
For those of you who are looking for the coolest food spots around Vancouver, then make sure to sign up for the Vancouver Local Taste Trail. Here, you’ll get to skip the big names, and just discover hidden gems in the city.
This tour is only limited to eight people, so you can really take advantage of an intimate and personalized food tour experience. And honestly, this food tour has been one of the most relaxed food tours we’ve had in Vancouver.
During this tour, we got to see different homey bakeries and cozy cafes. One minute we were trying smash burgers from a vibrant restaurant, and the next we were enjoying chewy and gooey chocolate chip cookies.
You can also try their local craft beer, cider, and local wine in a pop-up bar. The best part is that you’ll get to enjoy live music while drinking!
Pro tip:
Expect to clock in several steps during this tour. So make sure you have a moderate physical fitness level before signing up for this trip.
9. Taste of North Vancouver
Media credit: @vancouversnorthshore
Website: https://vieamaggi.com/lifestyle/taste-vancouver-food-tours-north-vancouver/
Price: Starts at $108.37 per adult
If you’re curious about North Vancouver’s shipbuilding industry, and want to enjoy food offerings from local vendors then joining Taste of North Vancouver’s food tour would be a nice idea.
It’s an afternoon filled with multiple culinary offerings from Lonsdale Quay Market to the Shipyards District. There’s a total of six food tastings and three alcoholic drinks included in this tour.
Our most favorite part of this trip was the 12-minute ferry ride. So if you’re a fan of skyline views along the waterfront, then you’ll love this as much as we do!
You can also expect the tour guides to share their insights about the place. So make sure to listen while taking photos of the scenery.
Pro tip:
Be prepared to pay your gratuities during this trip. 15-20% of the total price is highly recommended, which you can settle via cash or credit card.
10. Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour
Media credit: @undergrounddonuttour
Website: https://www.undergrounddonuttour.com/vancouver-downtown-gastown-donut-tour
Contact Details: +1 847-606-4288
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: Starts at $75
Since everyone in our group has a sweet tooth, we knew we had to try the Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour too! Here, you’ll get to stop by several cafes and donut shops as you walk around downtown Vancouver.
There are no strict rules here, so even if you haven’t had a proper meal, you can proceed with this walking food tour first. At times, we end up at the dessert table first, so we also don’t mind having donuts as our first meal!
Aside from the sweet varieties, savory donuts will also be coming your way. And if you’re lucky, you can see these donut shops prepare those treats in front of you.
This tour ends at the famous Steam Clock, which is a must-see attraction when you’re in Gastown.
Pro tip:
Consider bringing a small container during your donut food trip. You may want to keep half of each donut along the way so you’ve still got room for more sweets later.
