Bastion Square: Our most recommended tours and activities

Victoria: 2-Hour Food and History Tour with Tastings

1. Victoria: 2-Hour Food and History Tour with Tastings

Join your guide at the Victoria Public Market, an old department store from 1921. After the first tasting at this location, make your way to Canada's oldest Chinatown and discover the Chinese Public School, Gates of Harmonious Interest and Fan Tan Alley. Moving on after 3 tastings in Chinatown, you will discover Victoria's Old Town district with stops at Market Square, Johnson Street, Bastion Square, and the Government Street shopping district.  After 3 more local tastings, you will finish the tour at the Visitor Center in the beautiful Inner Harbour. Here, learn about the Empress Hotel and the British Columbia legislative buildings (Provincial Parliament).  From this location, you will be well-positioned to discover the rest of Victoria or access local transportation to the cruise ship terminal, ferry or airport.

Victoria Harbor: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

2. Victoria Harbor: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Begin in the heart of Victoria's Chinatown where you can check out Fan Tan Alley before making your way through the colorful and historic downtown center. Listen to information about some of Victoria's heritage buildings in the Market Square. Check out some unique architectural features like Waddington Alley and the Johnson Street Bridge. Stop for a bite at Murchie's Tea & Coffee, Garrick's Head Saloon, or Rogers Chocolates before heading to the beautiful inner harbor. Stroll along the water while you marvel at sites like the Grand Empress Hotel, the Royal BC Museum, the Parliament Buildings, and the Steamship Terminal. Walk David Foster Pathway and listen to the facinating commentary. Explore Thunderbird Park and Songhees Point and hear about the different people and creatures that call Victoria their home. Visit as many sights and attractions as you like at your own pace. Save your data with an offline tour.

Victoria: 2.5-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour

3. Victoria: 2.5-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour

Explore Victoria's must-see landmarks and establishments on a fun tips-based walking tour. Victoria is filled with stories that will connect you to its history, architecture, triumphs, and shortcomings. You will hear tales of local legends and guide you to the cities most interesting spots. The tour is filled with recommendations & tips to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Victoria! We start this tour at the BC Legislature Building in front of the Victoria's War Memorial. Your guide will make introductions and go over the expectations for the tour. We find that some guests most enjoyable part of our tours is the opportunity to meet other like-minded and friendly travelers, your guide will make this process easy. Your guide will take you through the legislature grounds, going over the notable sights within. After wrapping the grounds you will cross the street to the Royal BC Museum where you will be introduced to the rich history and culture of the Indigenous that shaped this city, province, and country. For a special happenstance enter the longhouse for a immersive experience with a local indigenous leader. After you will walk over to the Empress hotel, it's name will provide you with a deeper understanding of Victoria, how it came to be and why you may see peacocks about. Across from the Empress hotel is the gorgeous harbor-front where you might catch the world famous water ballet. Continue into the inner downtown of Victoria along Government Street and allow your guide to point out some of their favorite recommendations. Be sure to ask your guide if you're looking for something in particular! Here your guide will amaze you with insights to some a famous poet that lived in Victoria and amazed the world with his literature. Next is Bastion Square, a place with more than a few spooky tales. Bastion Square leads to one of the oldest original built streets in the city, and you'll find out why when you get there. This street takes you to Market Square, a hotspot for unique boutiques that is a must to return to after your tour. Your guide will take you to places the locals aren't even aware of. A beautiful hidden garden for a photo op and then over to the countries oldest Chinatown, and most famously Fan Tan Alley, that made a name for itself when slew of explicit acts were legal in harbor city at the turn of the 19th century. Your knowledgeable local guide will share their personal perspective of this beautiful city. We encourage our guests to get to know everyone in the group and ask any pressing questions they just need to know. To end your guide will lead you to Centennial Square, where you can leave your guide with a gratuity that best reflects your experience. We recommend $25/person, and accept cash or credit card. Be sure to ask your guide for any remaining recommendations or how to get to your next event. Finally say goodbye to Victoria's best first day activity.

Victoria: Self-Guided Audio Tour

4. Victoria: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Tour the romantic and exciting city of Victoria on a self-guided tour. Learn about the city's fascinating history and how it has progressed into the capital of British Columbia. This audio tour will show you the incredible Royal BC Museum, where you are able to see many exhibits and features that make up Victoria. Walk through one of the oldest and vibrant Chinatown's in North America. Then visit other stops such as the Inner Harbour Centre, BC Parliament Building, Emily Carr House, Bastion Square, Fan Tan Alley, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park, Tallest Totem in Victoria, and Mile Zero. Enjoy a memorable tour which encompasses all the highlights of this amazing city. As a self-guided audio tour, you have the power to control your experience. Set the pace and take in the atmosphere.

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What people are saying about Bastion Square

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 42 reviews

The tour was so interesting and informative. It was a really great way to experience many different types of food while seeing so many hidden gems in Victoria. I was traveling alone and this was a great way to see some sites, eat some amazing local food (which I went back to later!) and meet really cool travellers at the same time!

Andy was great and so was the tour. He has about 18 vendors on his list and he rotates daily to 7 or 8 of them. All we visited were terrific and we were very full at the end - just a salad for dinner, thanks! Highly recommended !!!!!!!

Andy was a great tour guide. He's very passionate about food and history which is translated well into the tour. We had a good selection of foods and enjoyed a nice walk downtown Victoria on a beautiful day!

Excellent time spent sampling different foods and interesting historical information of the area. Highly recommend

Finished full of interesting food, local historical facts, and people encounters.