Evening Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Victoria without the hassle of reservations or long waits, the Evening Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour might just be your cup of tea. This 2.5-hour walking experience offers a taste of the city’s best food and drinks, all curated by local experts. From wine and cheese to craft cocktails and dessert, it’s a leisurely way to get a feel for the city’s lively dining culture.

What really catches our eye about this tour is its focus on quality. Each of the three stops is carefully chosen, and you’ll get to sample award-winning dishes paired with drinks that complement their flavors. Plus, the guide, Kathy, clearly makes the experience engaging and informative—something many reviewers mention as a highlight. On the flip side, it’s a fairly curated experience with a set schedule, so if you’re craving more flexibility or a more intensive dining experience, this might feel a bit light.

This tour is ideal if you’re a food enthusiast, enjoy a relaxed pace, and want a taste of Victoria’s hospitality scene all in one evening. It’s also perfect if you prefer guided outings where planning is taken off your plate. Families or groups who enjoy easy walks combined with good food will find it suits their style well.

Key Points

• Curated Experience: The tour is designed by experts to maximize your tasting experience without the fuss of reservations.
• Varied Tastes: Sampling at three different award-winning restaurants offers a well-rounded introduction to Victoria’s food scene.
• Inclusive Drinks: Each stop includes one alcoholic beverage, from wines to cocktails, adding a sophisticated touch.
• Convenient & Hassle-Free: Skip long waits and planning, with everything organized for you and your group.
• Beautiful Setting: The final stop at the historic Empress Hotel provides a gorgeous backdrop for dessert and drinks.
• Small Group: With a max of 12 travelers, it remains intimate and engaging, perfect for meaningful conversations and easy mingling.

What You’ll Experience on the Tour

The First Stop: L’Apero Wine & Cheese Bistro

The tour kicks off at L’Apero, a picturesque spot where you’ll indulge in Raclette, a decadent alpine dish. A whole wheel of cheese is melted over a fire and poured onto your plate—think gooey, savory goodness. This is a great way to start, especially if you enjoy cheese and wine pairings. The reviews sing its praises, with travelers saying they loved the great food and drinks, and appreciate the elegance of the setting.

The experience here is not just about eating but about appreciating how wine and cheese come together, making it a perfect opener that sets a relaxed, indulgent tone.

The Second Stop: Courtney Room

Next, you’ll head over to the Courtney Room, an award-winning restaurant that showcases the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Chef Brian Tesolin prepares a series of appetizers that highlight local ingredients—think farm-to-table bites that exemplify Victoria’s culinary richness.

You’ll sip on wine while nibbling on thoughtfully crafted small plates. Reviewers describe the dishes as delicious and showcasing the regional flavors beautifully. This stop underscores the tour’s focus on quality over quantity, giving you a taste of the local food scene in a more upscale setting. The atmosphere here is refined but welcoming, perfect for those who appreciate well-made food paired with thoughtful drinks.

The Final Stop: The Empress Hotel’s Q at the Empress

Wrapping up inside the iconic Empress Hotel, the tour’s grand finale is at Q at the Empress, a restaurant inside a historic building that’s been part of Victoria’s identity for over a century. Here, you’ll enjoy dessert and a gin and tonic, giving you a sweet and spirited finish to the evening.

Guests love the stunning hotel views, and the setting adds an extra layer of elegance to the experience. The reviews highlight the fantastic guide, Kathy, who makes sure the group feels comfortable and informed, and the delicious bites and drinks that cap off the night perfectly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers a lot in its price of $148.47 per person. You get one alcoholic beverage at each stop, including wine samples and cocktails, along with small bites from each restaurant. The food covers a range of styles—from cheese and wine to farm-to-table plates and dessert—giving you a well-rounded tasting experience.

However, gratuities are not included, so it’s worth keeping in mind if you want to tip your guide for their effort. The tour is mobile ticketed, making check-in straightforward, and it’s designed for a moderate physical activity level, so expect some walking but nothing too strenuous.

The Real Feel from Previous Travelers

Many folks rave about the knowledgeable guide, Kathy. One reviewer said, “Kathy was a wonderful guide,” and others echoed her engaging personality and depth of local knowledge. The food and drinks also earn high praise; comments like “the drinks both the wines and cocktails were very good,” and “all three places we visited were wonderful” show how consistent quality is across the stops.

Several mention how relaxing and enjoyable the evening was, with little walking required and no stress about reservations or planning. Guests also appreciate how the tour offers beautiful views and a sense of Victoria’s hospitality, especially in the historical setting of the Empress Hotel.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: Starting at 7:00 pm, it’s perfect for an evening out. You’ll end just a five-minute walk from the starting point, making logistics simple.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 12, the vibe remains intimate and friendly.
• Price: At around $148, the value comes from curated tastings, expert guides, and avoiding the hassle of reservations.
• Booking: Most travelers book about 7-8 weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you’re particular about dates.
• Accessibility: The tour can be suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, but expect some walking around the city streets and restaurants.
• Cancellation: Flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start—useful if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a food lover keen to explore Victoria’s culinary scene without the stress of planning individual reservations, this tour is a solid choice. It also works well if you appreciate a relaxed pace, high-quality food and drinks, and an opportunity to learn about local flavors in a beautiful setting.

Travelers looking for a comfortable, guided experience that combines food, drink, and sightseeing will find this a rewarding outing. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy small groups, want to skip long waits, and are interested in a tasteful, curated evening that showcases Victoria’s hospitality.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 7:00 pm.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?
The experience involves some walking and moderate physical activity, so it’s best for those with a moderate fitness level.

Are drinks included?
Yes, each stop offers one alcoholic beverage, including wine, cocktails, and a gin and tonic at the end.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible if needed.

Is this a family-friendly experience?
While not explicitly aimed at children, the tour’s relaxed pace and focus on food and drinks make it suitable for older teens or families with adults.

Where does the tour end?
It concludes inside the historic Empress Hotel, just a short walk from the starting point.

In all, the Evening Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour offers a thoughtfully curated, relaxed way to taste Victoria’s best bites and sips. It’s a good pick for anyone who wants to experience a slice of local life, enjoy beautiful views, and sample top-notch food without the fuss. Just remember, it’s best suited for those who enjoy guided outings, moderate walking, and a focus on quality rather than quantity.