easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for individuals with basic fitness and the ability to walk or stand for a couple of hours on flat urban paths.
Discover Victoria’s vibrant streets and historic sites on a lively 2.5-hour walking tour with Toonie Tours. Local guides bring the city’s culture and stories to life in an accessible, budget-friendly way.
All Ages | 2.5 Hours | 3km/2miles | Summer | Difficulty Level: Easy
Discover the charm of Victoria on a captivating 2.5-hour walking tour with Toonie Tours. Led by passionate local guides, explore stunning sights like the Inner Harbor, BC Legislature, and the historic Chinatown. This immersive experience combines rich history, vibrant culture, and personal recommendations, making it a memorable adventure for all ages.
Important... While we do accept walk-up participants, our tours regularly sell out. To get your preferred tour and to avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.
All ages: Tips-Based ($25/person tells your guide you have an excellent experience)
2-2.5 Hours
3 km / 1.5 mile walk
Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Centre Meet your guide, holding a red Toonie Tours umbrella, at The Visitor Centre (812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3) right in front of Lululemon.
Minimum 5 - Maximum 25
All ages
Important... While we do accept walk-up participants, our tours regularly sell out. To get your preferred tour and to avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.
Embark on a genuine exploration of Victoria with Toonie Tours, where our Free Walking Tour isn't your typical sightseeing venture—it's an immersive invitation into the heart of the city. From stunning scenic views to captivating history and vibrant culture, we capture all that makes Victoria special. As you stroll through the city with your friendly, local guide, you're not just an observer; you're part of Victoria's ongoing story!
Whether you're a solo adventurer, a family on vacation, or a local rediscovering your city's charm, Toonie Tours promises a Victoria experience like no other. With resonant stories, captivating moments, and a personal touch, this journey is one you'll remember.
Come join us, and let the streets of Victoria unveil their tales, one step at a time, and always in good company.
Welcome to the city! Our tour is the ideal way to kick off your first day, helping you get acquainted with must-see neighborhoods and points of interest. Let's make sure you start your exploration on the perfect note.
We believe that meeting new people is one of the most exciting aspects of travel. Our tour brings together a wonderfully diverse group—from locals to travelers, those with different budgets, and people from all corners of the world. Join us and become a part of this vibrant tapestry of diversity and fun!
We know that we have the best of the best taking you out on tour. Our tips-based model rewards and retains the best-performing guides in the industry. Come see for yourself!
Our friendly, local guides are bursting with awesome suggestions to amp up your trip, and they're excited to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to pick their brains and let the adventure begin!
Guess what? You're in control! With our tips-based tour, you get to decide the price for your awesome experience. Whether you're on a budget or throwing around bills like confetti, we appreciate your gratuities, big or small.
Dive right into the ultimate city experience with our 2.5-hour tour—jam-packed with all the highlights to give you the most bang for your buck. Let's make the most of your time and create some fantastic memories together.
Unbeatable Value. Always. Your time and money are valuable, especially while traveling. We get that. That's why we're your go-to choice for tours. Join our risk-free, Free Walking Tour where you get to decide the price for your awesome experience that’s jam-packed with captivating information, beautiful sights, and local tips delivered by one of our top-notch guides. They're real pros, perfecting their craft daily, fueled by real feedback from awesome folks like you who appreciate the value of tips-based experiences.
Connected Locally & Nationally Our network extends from coast to coast, offering you access to exclusive deals, day trips, events, venues, attractions, and more. Choose Toonie Tours and embark on a journey with the most well-connected guide network in the country.
“We had a great tour experience with our tour guide Forrest! He gave us history, facts, photos, sites, and scary stories that my husband still talks about to this day. The walk was easy and went by super quickly! Thank you, Forrest and Toonie Tours!” Julia, Tripadvisor
“We had an AWESOME tour of Victoria today with our guide Sarah! She was funny, knowledgeable, and fantastically friendly. We learned a tonne of info we would've completely missed otherwise, and she was completely open to all questions. We had a blast and will look out for more of these tours as we travel to more cities. Thank you for a brilliant experience!” Laura, Google
“Stephen was brimming with knowledge and enthusiasm about beautiful historic Victoria. He made everyone on our tour - there were nine of us -- feel welcome and special. We made at least thirteen stops to everything from hidden gems to grand architecture to charming alleys, and throughout he built up a nail-biting story from Victoria's past (complete with photo aids) revealing it all once we arrived at the gorgeous market square. The tour was so well-organized and planned. I'd do it again!” Safaria, Tripadvisor
“Great walking tour of Victoria with Nathan. Made extra effort to get the group to make friends. The tour was relaxed and informative and gave us a good orientation of the city. Thank you for introducing us to the city.” Angiel, Tripadvisor
-Toured Over 35,000 World-Wide Friends Since 2018 -2000 + 5-star Review -Award Winning Tour & Service!*** !Travellers' Choice Award 2020 ![Travellers' Choice Award 2023]
!Victoria !Description of image !Discovery
I’m late, can I catch up with the guide? Our tours kick off right on schedule, so unfortunately, if you’re late, you’re going to miss us. But don’t worry, we’d love to get you on our next tour! Please reserve your spot online or give us a call to book you in. Unfortunately, we’re not able to connect you with the tour once it sets off.
Can I tip using USD, credit card, or other forms of payment? Yes! We accept cash, credit cards, and all foreign currencies. Alternatively, you may send a PayPal or e-transfer to payments@toonietours.ca with a note for which tour and guide it’s for. Thank you!
Can I bring a stroller on the tour? Yes, but be aware that there are some stair sections. For a more stroller-friendly route, consider a private tour.
Where can I find parking at our start location? Parking can be found at Beacon Hill Park for free! Please note it is a 10-15 min walk to the start location, so please plan to arrive early.
Are there any ATMs nearby where I can withdraw Canadian cash? Yes! There are ATMs at our midway stop and final stop.
Can I bring pets? Unfortunately not. In order to respect the comfort of all guests, our tours are human-only. Please consider our private tour to accommodate any pets.
How much walking will I do? Prepare to get your steps in! You will be on your feet for nearly 3 hours, with breaks to sit down throughout the tour. You will cover roughly 5 km or 3 miles on relatively flat city streets. If you have any mobility concerns, we recommend considering a private tour so that we can customize your experience to your comfort.
Is there a restroom break during the tour? Yes! There are restroom facilities located at the start location, midway stop and final location. Your guide will be happy to point them out to you.
Are there any refreshments available during the tour? Yes! We will have a midway stop surrounded by cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, and more! You can also refill water bottles during the break.
Do I have to make a reservation or can I walk up? We regularly sell out these tours, so we highly recommend booking in advance so that you don’t miss out on your preferred day or time. Walk-ups are accepted when space is available.
Should I include children when booking? Yes, please include children in the number of people reserved.
If I cannot make it to the tour, should I let you know?
Yes, please email us at victoria@toonietours.ca. if it’s more than 24 hours notice, or call +1-866-643-1847 if less than 24 hours notice.
Will the tour be canceled because of the weather? Our tours operate rain or shine. In extreme cases, we will contact reservations for cancellations or rebookings. Please dress according to the weather.
Is the Free Walking Tour really free? That’s all in your control. There is no upfront cost when booking directly with us, and you choose how much of a tip to leave with the guide based on your experience and budget. Your generosity through tipping means the world to our guides. It fuels their passion and plays a big part in helping them make a fantastic livelihood. Thank you for making a positive impact!
How much gratuity should I tip at the end of the tour? Your tip should reflect the quality and satisfaction you received from the tour, with consideration of your budget. For those looking for a recommendation, $30/person lets your guide know that they provided great value during the tour.
Why do I need to provide my credit card information when booking? Offering Free Walking Tours exposes us to lots of spam bookings. We utilize the credit card information to verify customers' authenticity. We charge a $2/person fee for all no-shows or late cancellations (less than 24 hours).
If I cannot make it to a morning tour, can I go to the afternoon tour? If there is room left we’re happy to move you to another tour! Please email us at victoria@toonietours.ca. with more than 24 hours' notice, or call +1-866-643-1847 with less than 24 hours' notice to make changes.
I missed my morning tour. What can I do until the afternoon tour begins? There are multiple experiences nearby including: Tour the BC Legislature Building, Emily Carr House, and Miniature World. You’re also a 5-15 min walk from great locations like Chinatown, James Bay, Beacon Hill and Fisherman's Wharf.
What makes Toonie Tours different from other walking tours? Our tours are unique and exceptional every single time. The secret to our success is our award-winning 5-star tour guides, coupled with our tips-based tour model. The Free Walking Tour model rewards and retains the best-performing guides in the industry. Our guides are constantly developing their skills and their stories, getting real-time feedback on every tour to improve and constantly setting the bar higher.
What language(s) do the guides speak? We offer our Victoria tours in English.
Any other questions? We’re easy to reach and happy to help! Call 1-866-643-1847 or email us at victoria@toonietours.ca.
The tour covers about 3 kilometers on city streets, so sturdy, comfortable footwear will keep you comfortable throughout.
Victoria’s weather can shift quickly, so dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket or umbrella to stay dry and comfortable.
The tour operates on a tips-based model—bring some cash or be ready to tip your guide by card to show appreciation.
Tours often sell out, so plan to arrive 15 minutes early or book online to guarantee your place.
Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and Asia’s influence runs deep through the city’s history and architecture.
Victoria emphasizes sustainable tourism with eco-friendly practices to protect its urban green spaces and coastal environment.
An absolute must for navigating city streets comfortably during the tour.
Stay hydrated while walking, especially during warmer months.
summer specific
Layers help adjust quickly to changes in temperature throughout the day.
all specific
Victoria’s weather can be unpredictable; rain protection keeps you comfortable.
spring|fall|winter specific