6 Local Tastings, 3 Hours

Vancouver: Gastown Food Tour with 6 Authentic Local Food Tastings

★ 4.8 489 reviews

3 hours, free cancellation.

from $114.89 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Gastown
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Included in the fare

Overview

Six tastings in three hours is the shape of this Gastown walk from Secret Food Tours. You meet a guide outside the Dominion Building on West Hastings Street, recognizable by an orange umbrella, and finish at Mink Chocolates Cafe further west on the same street. Between those two points the route takes in Maple Tree Squares, the Gastown Steam Clock and the Vancouver Lookout, with a pass-by of the Olympic Cauldron, all free to view.

The food itself depends on which departure you pick. The 10am tour adds a fermented veggie toast on house-baked sourdough and a hand-made donut from a shop frying them fresh daily since 1979. The 12pm and 4pm tours instead include a Mexican street-style chicken taco and house-made artisan chocolate. Every departure covers a classic Scotch egg, a slow-roasted pork sandwich carved to order on ciabatta, a salted caramel and dark chocolate dessert bar, and the operator's Secret Dish.

Groups are capped at 12 travellers, and many reviewers describe generous portions, a mix of history and architecture commentary alongside the eating, and guides who give suggestions or directions at the end. It suits visitors who want a walking introduction to downtown Vancouver's food scene with a local guide, and who are comfortable on foot for the full three hours.

What's Included

Included

Classic Scotch Eggs with house seasoning
Handcrafted Dessert Bar, salted caramel and dark chocolate
Secret Dish
Artisan Chocolate, house-made (12pm and 4pm tours only)
Chicken Taco, Mexican street-food style (12pm and 4pm tours only)
Slow-Roasted Pork Sandwich, carved to order on ciabatta
Fermented Veggie Toast on house-baked sourdough (10am tour only)
Hand-Made Donut, fried fresh daily since 1979 (10am tour only)

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet outside Dominion BuildingMeet your guide at 207 W Hastings St, outside the Dominion Building. The guide waits with an orange umbrella.
Maple Tree SquaresA 30 minutes stop, part of the walking route through the area.
Gastown Steam ClockAnother 30 minutes stop.
Vancouver Lookout and Olympic CauldronA 30 minutes stop at the Vancouver Lookout, passing by the Olympic Cauldron.
End at Mink Chocolates CafeThe tour ends at 863 W Hastings St, where the guide offers suggestions or directions for what to do next.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details will help you get the most out of this walk, from departure-specific menu items to footwear.

Departure time matters. The menu shifts with the slot. The 10am tour includes the fermented veggie toast and the hand-made donut, while the 12pm and 4pm tours include the chicken taco and artisan chocolate.
Wear comfortable shoes. The listing warns the tour involves a fair amount of walking and recommends comfortable shoes.
Portions are generous. Several travellers said there was more food than they could eat and left feeling full. A minority disagreed and left hungry, so appetite experiences vary.
History comes with the food. Reviewers often mention the guide's commentary on Vancouver's history, buildings and culture between tastings. Expect a city walk as much as an eating tour.
Group of up to 12. The tour runs with a maximum of 12 travellers. One reviewer enjoyed meeting other people in the group.
Tell them about diets. The listing asks travellers to contact the operator in advance about any dietary requirement so they can cater for it. The menu and itinerary can change based on venue availability, weather and other circumstances.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing notes it is near public transportation. It requires a minimum number of travellers and good weather, and if either causes cancellation you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. One reviewer reported the advertised poutine and secret dish were missing on their run, and another felt the price was high for the amount of food received, so expectations on value can vary. Gratuities and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Common Questions

What Food Is Included On The Tour?

Six tastings are included: a classic Scotch egg with house seasoning, a slow-roasted pork sandwich carved to order on ciabatta, a salted caramel and dark chocolate dessert bar, and a secret dish. The 10am tour also includes fermented veggie toast on house-baked sourdough and a hand-made donut, while the 12pm and 4pm tours include a chicken taco and house-made artisan chocolate.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included. You meet the guide outside the Dominion Building at 207 W Hastings St, and the tour ends at Mink Chocolates Cafe at 863 W Hastings St.

How Long Is The Tour And How Much Walking Is Involved?

The tour lasts 3 hours and involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Stops include Maple Tree Squares, the Gastown Steam Clock, the Vancouver Lookout and a pass-by of the Olympic Cauldron.

Is The Tour Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible. It also notes participants should have no heart problems or other serious medical conditions, though most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

How Big Are The Groups?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travellers. One reviewer mentioned enjoying the chance to meet other people along the way.