If you want to get to know Vancouver properly, let your taste buds be your guide and sample the variety of worldly dishes that showcase the city's diversity.

On a food tour in Vancouver, you can try the nation's most beloved dish — poutine — or experience the Orient's bold flavors by entering Chinatown.

Learn about the city's history and see iconic landmarks as you eat your way through different neighborhoods, admiring Vancouver's relaxed environment, and world-class cuisine.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most captivating culinary experiences in Vancouver.

What are the best food tours in Vancouver?

Chinatown culinary tour in Vancouver

Alternatively, see how the city has welcomed Asian influence on a walking tour of Chinatown.

Itinerary

Together with a chef guide, you'll step away from traditional Canadian cuisine and explore the fiery flavors of the Orient.

You'll begin at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, where you can feel a sense of zen wash over you, away from the bustling city streets.

From there, you'll join the lively atmosphere of Chinatown, sampling sweet and savory dishes as you go, including barbecued crispy duck. You'll also learn about Chinese tea culture as you indulge in a cup.

Visit herbal medicine shops, which have been healing customers from many maladies since long before modern medicine appeared.

Enjoy a dim sum lunch with your tour group, consisting of an array of Cantonese snacks, such as dumplings and bao buns, while learning about the history of Chinese cooking.

Food walking tour of Granville Island Public Market

This Vancouver walking food tour escorts you around Granville Island Public Market — known as the culinary jewel of Vancouver.

Itinerary

As you wander through the market's many colorful stalls, you'll be surrounded by the scents of warm bread, maple products and sizzling donuts fresh from the fryer.

You'll try the country's most famous product — maple syrup — in an unusual yet delicious dish of maple-cured salmon.

Ciabatta bread, handcrafted chocolate and local cheese are all ready for you to sink your teeth into, as you continue your tour around the market.

Gastown food tour in Vancouver

Instead, discover the trendy Gastown neighborhood, full of heritage, charm and fantastic eateries.

Itinerary

As you begin your tour, you'll amble past Vancouver's most historic monuments, including its antique-style whistling steam clock. Stop and try a locally-produced brew, accompanied by several rich, and creamy cheeses.

You'll also sample authentic Japanese chicken and Sicilian tortellini, bursting with traditional Italian flavors. Why not try Canada's national dish — poutine — a surprising mix of French fries, gravy and cheese curds?

As you devour these treats from across the globe, you'll learn about Vancouver's history and how food has helped to shape the modern city you see today. Before you end your food tour in Vancouver, be sure to indulge in some sweet treats.

Decadent ice cream, award-winning cheesecake and lemon bars are all on the menu for you to compare.

Which places are visited?

Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island Public Market was established in 1979 as a marketplace for farmers and other food vendors to sell their produce. Over time, the market has grown to include over 50 stalls, which sell local seafood, meats, Canadian produce and sweet treats. You can find artisanal goods, such as chocolate truffles alongside Canadian favorites that include maple syrup-flavored goods.

Chinatown

In 1886, Chinatown was established in the center of the city to house the ninety Chinese citizens that called Vancouver home. Now, over 100 years later, more than 470,000 Vancouverites share a Chinese background, and the Chinatown neighborhood is brimming with over 400 businesses.

You'll find Asian eateries aplenty in this flourishing part of the city, which include bakeries and dim sum restaurants. Traditional apothecaries also line the streets of Chinatown's six-block radius, where British Columbian ginseng is the most popular product among customers needing an energy boost.

How much do food tours in Vancouver cost?

Food tours in Vancouver usually cost between US$60 and US$100 per person.

Walking excursions around Granville Island Public Market tend to be on the lower end of this range.

Gastown and Chinatown tours often lean toward the higher end of the range but are generally longer in duration.

What is included?

Food tours in Vancouver always include a knowledgeable guide to lead you through part of the city and teach you about the lip-smacking delicacies of Canada.

You'll also enjoy several samples of the city's most delicious fare. Usually, you can expect to taste seven dishes and three alcoholic beverages on these types of tours. However, if you prefer, you can request non-alcoholic beverages instead.

Chinatown tours include a dim sum lunch, as well as food and tea samples throughout the excursion.

Where does it start?

Vancouver culinary tours begin in the part of the city you will be exploring. Those that head to Granville Island Public Market will meet at the entrance to Granville Island.

Chinatown tours start at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, while Gastown excursions usually meet at Waterfront Station. You can view each tour's meeting spot before booking.

How long does it last?

Food tours in Vancouver last between 2.5 and 4 hours. These excursions take place on foot, and you'll be able to discover plenty of the city's tastiest dishes during this time.

When is the best time for a food tour in Vancouver?

There is no right or wrong time to participate in a Vancouver food tour. Simply embark on a culinary adventure whenever you're hungry and follow your stomach to the city's best eateries, accompanied by your guide.

Food tours help you to acquaint yourself with a new destination, so book a food tour for your first or second day in the city.

Travel tips

Allow the variety of Vancouver's culinary delights to pique your appetite by booking a food tour in Vancouver for a few hours after your last meal.
Food excursions take place on foot, so ensure you wear comfortable shoes.
If you have any dietary requirements, let your tour operator know upon booking so that they can accommodate you properly.

Food Tours in Vancouver