History and Bites of James Bay Audio Guided Walking Tour

Vancouver Island , Canada

History and Bites of James Bay Audio Guided Walking Tour

Active

(1 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Victoria has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada and was voted one of the best foodie cities in the world. And some of the city’s best restaurants can be found in its oldest neighborhood, James Bay. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll get insider knowledge on where to eat, what to order and the history behind the establishments. You’ll trace part of the harbor before venturing into James Bay proper and ending outside For Good Measure, a grocery and coffee shop. Along the way, you’ll find hidden gardens and hear the stories behind this historical neighborhood. You’ll also see some of the city’s iconic landmarks, like the Royal BC Museum and Legislative Assembly of British Columbia building, as well as some lesser-known ones, including the Victoria Cenotaph and the Knowledge Totem. I’ll provide behind-the-scenes information on Pendray Inn and Tea House, the James Bay Inn Hotel, and local institution Barbs Fish & Chips.

Available options

History and Bites of James Bay Audio Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Start your tour at Finest At Sea, a renowned seafood market and food truck. Known for its fresh, sustainable seafood, it's a great spot to get a taste of Victoria’s oceanic offerings.

Stroll through Fisherman's Wharf Park, a vibrant area filled with floating restaurants, colorful houseboats, and unique shops. This lively spot developed from mud flats to become one of Victoria’s most visited free tourist attractions.

Pass by Barb's Fish & Chips, a local institution famous for its delicious, freshly prepared seafood. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience authentic Victoria fish and chips.

Walk along the David Foster Harbour Pathway, a scenic route that offers stunning views of the Inner Harbour. This path connects many of Victoria’s waterfront attractions and provides a beautiful backdrop for your walk.

Discover the Pendray Inn and Tea House, a charming Victorian-era establishment. Learn about its history and enjoy its beautiful gardens and traditional afternoon tea service.

Stop 6 Pass by

Admire the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia building, a striking piece of architecture. Designed by Francis Rattenbury, it’s a key landmark and the seat of the provincial government.

Stop 7 Pass by

Pass by the Royal BC Museum, an institution that showcases the province's natural and human history. It’s a great place to learn about British Columbia’s rich cultural heritage.

See the Knowledge Totem, a significant piece of public art that celebrates Indigenous culture. It stands as a symbol of learning and the sharing of knowledge.

Visit the Victoria Cenotaph, a war memorial dedicated to those who served in the World Wars. It’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Canadians in times of conflict.

Pass by the James Bay Inn, a historic hotel rumored to be haunted by famous artist Emily Carr. It’s a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture and a key part of James Bay’s history.

Discover Carr House, the childhood home of Emily Carr, one of Canada’s most famous artists. It’s a National Historic Site that offers insights into her life and work.

End your tour at For Good Measure, a beloved local grocery and coffee shop. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a coffee while reflecting on the rich history and vibrant culture of James Bay.

What's not included

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts at 31 Erie St, Victoria, BC V8V 1P8, Canada, close to Fisherman's Wharf. You can either walk, it is about a 15-20 minute walk from The Empress Hotel. You could also take one of our harbour ferry taxis.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a stunning destination known for its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. It offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxed coastal living, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and urban explorers alike.

Top Attractions

Butchart Gardens

A world-renowned botanical garden featuring stunning floral displays and themed gardens.

Nature 2-3 hours $30 CAD

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

A stunning national park featuring rugged coastline, old-growth forests, and world-class surfing.

Nature Full day or overnight Free (parking fees apply)

Whale Watching Tours

Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with opportunities to see orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales.

Adventure 3-4 hours $100-$150 CAD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Spot Prawns

Fresh, sweet prawns caught locally and often served grilled or in pasta dishes.

Main Course Contains shellfish

Nanaimo Bars

A no-bake dessert bar with layers of crumbly base, custard-flavored butter icing, and chocolate ganache.

Dessert Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts

Salmon

Fresh, wild-caught salmon often served grilled, smoked, or in sushi.

Main Course Contains fish

Popular Activities

Hiking Surfing Kayaking Whale Watching Beachcombing Spa Day Picnicking Wine Tasting

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Vancouver Island for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and dry, perfect for exploring the island's natural beauty.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, French, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

PST (GMT-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vancouver Island is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.