Amanda Borland
Tour Manager and Bites & Sights guide. 2nd season with Hidden Victoria
When I’m not leading tours, you’ll probably find me baking something sweet, getting creative with crafts, deep in a video game, or curled up with a good book. I haven’t traveled a ton yet—just a few spots in the U.S. and an unforgettable trip through Switzerland—but that trip really taught me to appreciate the small, beautiful details in old buildings. Now I can’t walk through Victoria without noticing something new each time!
Over the years, I’ve worked a range of roles across Victoria’s hospitality scene, including time at the pier, where I met people from all over the world. Those experiences, along with stories shared by locals and coworkers, helped me build a unique collection of facts and fun tidbits about this city—some of which you’ll hear on tour.
My tour style? Think of it like city gossip, but classy. I love slipping in the kinds of offbeat stories and surprising facts that make people say, “Wait—what?!” It’s the secret side of Victoria you didn’t know you were missing.
Also… one day I’m going to restore an old castle. Just putting that out into the universe.
Jack Barrie
Pickle Pub Crawl & Media Manager. 2nd season with Hidden Victoria
Hi, I’m Jack! I came to Victoria last year from England in search of that oh-so-sought-after Island life. Before guiding, I worked in location scouting for film and television, so I’ve got a knack for finding the perfect spots for those group pics and selfies.
I’m a published author and an active writer, and when I’m not telling stories on tour, you’ll usually find me watching football—Leicester City FC, to be exact (that’s soccer to Canadians).
My go-to drink? A deep, rich amber ale—something malty and dark. I’ve spent plenty of time getting to know the local breweries and their craft creations, and I’m always happy to share a few insider tips.
My style as a guide is pretty laid back and conversational. I’m all about having a laugh, telling great stories—from Victoria’s history to a few gems from my past—and making sure the group feels like old friends by the time the tour ends. That’s the goal.
Gary Hollick
Strategic Advisor and Bites & Sights guide. 2nd season with Hidden Victoria
I’ve been a publisher, a board chair, and a city ambassador—but these days, I mostly just lead strangers through Victoria telling ghost stories and arguing with seagulls. In a former life, I ran North America’s largest regional newspaper and somehow developed a knack for turning bylaws into bedtime stories. I like to think I bring a good mix of charm, laughs, and just enough historical accuracy to avoid any lawsuits.
I’ve walked 20 km in a day—on purpose—and traveled the world collecting cultural quirks and questionable snacks. When I’m not on tour, I’m usually wrangling Rotary projects or my grandkids. My tour style? Somewhere between Indiana Jones and Mr. Rogers… with a splash of Monty Python.
David Knapp-Fisher AKA Fish
Any and all tours! 1st season with Hidden Victoria (but feels like much longer)
I LOVE people—I especially enjoy helping them achieve their goals (in this case, having an AMAZING time under our watch!) and pointing out interesting and fun things about Victoria.
Outside of work, my family and friends are #1—and #2 is global travel. I’ve been on all seven continents and have visited 53 countries (so far). Next up: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand (for the 4th time)! Global travel humbles me. It teaches me to slow down and genuinely appreciate and respect different people and cultures. It’s also helped me appreciate the simple things in life.
In my business career, I’ve given talks (to up to 3,000 people) from the stage over 100 times, so I’m well-versed in structuring entertaining stories and sharing them with audiences.As a naval brat, by age eleven I’d lived in seven homes in two countries (Canada and England). That nomadic lifestyle led to another 14 moves over the next 25 years before I settled back in the city where it all started—Victoria. I’ve been here ever since.
One fun fact you might not expect: I gave a TEDx talk in Vancouver and authored a popular personal development book.
I read at least an hour every day and try to meet as many interesting people as possible—that’s how I stay curious and keep learning.
If I had to describe my tour guide style in one sentence: I’m a fun, energetic, and enthusiastic host who loves to show off our wonderful city. Come on down!
Meghan Jones
Pickle Pub Crawl and Bites & Sights guide, 2nd season with Hidden Victoria
With a freshly completed degree in History and Linguistics from UVic, I’m passionate about taking knowledge out of the classroom and into the real world. My academic journey opened my eyes to how often history gets trapped behind jargon and inaccessible language—so I made it my mission to share Victoria’s rich, complex, and multicultural stories in a way that feels meaningful, inclusive, and alive.
A big part of what shaped me was teaching English abroad in Poland. It was an incredible experience that taught me the value of cross-cultural communication and how to build connection through language and storytelling. I’ve also worked with Victoria’s Intercultural Association, helping newcomers feel at home—another way I’ve blended my love for teaching and travel.
When I’m not guiding, you can usually find me enjoying the beauty of Victoria: walking, hiking, swimming in the ocean, or practicing yoga at the beach. My Italian heritage brings me to the Da Vinci Centre now and then, where I brush up on my Italian or dance with the nonnos. I’m also an avid reader—always juggling a few books at once—and I have a soft spot for Victoria’s histories of vice, counterculture, and activism.Being a guide lets me combine all the things I love: teaching, learning, and meeting fascinating people from around the world. I always say—on a good tour, everyone learns something, including me!
Michael Cranny
Bites & Sights guide. Expert of all things Victoria. 4th season with Hidden Victoria
After spending several seasons working as an archaeologist in Vancouver and beyond, I headed north to teach high school history and social studies in northern British Columbia—where the pay was a bit better! I also taught anthropology courses at the college level during intersessions. My path eventually brought me to Victoria, originally to work in education and to author a series of high school textbooks used in BC and Ontario.
Though I enjoyed my years in the land of the Northern Lights, Victoria has long since become home. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a guide here—it's a role that lets me share my love for this city and the rich, complex stories of the people who shaped its history.
My passions lie in history and storytelling, but I’m also an artist—working in painting, sculpture, and writing. I love the outdoors, especially birding and flyfishing, and have been lucky to travel extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. I was born in Liverpool, England, and raised in Ontario, where my (formerly pesty, now pretty decent) younger brothers still live.
Linda Schaumleffel
Walking Tour Expert for the cruise ships and 3rd season with Hidden Victoria
With a heart full of love for Victoria and a storyteller’s spark inherited from my dad, guiding tours here feels like second nature. I bring together four key ingredients that make each tour unforgettable: a background in English literature and composition, years of experience coaching teams, a passion for sharing history in an engaging and organized way—and most of all, genuine joy for this city.
From the moment I first set foot in Victoria, I was hooked. That same excitement hits me before every tour, knowing I get to share the stories, secrets, and charm of this place with new visitors. Guests often tell me they feel both safe and inspired as we explore the city together, catching a bit of my enthusiasm along the way.
Oh—and there’s one thing about me no other guide can claim: I’m a former Olympic rower and Hall of Famer. So if I’m walking a little fast… now you know why!
Peter Wheaton
Walking Tour guide for the cruise ships and 4th season with Hidden Victoria
Hi, I’m Peter Wheaton—born in Dartford, Kent, England, and proud to now call Victoria home. My journey into the world of travel began at 15, when a school headmaster asked what I was interested in. I said “geography,” and he suggested a job in a travel agency. That simple moment led to a 60-year career in the travel industry, and I’ve never looked back.
I’ve been fortunate to travel the world by coach, rail, river, and ocean—often escorting groups and ensuring they had safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experiences. I bring that same spirit to my walking tours in Victoria: well-organized, informative, and full of character. I’m especially passionate about history and geography, and I love weaving those elements into my tours.
Outside of guiding, I’m an active guy. I’ve been a marathon runner (including helping found the Royal Victoria Marathon), a mountain climber, and a fan of just about every sport—cricket, football, golf, tennis, darts—you name it. I also serve as president and vice president of multiple cricket clubs, and volunteer in the hospice gardens at Royal Jubilee Hospital.Whether I’m talking history, sharing a laugh, or helping guests discover a new favourite spot, my goal is always to make people feel welcome, informed, and entertained. Looking forward to showing you around!
Ivan Rincon
Walking Tour guide for the cruise ships and 1st season with Hidden Victoria
Growing up in a family that owned a travel agency, becoming a tour guide felt as natural as walking. I started guiding family groups at just ten years old, specifically taking the younger kids through the magic of Disney World—without ever losing a single one! That early experience not only taught me responsibility and leadership, but also helped me discover a lifelong passion. In many ways, I’ve been a tour guide my whole life, always ready to explore and share stories that make a place come alive.
My travels have taken me to 75 countries, and one of my personal rules is to take a guided tour in every city I visit—preferably with a local private guide. I love hearing the personal anecdotes that only locals can tell; those hidden gems of history and culture that don’t always make it into the guidebooks. These experiences have deeply influenced my own guiding style, helping me understand the kind of storytelling that creates lasting memories for travelers.
Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. In my "real life," I work as an executive for the provincial government, and I often use storytelling as a powerful communication tool. I know how to build a narrative arc that captures attention and brings clarity. This skill easily carries over into guiding, where I weave together historical facts, local legends, and personal insights to give visitors a rich and engaging experienceI’ve also spent almost two years volunteering with both professional and community organizations, particularly those supporting immigrants and refugees. These experiences have been incredibly humbling—I often say they teach me more than I could ever teach them. When I’m not guiding or working, you’ll find me watching soccer (it's in my Latino American blood!), or diving into TV shows and movies, especially those centered on travel. I even take notes on The Amazing Race for future adventures! After 20 years living in Victoria, I proudly call it home, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than showing people just how beautiful and special this city truly is.
Rebecca Dumas
Everything guide for the cruise ships and 1st season with Hidden Victoria
I’m a lifelong traveler, storyteller, and people person at heart. What inspired me to become a tour guide? Simply put—travel changed my life. Some of my most meaningful experiences came from guided tours and heartfelt conversations with locals around the world. I wanted to give back by offering that same sense of connection and insight to others. My favorite part of the job is curating personalized, memorable experiences that reflect the unique interests and energy of each guest.
Travel has taken me all over—from quiet trails on Vancouver Island to the vibrant streets of India. I spent six unforgettable months there, including a week-long celebration of the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday in McLeod Ganj. I didn’t want to leave. Every place I visit teaches me something new, and I carry that sense of curiosity and wonder into every tour I give.
When I’m not guiding, I’m often hiking, dancing, doing yoga, attending art classes, or sharing meals with my amazing potluck club. I also volunteer with Right to Learn Afghanistan, supporting education for women and girls—something that’s deeply close to my heart.I’m always seeking out new perspectives—whether it’s through a podcast like Unpacked by Afar, a local workshop, or even a Death Café (yes, Victoria has one!). Above all, I aim to guide with warmth, presence, and purpose—making sure every guest feels seen, welcomed, and inspired.
Eric Bramble
Pickle Pub Crawl Guide and 1st season with Hidden Victoria
I’m a people person through and through—and that’s exactly what drew me to guiding. I’ve always found it fascinating to meet people from all walks of life, and working tours in Victoria gives me the perfect excuse to do just that. My background is in real estate, which doesn’t play a huge role in my tours—but it’s always a conversation starter, and I love hearing people’s takes on the market.
I spent my early 20s living and working across Europe, with my last few years based in the UK. That experience really shaped how I see the world: it reminded me that there are so many ways to live, and that being curious and open-minded goes a long way. These days, I’m based in Victoria and spend my free time mountain biking and tuning into podcasts on culture, human behaviour, and finance. I’ve even hosted a few podcasts myself—and dabbled in stand-up comedy too.
What do I bring to the table as a guide? I’d say I’m genuinely interested in people and what makes them tick. I aim to make every tour feel like a shared conversation, not a lecture. I’m also a member of the Oddfellows, a great group that gives back to the community in meaningful ways.Whether you're new to town or just seeing it through fresh eyes, I’d love to show you around. Let’s explore!
Torin Thompson
Pickle Pub Crawl, Bites & Sights Guide and 1st season with Hidden Victoria
Born in Edmonton and raised in Victoria, I graduated from Esquimalt High before heading off to the University of Alberta to study Science, Technology, and Society—hoping to one day work in AI ethics. Moving to a big new school pushed me to become outgoing and friendly, which now happens to be one of my greatest strengths as a guide.
What drew me to guiding? I spent a summer in the Kootenays working at a visitor centre, but I wanted more than just giving directions—I wanted to be out there, showing people the heart of a place. Now, I get to meet folks from around the world, swap stories, and crack jokes while doing just that.
I bring a unique food-focused perspective thanks to my professional culinary training in high school, which really comes in handy on our foodie tours. I also spent three months traveling Europe—learning new cultures, trying new wines, and jamming with local musicians.Fun fact: I’ve played piano in four bands, from busking downtown to performing for sold-out crowds of 800 people!
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