Government Street Tattoo Parlour

Fantastic experience: Photo is 4 days after, Craig was great! Went for a walk in, I told him my idea and he drew it up, we made adjustments together and I love how it turned out!

Fantastic experience: Got tattooed the other day in honour of zachary Kaufman.. Died September 5th. 2025

Fantastic experience: If you want a GOOD tattoo, come here! Iggy was such a gem! I set up an appointment for a custom design and she killed it! Took her time designing it and made sure I was absolutely in love before starting. Her application is so controlled and healing has been a breeze, I can't wait to see her again for future pieces. Super clean environment, great ink. I can't thank this parlour enough for the service.

Fantastic experience: Did a walkin appointment love the work Craig did!

Fantastic experience: I've gotten a couple tattoos from Iggy here, very cool spot. I'd definitely recommend if you like Trad style tattoos and beautiful colours.

Fantastic experience: My friend and I went to Victoria to do a little shopping and decided to walk in for a tattoo. Iggy was amazing! She has a very calming spirit that makes you feel comfy and at ease. I’ve been tattooed quite a bit and her attention to detail really stands out. Even the way she pressed the stencil on I was like - didn’t know that could be something to look for while picking an artist haha I usually hate the wrap around a tattoo and take it off as soon as I get home, but even the way she wrapped it I could have left that on for daaaaays (not that I would lol) super comfortable. She gave me this dope money bag It’s the little things that make such a difference. I’m excited to see her tattoo journey!(:

Fantastic experience: HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place. Iggy and Craig are the best. Walked in and had the best experience from the moment we walked in to when we walked out with a tattoo for my friend and I. They made us feel so welcome and comfortable and did an amazing job on the tattoo design and actual tattoo itself. 10/10 experience here!

Fantastic experience: I have come to this tattoo parlour each time ive been to B.C and have never left disappointed!!! The first time I came 3 years ago I got matching tattoos with my brother & a baby doll skull, I came back in August 2025 and got matching tattoos with my sister and a book dragon!! I am so beyond impressed with the parlor and the artists!!!

Fantastic experience: Iggy is an amazing artist. She did my turtle tattoo yesterday and I’m so happy with it.

Fantastic experience: Coming from Montreal, this place was HIGHLY recommended by my main artists, and this place definitely exceeded the high praise it already got! I was able to get tattooed by Dave, and it was a jovial, professional experience. Some of the best flash and tattooers in the game. You truly can't go wrong with anyone here

Fantastic experience: Incredible experience! Everyone is great to talk to and super chill, it's very clear how skilled everyone is. Thank you Chris for your incredible work!

Fantastic experience: Go see the Government Street group for all your tattoo needs. I walked in and had this piece completed on a Friday. I had a fun time and the staff was super friendly

Fantastic experience: Can’t recommend Government Street Tattoo enough! Got a crab tattoo from Chris David and he absolutely nailed the design—simple yet decorative, American traditional/neo style just how I wanted it. The line-work is SO clean and everything felt really professional. This was my second tattoo there and I’m already looking forward to my next one. Totally in love with this piece! Thank you again, Chris!!

Fantastic experience: Iconic shop and a sick tattoo done by Dave!

Fantastic experience: Iconic Victoria Parlour.

Fantastic experience: Great experience every single time, always such nice flash to look at on the ceiling while getting Tattooed

Fantastic experience: Best shop in the city. As a younger woman who loves traditional work, this is the only shop I can trust to consistently deliver amazing tattoos day after day while keeping a fun and light hearted atmosphere. Every artist is very personable and easy going, making it effortless to speak up for your needs. I’ve got work done from three artists that work in the shop, and two guest artists, and I’m constantly amazed at the talent and passion that they hold. Saw Dave yesterday, and in under 30 minutes he had drawn a custom to fit perfectly in my ditch. Couldn’t recommend Dave or this shop enough!

Fantastic experience: I LOVE government street tattoo!! I’ve been tattooed by Iggy multiple times and always had a great experience. She is my go - to trad gal!!! Gentle, efficient and undeniably an amazing tattooer. The shop is clean, and full of so much flash you’ll need a couple visits to see it all. The staff and other artists were also very friendly and supportive when I was on the pain-train.

Negative experience: PSA: if you’re not a cis white dude, do NOT go here!! i’m so disappointed that i had such a negative experience at this place where so many amazing local artists work, but from the moment I walked through the doors at GST i felt unwelcome. Craig was cold and rude. not even a nod of acknowledgement let alone a hi or a smile from any of the staff when i arrived for my scheduled appointment. i felt completely ignored - i was not offered anywhere to sit down while my artist set up their station nor a pillow/bolster for the table (which is extremely basic and, in my opinion, not something a client should have to ask for.) to top things off they literally have confederate flag flash on display that i had to stare at in absolute disbelief for the whole appointment. i don’t care how old it is, how “edgy” these guys think they are, or how many flash sheets this place has hung up, this is absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. as someone with 30+ tattoos having been to at least 5 tattoo shops in victoria and even more in vancouver, this was one of the worst tattoo experiences i have ever had (no fault of the artist who tattooed me who was guesting there and did a great job.) i will not be back and will be warning others in my community to stay away from this place.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely stellar ink by Chris. I had a boat to catch and he absolutely sent it. even customized the flash I pulled from the Internet. the whole crew is fantastic, easygoing and seem like solid folks all around. Wish I'd pulled more cash out to tip more. I'll be back to get more traditional flash done here when I'm back in town.

Fantastic experience: What a great shop!! All very friendly and take walk ins.

Fantastic experience: All the tattoo artists are so kind! Patient! & Rad artists! For a shop that gives ‘old school tattoo parlour’ vibes the artists are LQBTQ+ friendly, sweet souls that really prioritize comfort and GOOD TATS! ✨ I love my new tattoo from David! And my previous ones from a mix of the artists that are there (Nick & Craig)

Fantastic experience: We were walk-ins on our shore day with NCL. Stopped in shortly after they opened and they were able to squeeze us in. We had images of what we wanted. Craig made them into stencils and took great care in ensuring they were applied perfectly. He has a pretty light hand and his artwork is excellent. Prices were extremely reasonable. So glad we chose this shop for our tattoos to memorialize our first cruise together!

Fantastic experience: After my beloved wife passed away last year, a co worker said to me "why don't you get a tattoo of her name over your heart?" As someone who has never had nor even considered getting a tattoo, I was surprised at myself when I thought "Yeah..why not?" I loved the idea immediately and asked a dear friend for a recommendation. She told me about Government St. Tattoo Parlour, where she gets hers done. So I went there and met Connor and we agreed on a design and today I got it done! Connor was very helpful, skillful and put me at ease right away. Very pleased with the result and would highly recommend this place, all the staff were very friendly and courteous and professional! 5 Stars!

Fantastic experience: I got my third and largest tattoo here with David, and as someone who is quite introverted and anxious, I felt extremely comfortable in a very relaxing and accommodating environment. I tend to ask alot of questions about processes and whatnot, and I often feel somewhat like a pest asking so many questions, but not once did I ever get the impression that any of the artists were frustrated or irritated with my questions and instead happily and eagerly answered my myriad of questions. I would 1000% recommend coming here to get a tattoo to anyone, and especially folks like me who are a bit new to tattoos and a little bit introverted/awkward. I received my Scottish Family Crest on my calf, and I am extremely proud and honored to say I had it done here. A huge thanks to the folks at Government Street Tattoo. I look forward to many more tattoos to come :)

Fantastic experience: Everything a tattoo shop should be. Top notch crew, unforgettable imagery everywhere you look, and very clean. Consistently exceeding expectations and leaving you wanting to come back for more tattoos.

Fantastic experience: I love that you can walk in when the moment hits you. Very clean shop. Nick gave me sound advice on my memoriam tatoo for my Mom's signature. Great atmosphere. Thanks Nic. Pic to come when the swelling is gone

Fantastic experience: Fast, clean and professional. Good atmosphere and high quality artists.

Fantastic experience: As a longtime patron of Government Street Tattoo, I can say this is the best shop I have every been to. With a very professional and talented team, this crew is committed to creating beautiful tattoos in a careful and kind environment. As a business owner a lot of customers and tourists see my tattoos and wonder where they should go to get a tattoo while they are in Victoria. I never hesitate to send my guests there which I take very seriously as my recommendation is a reflection of my own businesses. This review would be incomplete if I did not mention Raven, the shop manager. Raven has always worked with my hectic schedule and is always kind and welcoming upon other guest's arrival. Dealing with guests in a restaurant can be challenging, I couldn't imagine doing it daily at a tattoo shop; well done Raven! If you are visiting Victoria or just want a rad tattoo from an ink institution in Victoria, Government Street is where you should go!

Negative experience: I looked around a couple tattoo shops that accept walk-ins for an impulse tattoo, and found this shop was the only with time that day. Though we chose not to get tattoos in favour of surfing later on this holiday, the woman who greeted my family and I left us with a sour taste in our mouths. She was rude, impersonal, and made little to no effort to welcome us. I recommend waiting for or booking another shop with friendly faces.

Fantastic experience: My partner and I had an amazing time getting some tattoos from GST! Went in on my B-Day and got a walk-in spot and we picked some flash off the wall. I got tattooed by Connor and my partner was with Nick. They both did incredible work and we are beyond stoked with our new pieces. I was so happy that I went back the following weekend and got another flash piece from Nick, and again it was a great time and I went home with another amazing piece. Will definitely be going back!

Fantastic experience: Friggin great shop in victoria. Super nice guys. While im getting tattooed they're always crackin jokes and havin a good laugh, which adds a nice distraction from the tattoo needle in my skin.

Negative experience: Got tattooed by James here and although the tattoo has its good moments, there are multiple blowouts, missing pieces and mistakes. I don’t really feel comfortable going back in to get it fixed because I felt misheard and ignored during the tattoo. When I would bring up that certain areas that weren’t looking like I had imagined he said “I know it looks messy, but trust the process” and kind of pushed my opinions aside. Specifically, I had wanted the snake on its own and much smaller but he wanted to add flowers and it to be bigger so I had said maybe one or two and when we did the stencil there was much less on it than what I ended up with. It felt like he kept adding flowers or other elements to cover up mistakes. Overall, wasn’t a great tattoo experience and left me with a bad feeling. You can see in the picture the snake isn’t cohesive with lines going in the wrong direction and there are a bunch of blowouts and missing pieces.

Fantastic experience: I’m not a local to Victoria, but every time I’m in Victoria I always make it a point to stop by Government Street Tattoo. The artists here are so talented. Especially if you’re looking for a traditional style tattoo, don’t sleep on this shop. I’ve been coming here for about 5 years. Really personable artists here who will be sure to exceed your expectations.

Fantastic experience: Perfect place for a walk in tattoo! All the artists there were very nice. My friend and I had Chris and he was amazing.

Fantastic experience: Had the pleasure of being tattooed by guest artist Bryar Gates. Tremendously tremendous experience from start to finish. Clean, professional, and friendly. Incredibly happy with my tattoo. Will Absolutely be back to GST next time I visit Victoria. Thanks again

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience getting tattooed here! Everyone in the shop was friendly, upfront about details and recommendations, and accommodating to a whole range of customers and requests. The shop is a gem, hard to settle on a design with so much great art all over the walls by these artists. Left with some great traditional styled pieces. Will be back!

Fantastic experience: Amazing artists, that are so tallented in their trade. The atmosphere in the shop is awesome. Highly recommend this shop for your next piece.

Fantastic experience: this shop has immaculate vibes!! love this place!! i went there with my sister for walk-in tattoos, and we got in super quick. nick did my tattoo, and he was super personable and did a great job. there are tons and tons of traditional flash pieces to choose from. i will definitely be back soon. thanks for the great experience!

Fantastic experience: they got 3 of us in as walk ins within an hour, and the staff were all very nice! my artist, conrad, had just gotten to victoria a few months ago and he's an excellent addition to their team! :)

Negative experience: I went to get a walk in tattoo and got an artist named Craig. He was very condescending + very judgemental of the tattoo I wanted and the placement of it. It was a flower my dying grandmother drew and he kept calling it a scribble flower. The second he was finished I knew already that I was going to get it covered up because it was such a bad experience. He told me he "doesn't usually want to put stuff like this on someone's body permanently" and kept telling me how he would change the drawing to make it better. The linework is awful, very wobbly. He changed part of the flower even with the stencil and even though I had the drawing beside me as a reference the entire time. It's been just over a month and the tattoo has progressively gotten worse (ink bleeding). I will never go back there and I definitely do not recommend Craig. Waste of my money.

Fantastic experience: the staff are friendly and they were able to get all four of us in for walk ins. we all loved our tattoos and it’s a great place

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere! Prompt attention to customers coming in and discussing possible last-minute tattoo decisions before closing time.

Fantastic experience: Nick did my tattoo! I love it!@

Fantastic experience: I had the best experience here yesterday. My artist Nick was incredible. Can't say enough good about the place and Nick. Clean quick and my tattoos(2) are gorgeous. Will definitely be returning...

Fantastic experience: I was skeptical of a walk in shop being any good outside of their given style but me and two friends went in today and Craig killed it. To have these guys in Victoria is a massive score for anyone around Vic. The guys are all super welcoming and enormously helpful, thanks for the ink Craig!

Fantastic experience: My wife and I were in Victoria Celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary, when we came up with idea to get our first ever Ink. Our Artist Nick from Government St. Tattoo did an excellent job, Thank You for the help, and attention to detail

Negative experience: Nice looking place but the guy at the front desk is pretty rude, just said I had to think about the price since I wasn't sure I could justify it at the the time, as I was leaving he made a pretty snarky remark.

Fantastic experience: In LOVE with this place. Accommodated a walk in and did EXACTLY what I wanted, super friendly place too. Had my tat done by nick and I cannot recommend him enough. Easy to get along with, super accommodating and nice. Great vibes and great work.

Fantastic experience: F**king money location for a tattoo dude!! Nick is the man he did my piece im sure the rest of the artists are aswell. Great open vibe and they're demeanor about the art they put out is something out of the eather! Absolutely mint is all I can say !

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, art work was done well loved the music they had playing

Fantastic experience: Very impressive work. I lucked out meeting up wit Craig. He is a gifted artist . Recommend

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend. I have my first tattoo here and nick did a great job fabulous work, good friendly ambiance .

Fantastic experience: I went in and had an idea of what I wanted. I came in a couple of days later, and was given a beautiful tattoo from Dave. I absolutely love it, I can't thank him enough. I will be back next time I get the pain therapy itch.

Fantastic experience: Thank you for having walk ins! Nick did an awesome job on matching tattoos that my friend and I have wanted to get for years but the timing has never worked out on other vacations. Got exactly what we wanted. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Very talented artists in a clean and comfortable shop. Have had 2 tats from Bryan and a great experience each time.

Fantastic experience: Top service, friendly staff, very helpful for a first time walk-in ✊

Fantastic experience: This place is horrible ..after 2 visits by me on the 3rd visit they told me leave the tatoo room cuz i did not belong there...rude

Fantastic experience: I have gotten two tattoos by Craig and the most recent with Dave. I highly recommend this shop and both artists. They have accommodated us both times as walk ins and its always been a fun, comfortable experience. I will definitely continue to visit Government Street tattoo!

Fantastic experience: I have been a customer at Gov Street Tat shop for many years now and I gotta say the crew there just keeps getting better and better. I have been tattooed by multiple artists there but recently I tried Dave (@mt.splashmore) and I gotta say I really enjoyed getting tattooed by him. He’s funny, professional, and down to earth, and have given me exactly what I hoped for and more! Go see him, or anyone else there for all your tattoo dreams and inquires. One of the best tattoo experiences I’ve had hands down! Thanks Dave & Gov street in general!

Fantastic experience: From the moment you walk in the door you feel at home. I contacted Craig Lunn about designing this idea that I had and he embraced it, and then crushed it like a true professional. The tattoo turned out perfect, during the process you could tell he takes great pride in his work and was going the extra mile to get it right. During my 3 hour tattoo i was fortunate enough to witness a couple other tattoos done by the staff and they didn't dissapoint either. Honestly, Government street tattoo is an un-stopable art producing machine! Thanks for the great experience guys.

Fantastic experience: Cannot rave enough how friendly and accommodating the whole staff is and how everyone supports and motivates each other. Walked in twice so far and got tattoos from the very talented Craig, both times a great experience! Very clean, professional, and welcoming. Will definitely be going back in the future!

Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff welcoming, Craig was great used used my idea and made it great. Very friendly and took his time! The tattoo looks great

Fantastic experience: These guys are the best! The shop is super inviting, the front end staff and artists are all friendly and enjoyable. I have been to Government St Tattoo 5 times now and have always walked out with a great tattoo and good vibes ✌️. Definitely recommend checking them out!

Fantastic experience: One of the best tattoo experiences I've ever had. The whole staff is super friendly and accommodating. James did my walk-in and I love it so much. He was able to fit me in between appointments and did great work. I also went back to James the next day for a small touch-up for one of my pieces (totally my fault for not triple checking before I left) and he did it no questions asked. He was super friendly, easy to chat with and very talented. Thank you James!! Cannot say enough amazing things about this shop! Also the music selection bangs.

Fantastic experience: Came as a walk-in just past 3:30 and got in for 4:15 with Nick, who was super chill and friendly. All the staff had really funny banter and the atmosphere was really relaxed, I can’t wait to go back for my next spontaneous tattoo

Fantastic experience: Nick came through last minute for a walk in absolutely killed it these guys are friendly clean and great people

Fantastic experience: I have been tattooed by James and Dave a couple times, everyone at GST is super friendly and welcoming. Both artists made me feels super comfortable, couldn't ask for a better experience :)

Fantastic experience: Great & friendly service! Thanks for fitting us in so quick.

Fantastic experience: This is my new favourite tattoo place in Vic. Both Daniels are great artists and David (who used to be at WolfSheep) is phenomenal, they all have great banter too.

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at GST. Yesterday I got a walk-in tattoo done by Craig Lunn and had a really good time. He was professional and easy going and I’m super happy with my tattoo. He was focused and efficient when he needed to be and we had a good chat when it was okay to. Definitely recommend and I’ll be back for more!

Fantastic experience: Couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I went for a walk-in and was greeted by Craig Lunn. He was friendly and accommodating, and happy to work with the idea I had. It was obvious that he wanted me to be relaxed and comfortable, and he was very meticulous. The shop itself is a very cool and welcoming space. I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience and my tattoo is perfect. I highly recommend Craig and would definitely go back.

Fantastic experience: Got a design from the gumball machine. Almost fell asleep while James tattoo’d me he was so smooth.

Fantastic experience: They call him Cosmic Craig because his tattoos are out of this world!

Fantastic experience: Past two years I’ve been getting my tattoo’s done at Government Street and I probably won’t go anywhere else. Always a really good experience and super fun environment. Very clear the artists know what they’re doing, good group of talented artists. I had the pleasure of getting tatted by an artist new to the parlour, David Goertzen, last week and he absolutely crushed it. Big fan.

Fantastic experience: Craig did an awesome job on a dagger for me 10/10 would recommend

Fantastic experience: I’ve been to this shop for a couple tattoos now, and the experience is always super positive and fun. Craig Lunn did a walk in bonsai tree for me today, which he threw on there freehand. Soooo cool. I absolutely love the piece and the process was very relaxed. Craig is a really talented artist, it was cool to see him in his creative flow. Will definitely be back!!

Fantastic experience: Craig is the guy you want to see at this shop. His attention to detail and willingness to work with any idea is so rad; he’s a true professional of his industry. Myself and two friends were able to sneak in for a walk in and he blasted tattoos that look like he’d been planning them for months. If you want a precise tattoo go see Craig Lunn at Govt St.

Fantastic experience: My friend Alli and I had such a fantastic experience today with our walk in tattoos. The shop was recommended by multiple locals we asked. Our spontaneous idea and urge was met with enthusiasm and as a result we exceeded the plan!! So good!! All the guys were great and Dave our artist nailed it - he was so dialed in to our dreams!! We were so impressed and will definitely be returning:)

Fantastic experience: Craig does an absolutely incredible job on every tattoo! He brought this piece to life for me. I'm glad I waited/planned it out and found the perfect artist for the job! I couldn't be happier!!!

Positive experience: really great service, was a walk in and they fit me in and did a great job, looks amazing didn't hurt.

Negative experience: Craig did both my tattoo & my guys tattoo Let’s say this our greeting when we entered the shop with him was horrible I wanted to leave before he even started. He was RUDE & defensive immediately not wanting to do the tattoos we had planned which were booked for weeks ahead of time & only small tattoos. We tried to be friendly & navigate him but he was very unpleasant & unprofessional complaining & insulting the work we wanted done. He was very difficult to work with & I have quite a few tattoos including a full sleeve but NEVER have I felt that much pain during a session ever! . VERY heavy handed & over stretches the skin !!. He left my guys collar bone Bruised horribly around the whole tattoo. Really dug the needle in badly. Would not recommend Craig to anyone & we will NOT be back …..

Fantastic experience: Best walk in experience I've ever had! Great atmosphere and the staff are professional and friendly. This place has a vibe that catches you from the street. Big up nick for killing it on my tattoo

Negative experience: Craig did my tattoo, the lines aren't straight and look blobby some spots, there's a few areas where the ink is bleeding away from the main tattoo, ngl now that my tattoo is healed and I can see all the errors I'm not happy with the end results. I won't be coming back.

Fantastic experience: Great group of people. Very professional, very honest. They're not out to just take your money. I will definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: Very accommodating! I got in the same day I called for a cute moon crescent on my shoulder! Dan was very professional and made sure I got exactly what I wanted! They are also very cool with there touch ups as well! Deff recommend!

Fantastic experience: Sent Dan a Message with a weeks notice and and got me and my sister in for matching tattoos within a week very nice guy amazing work and such a great shop 10/10 would recommend to friends and family

Fantastic experience: I recommend GST; I have been going here for years they do top notch work and the shop has a good environment.

Fantastic experience: Craig tattooed me and my girlfriend's for her bday and he was super kind and respectful and made my experience a great one! Appreciate what u do and just thanks for making me feel comfortable, will be back!

Fantastic experience: Dan is an awesome artist, very professional and his line work is amazing. Very happy with my tattoos

Fantastic experience: Great guys!

Fantastic experience: I had a great time here. My tattoo was done by Daniel Doukakis, and it was my first time getting a tattoo. I was at first a little hesitant because he is a younger artist but it became clear that he is extremely talented and more than proficient in a variety of styles. He was super laid back and made sure that I felt really comfortable before we began- no pressure or stress. Very clean shop as well. Thank you Dan!!

Fantastic experience: Quick, professional, personable! Got us in really fast and decent price!

Fantastic experience: My wife was there a couple wks ago and here are her thoughts: "We were on vacation on the island and I like getting a tattoo from different places while on vacation...called them up and sent Craig an idea of what I wanted. He whipped up something based on that idea that he could do in the 1 hr of time he had - i loved it and it healed perfectly! Also, it is worth noting that I went in by myself and felt super safe, everyone was really friendly and welcoming. Will totally go back next time I'm in vic"

Fantastic experience: Dan was awesome and did great work

Fantastic experience: The best place in town!!

Fantastic experience: I walked into GST with a design for a tattoo this past summer, and was able to get an appointment right away. It was my first tattoo, and Craig was extremely compassionate and patient with me. The piece came out even better than I’d hoped! I just stopped by again today for some touch ups (I’m from out of province) and saw Craig again, who fixed up the little details I asked for and it looks fantastic. 11/10 would recommend. Thanks again!

Positive experience: Fast service, good quality tattoo on short notice.

Fantastic experience: Always love it here! Probably my favourite traditional (but it’s not just that style!) styles tattoo studio. I’ve gotten tattooed by Dan twice and he’s very talented. First time by appointment, second by walk-in. Great atmosphere and talent. They are all nice and have a good sense of humour.

Fantastic experience: Came in for a walk-in and didn’t have to wait long, Brian did a great job of adapting my idea into a design, and my tattoo looks awesome. Great vibe, funny and friendly staff, and good music inside. Definitely recommend.