Victoria, British Columbia, is home to gardens, historic architecture, and quiet coastal views. But tucked within this charming Canadian city is a small artisan chocolate company with a name that immediately catches your attention—Terrible Truffles. While the name might suggest otherwise, this chocolatier crafts some of the finest handmade truffles you can taste.
The Story Behind the Name
Terrible Truffles is anything but terrible. The brand's name might feel like an odd marketing choice, yet it’s the kind that lingers in your mind. In a crowded artisan chocolate market, memorability matters—and this name delivers. Once you try the chocolates, you realize the irony: these truffles are some of the most carefully made, well-balanced pieces of chocolate artistry available in Canada.
The company was founded and is operated by David Booth, a gold medalist chocolatier known for his detailed approach to small-batch chocolate making. Each truffle is crafted with attention to flavor, texture, and presentation. His work blends European chocolate-making traditions with his own unique touches developed over years of practice.
Ingredients That Matter
One of the things that sets Terrible Truffles apart is David Booth’s choice of ingredients. He uses a blend of Schokinag chocolate couverture and Lindt chocolate to form the base of his creations. Schokinag, a German chocolate brand known for smooth texture and rich cocoa content, works beautifully with Lindt’s more familiar Swiss profiles. This combination gives the truffles a distinct mouthfeel and clean finish.
David's dedication to using quality couverture ensures each bite melts evenly and releases flavor gradually. His process avoids overly sweet formulations in favor of balanced bitterness and richness—especially in his dark chocolate varieties.
The Signature Truffle: A Standout Favorite
If you’re trying Terrible Truffles for the first time, there’s one standout you shouldn’t miss—David’s classic dark chocolate truffle. It features an extra-delicate outer shell that gives way to a perfectly smooth interior. The center is soft but not runny, with just the right touch of creaminess to balance the dark chocolate.
This truffle has earned praise from local chocolate lovers and visitors alike for its restraint and texture. While many handmade truffles can lean toward overly rich or sweet fillings, David’s approach allows the natural cocoa flavor to come forward without being masked by sugar.
A True Artisan Approach
In an age of mass-produced chocolate and pre-mixed ganache fillings, it’s refreshing to encounter a chocolatier who values small-batch preparation and hands-on work. Every truffle from Terrible Truffles is hand-rolled, enrobed, and packaged with care. There's a sense of tradition in how the business is run—focused more on craftsmanship than scale.
That kind of dedication shows in every piece. Each truffle is slightly different in appearance, giving the box a handmade character that stands apart from factory-style uniformity.
Visiting Victoria: More Than Just Chocolate
When you visit Terrible Truffles, you’re not just tasting chocolate—you’re stepping into a neighborhood where care and charm are part of daily life. One of the best ways to fully enjoy your visit to Victoria is to stay at Humboldt House Bed & Breakfast, run by David Booth and his wife, Vlasta.
The B&B is warm, welcoming, and full of personal touches that reflect the same care seen in their chocolate. Rooms are tastefully decorated, and breakfasts are served with local ingredients. The setting gives guests a relaxed pace and easy access to downtown Victoria, including nearby boutiques, restaurants, and the harbor.
What makes Humboldt House even more appealing is that you’re staying in the very place where the chocolate is made. It’s not every day you can enjoy handmade truffles just a few steps from your room.
Supporting Local Businesses With a Personal Touch
Small chocolate makers like Terrible Truffles represent a kind of business that’s rooted in community. The focus is on quality rather than quantity, and there's a direct connection between maker and customer. Whether you’re a local picking up a box of truffles for a celebration or a visitor passing through town, there’s a personal level of care that comes with every purchase.
By supporting shops like Terrible Truffles, you're investing in time-honored chocolate-making techniques and helping sustain the kind of businesses that add color and character to their communities.
Where to Find Terrible Truffles
While the best way to enjoy these chocolates is in person at the shop or during a stay at Humboldt House, some visitors arrange for small-batch orders to take home. The chocolates are usually made fresh, so if you're planning to bring some with you, it's a good idea to let the shop know ahead of time, especially during holiday seasons or festivals.
Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place—though chances are they won’t last long once opened.
Why This Place Stays With You
Great chocolate leaves a mark, not just on the palate but on the memory. Terrible Truffles does exactly that. From its ironic name and gold-medal maker to its pairing of European chocolate and Canadian hospitality, it’s the kind of place that becomes a story you tell friends.
David Booth’s truffles represent what chocolate can be when it’s made by hand, in small batches, with attention to texture, flavor, and balance. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Victoria or someone who appreciates thoughtful craftsmanship, Terrible Truffles is worth the stop.