Victoria Chinatown
Chinatown, Victoria, British Colombia
First established in the mid-19th century, Victoria Chinatown is among North America’s oldest. Now a National Historic Site, Victoria’s Chinatown is home to cafes, studios, herbalists, tea rooms, and shops, as well as the narrow Fan Tan Alley, which measures 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) wide at its narrowest point.
Chinatown is one of Downtown Victoria’s most characterful neighborhoods, and you can stop by independently or as part of multiple city sightseeing tours. Some walking tours focus on history, making stops the 1909-built Chinese Public School, Gate of Harmonious Interest, and Fan Tan Alley, where shops sell paper lanterns, jewelry, and fruits. Dine in Chinatown to sample Asian foods including dim sum, dumplings, noodles, and barbecue pork—or visit on a food tour of Victoria.
Chinatown is a must for history buffs and foodies.
Bring your camera—the lantern-strung Fan Tan Alley is an Instagram-worthy backdrop.
Come ready to shop: Chinatown is a great place to buy gifts, souvenirs, and artisan goods.
Compact Victoria’s Chinatown can be easily explored on foot.
Chinatown is centered around Fisgard Street between Government and Store streets in Downtown Victoria. It takes about 30 minutes to drive the 19 miles (31 kilometers) from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, where BC Ferries operate services between Victoria and Vancouver.
Go in the day when the shops are open. One of the best times to visit is for the annual Lunar New Year, which typically falls between mid-January and mid-February. Music, decorations, and special New Year’s menus are part of the festivities.
Chinatown is part of Downtown Victoria, making it easy to combine a visit with other key city attractions. The Royal BC Museum—about a half-mile (1 kilometer) from Chinatown—features exhibits on the Chinese settlement in Victoria. Neighboring Market Square offers even more shopping opportunities, with independent boutiques and a Sunday flea market in summer.
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