Victoria's Chinatown

On Vancouver Island, on the west coast of British Columbia, lies the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Victoria's Chinatown was built by the miners and gold-seekers that flooded to the area from China in 1858. It has seen periods of both incredible growth, recession, and a modern-day revitalization that makes it one of the most unique neighborhoods in the area to visit.

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About Victoria’s Chinatown

Known for its maze of alleyways, courtyards, elaborate arches, and stunning architecture, Victoria’s Chinatown has played an important role in the past and present of Victoria, British Columbia. The entrance of Victoria’s Chinatown is marked by the impressive Gate of Harmonious Interest, and visitors here can explore quirky storefronts, Chinese markets, and authentic restaurants that stand out as some of the most unique in the city.  

Getting There

Chinatown is located in downtown Victoria, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

Walking: If you’re staying downtown, Chinatown is a short walk from the Inner Harbour area.

Public Transit: Several BC Transit bus routes stop near Chinatown, including those from the ferry terminal.

Parking: Street parking and nearby parking garages are available for those driving into the area.

Things to Do in Chinatown

There's so much to do in Victoria's Chinatown.

Fan Tan Alley: The narrowest street in Canada, Fan Tan Alley, is one of Chinatown’s most iconic attractions. This charming alley is lined with boutique shops, galleries, and cafes. It’s a perfect spot for exploring and snapping photos.

Dragon Alley: Another picturesque passageway, Dragon Alley is home to unique shops and local businesses, offering a quieter but equally enchanting stroll.

Visit the Gate of Harmonious Interest: This stunning gate, adorned with intricate Chinese designs, marks the entrance to Chinatown. It’s a great spot to learn about the area’s history and serves as a welcoming landmark for visitors.

Explore the Shops and Markets: Chinatown is home to a variety of shops offering everything from Chinese herbs and teas to souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Don’t miss the Chinese Public School and the Tam Kung Buddhist Temple for a deeper look into the community’s cultural heritage.

Where to Eat in Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown boasts a mix of traditional Chinese cuisine and modern fusion dining options. Here are some of the top spots to eat:

• Don Mee Seafood Restaurant: A classic dim sum spot that’s been a Chinatown staple for decades. Known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and lively atmosphere.


• Fan Tan Café: A modern twist on Chinese cuisine, offering dishes like Peking duck tacos and traditional noodle bowls.


• Bao: Specializing in fresh, steamed bao buns with creative fillings like barbecue pork and spicy tofu, this eatery is perfect for a quick bite.


• Little Yunnan: Known for its authentic dishes from China’s Yunnan Province, this cozy spot offers a taste of unique flavors rarely found elsewhere.

History

When gold was discovered in Fraser Canyon in 1858, migrants from around the world swarmed to British Columbia to try their hand at striking it rich. About one-third of the immigrants were Chinese, who came not just for the potential of gold but to escape famine, drought, and war. The Chinese immigrants to the Victoria area set up a small village that progressed quickly into a bustling and vibrant neighborhood of Chinese culture.
While it had a seedy reputation, Victoria’s Chinatown grew to the size of six blocks and 3,100+ residents at its height in 1911. Through the 1920s to 1970s, the neighborhood declined, and by 1973 the population had dwindled to just 173 residents.

In the 1980s, significant effort was made to revitalize Victoria’s Chinatown, and today it offers an eclectic and unique mix of shopping, dining, and immersion in the Chinese culture.

Chinatown

As the first and oldest Chinatown in Canada, Victoria’s Chinatown is a historic neighborhood that has fought to preserve its culture and history through the decades. A unique glimpse into the history of the Gold Rush and the blending of Chinese and Canadian culture can be found here, making it well worth the visit for an interesting stop on your tour of British Columbia.

View all of our Victoria tours.