Chinatown

Victoria which includes markets, shopping and a city
Discover the passageways, temples, murals, shops and traditional Asian restaurants in this historic district established by Canada’s first Chinese immigrants.

In Chinatown Victoria you can admire historic architecture, sample traditional Chinese food or enjoy cultural festivities. This artistic part of the city’s downtown area is very popular with tourists. Come here to talk to fortune tellers, see Canada’s narrowest street and shop for unique garments.

From the mid 1800s onwards Victoria became a base for Asian immigrants looking for gold and labor in British Columbia. Many settled in the area around present-day Market Square and part of this district is still classed as Chinatown today. This National Historic Site is well preserved and has an authentic feel to it. 

A fitting way to enter Chinatown Victoria is through the Gate of Harmonious Interest, a 1981 monument dedicated to Canada’s multicultural society. A whole century older is the the former On Hing and Brothers Store on Fisgard Street. Look up at the street murals depicting scenes from the district’s past to see how the first Chinese immigrants lived.

Be sure to visit Fan Tan Alley, in the heart of Chinatown, to walk along the narrowest street in Canada. At one point the street is less than 3 feet (1 meter) wide. Originally the home of illegal gambling clubs and opium dens, this passageway is now full of quaint stores.

To see more Chinese relics, look for the Yen Wo Society Building on Government Street. Climb the 52 steps to the top floor to arrive at one of Canada’s oldest Buddhist temples, which is dedicated to the god Tam Kung. See worshipers kneel in front of the shrine to seek his advice on important personal matters.

Come back to Chinatown during one of its many cultural events, such as the weekly Night Market in summer. Sample soft dim sum (dumplings) and crispy lumpia (spring rolls) and watch Asian dance and martial arts performances. In January or February, the parades of the Chinese New Year celebrations entertain the crowds. Find a schedule of events on the Chinatown Night Market official website.

Located downtown, Chinatown Victoria is within walking distance of all major city attractions and public buses stop nearby. Pay-and-display parking is available in the district.

Plan a trip to see Chinatown

Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Amethyst Inn at Regents Park
Fairmont Empress
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Chinatown

Reviews of Chinatown

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
116
" "5 - Excellent 32.76836158192091%
4 - Good
148
" "4 - Good 41.80790960451977%
3 - Okay
79
" "3 - Okay 22.316384180790962%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 2.542372881355932%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.5649717514124294%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 21, 2019

Christmas lights are fun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 2, 2019

Had Dim Sum in China town - just a short walk from the harbour.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 11, 2019

Not much to it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Sep 14, 2018

Just walked around - nothing special

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 11, 2018

Spinakers restaurant 6 blocks from the home. Great food and brew and view!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 11, 2018

Loved the Irish Pub food downtown

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chinatown

Bedford Regency Hotel
Bedford Regency Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1140 Government St, Victoria, BC
Bedford Regency Hotel
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress
4.5 out of 5
721 Government St, Victoria, BC
Fairmont Empress
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Grand Pacific
4 out of 5
463 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
Hotel Grand Pacific
Hotel Rialto
Hotel Rialto
3.5 out of 5
653 Pandora Ave., Victoria, BC
Hotel Rialto
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
3.5 out of 5
740 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC
Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites
Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites
Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites
3 out of 5
1234 Wharf St, Victoria, BC
Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites
The Magnolia Hotel and Spa
The Magnolia Hotel and Spa
4.5 out of 5
623 Courtney St, Victoria, BC
The Magnolia Hotel and Spa
Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel
Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
642 Johnson St, Victoria, BC
Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel
Huntingdon Manor Hotel
Huntingdon Manor Hotel
3 out of 5
330 Quebec Street, Victoria, BC
Huntingdon Manor Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.