Victoria Chinatown
The Basics
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.
Things to Know Before You Go
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.
How to Get There
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.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
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.
What Else to See in Downtown Victoria
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.
- Race Rocks Ecological Reserve
- Old Town Victoria
- Government Street
- Victoria Bug Zoo
- Miniature World
- Victoria Inner Harbour
- Fairmont Empress Hotel
- Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
- British Columbia Parliament Buildings
- Royal British Columbia Museum
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
- Fort Street
- Emily Carr House
- Craigdarroch Castle