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Chinatown Walking Tour: Canada's Oldest Historical Journey
4.9
39 Ratings
Victoria
Immerse yourself in the visual, auditory, and narrative richness of Canada’s most ancient Chinatown through this 1.5-hour walk. Trace the paths of pioneering gold diggers, traders, workers, and revolutionists as you navigate the primary roads of Chinatown, ultimately entering Fan Tan Alley - the city’s notorious street.
Immerse yourself in the visual, auditory, and narrative richness of Canada’s most ancient Chinatown through this 1.5-hour walk. Trace the paths of pioneering gold diggers, traders, workers, and revolutionists as you navigate the primary roads of Chinatown, ultimately entering Fan Tan Alley - the city’s notorious street.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Chinatown - Victoria was the supply center for the gold rush and grew to become British Columbia’s largest city before the birth of Vancouver in the 1880’s. Victoria’s Chinatown was the home base for thousands of Chinese. Some established their own stores, restaurants, laundries and farms. In the city, some worked as gardeners, servants and cooks…
- Chinatown - Victoria was the supply center for the gold rush and grew to become British Columbia’s largest city before the birth of Vancouver in the 1880’s. Victoria’s Chinatown was the home base for thousands of Chinese. Some established their own stores, restaurants, laundries and farms. In the city, some worked as gardeners, servants and cooks in the homes of non-Chinese. Outside the city, many worked for others in the gold fields, coal mines, logging camps and fish canneries. For many years, Victoria had the largest Chinese population in Canada. Today, its Chinese population is small in comparison to other cities, but Victoria will always have the distinction of being home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Local guide
What's Not Included
- If visiting the Tam Kung Temple, an optional donation of $1/person is recommended
- Gratuities
- If visiting the Tam Kung Temple, an optional donation of $1/person is recommended
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- No health restrictions
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- No health restrictions
Location
1681 Government St
Government Street
We meet in front of the Bright Pearl Statue (big metal ball) near the corner of Fisgard and Government Streets in the heart of Chinatown.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(39 Ratings)
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Michelle_s
Aug 2, 2025
Our tour guide, John,... - Our tour guide, John, provided an excellent history of Chinatown. We could tell that he really knows his subject and enjoyed sharing his expertise.
Review provided by Viator
Richard_p
Jul 9, 2025
Expert Guide Service - In addition to his ability to weave together world history and its impact on the development of Victoria’s China Town, Chris’ connection with the locals made this tour all the more special.
Review provided by Viator
Kamikaze316
Jul 6, 2025
A must see Victoria tour - A beautiful morning to enjoy the sites and beauty of Victoria’s Old Chinatown. Our tour leader was an expert in the history of the area and I would love to read his book about the Chinese movement in and out of Victoria. We walked very leisurely and he spoke very clearly and the ear piece was very helpful to avoid the auto noises. This should be a “do not miss” as part of your tourist agenda. We even had a couple from here in Victoria. They seemed to also enjoy the entire experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyager49322100950
Jun 26, 2025
Great Experience - This is to correct the review I sent on June 23, 2025:
This tour is amazing, especially for people who are curious about historical facts and stories of Chinese immigrants to
Vancouver and learn how Chinatown and its locals evolved from the 1800s to present day. Judy is very knowledgeable and I highly recomnend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
705jimm705
Dec 9, 2024
Victoria BC's Chinatown Historical Walking Tour was Great! - We had a great time with John leading us on the historical walking tour in Chinatown in Victoria, BC. It was 1.5 hours of non-stop information, background and history. This man knows his city very well and was pleased to share it with us. We will plan to take the Ghostly Walk and Historical Walk when we return in future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Corinna_h
Aug 1, 2024
Recommended - Unique experience with in-depth behind the scenes gems from a knowledgeable guide who grew up in the area.
Review provided by Viator
W332dnkathya
Jul 29, 2024
This is a great value - We just took friends on this tour. I had been on this very tour before and really enjoyed it. Our friends liked it too. So informative. Gracious tour guide and assistant. I will continue to recommend it to alal of our guests.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Howa26
Jul 28, 2024
Very good value for money - Excellent history tour of China town and the temple. Use of headset ensured all the talk could be heard and the tour went over time. A honey bun to eat was an added extra. Very good value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorizoras
Jun 23, 2024
Excellent tour of Canada’s oldest Chinatown! - Tour was fabulous! Informative and interesting and brought Chinatown’s history to life! Appreciated the restaurant suggestions too! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marysia_w
Sep 10, 2024
Wonderful guide, very informative - John was a very knowledgeable and engaging guide. He knows the neighbourhood and people so well, and we learned so much about this very special place
Review provided by Viator
