What You Will Do
Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and a National Historic Sight of Canada. But did you know it is currently experiencing a renaissance for amazing modern food? Let us take you to our favorite local haunts that are serving up delicious modern cuisine in this beautiful old neighbourhood.
ON THE MENU: Traditional kosher pretzel, delicious soup, authentic Italian arancini, a Chinese Bao Bun, a Japanese rice snack, a French pastry, Mexican hot chocolate, and local craft beer.
WHY DO THIS TOUR?
*You heard how awesome Chinatown is but want to experience it in a different way. Yes, we go down Fan Tan Alley!
* You love history and want to see historic sights & buildings and hear stories about Victoria's very interesting past
* You have a passion for finding small hard-to-find businesses that aren't tourist driven
* You want a local authentic experience and want to eat food made by locals
* You want discounts at local eateries
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
We meet at a coffee shop called Shatterbox Coffee. Please note the coffee shop is attached to the Victoria Public Market but is NOT inside the building. The entrance is off Fisgard Street at the very back of the building. If you don't see guide outside go inside the coffee shop.
1
Chinatown
1 hour
We do a deep dive in to Canada's oldest Chinatown including visiting heritage sites such as the Chinese Language School, The Gates of Harmonious Interest, and some of the oldest buildings in Western Canada.
2
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
45 minutes
We start the tour at the historic Hudson Bay Building. Completed in 1922, this iconic building is now the home of the bustling Victoria Public Market. Here we will get a tour of the market that includes a coffee from a local roaster, a savoury hand pie from Victoria Pie Co. and a traditional arancini from La Pasta.
3
Fan Tan Alley
10 minutes
Named after the Chinese gambling game Fan-Tan, the alley was originally a gambling district with restaurants, shops, and opium dens. It is the narrowest street in Canada, only 0.9 meters (35 in) wide. It was designated as a heritage property by the local government in 2001 and remains a popular attraction. Let us take you through this bustling alley and show you the best places to get the iconic picture that visitors love to get!
4
Market Square
30 minutes
This bustling square used to be home to opium dens, brothels, and bars back in the rough and tumble gold rush days of the 1860s. Now it is home to cute local shops, modern restaurants, and breweries. Here we will stop at our favorite brewery (Whistle Buoy) to sample some of the best craft beer in the city.
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