As you pass through the Gate of Harmonious Interest on Fisgard Street, you enter Victoria’s Chinatown, one of the oldest North American Chinatowns and the oldest in Canada. It started growing in the mid-19th century as a large number of miners and railroad builders came to Vancouver from China. At the time, Chinatown was known for its narrow dark alleyways and small courtyards and was always buzzing with life in its shops, theaters, massage parlors, and gambling and opium dens.

It is still a popular place for Chinese Canadians to live and work and is the heart of the cultural community, with a Buddhist temple, community organizations such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, the Chinese public school, well-maintained residences, and shops. It is a popular spot for locals who crave good Chinese food and tourists who are curious about this unique neighborhood of Victoria.

Fisgard St., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.