Visiting Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley

About Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley

Founded during the 1858 gold rush, Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest in Canada. The Gate of Harmonious Interest spans Fisgard Street, and Fan Tan Alley, little more than a metre wide in places, once hid gambling dens and opium factories and now holds small shops and cafés.

Tip: Walk Fan Tan Alley early in the day when it is quiet enough to notice the old doorways and narrow courtyards.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1 hour.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Downtown and Old Town, victorian brick shopfronts, Chinatown and the LoJo boutiques.

Best time to visit Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:

• April: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
• May: 17°C (63°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• October: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 13 rainy days, moderate crowds.

When to visit Victoria has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day Victoria itinerary visits Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley on day 3, together with Craigdarroch Castle and Beacon Hill Park.

• No. 9 of the 18 sights in our Victoria things-to-do list.
• Listed in free things to do in Victoria.
• One of the picks in historic sites in Victoria.

If you like Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley

• BC Parliament Buildings — Inner Harbour and James Bay, 1 hour
• Fisherman's Wharf — Inner Harbour and James Bay, 1 hour
• Dallas Road waterfront and Ogden Point Breakwater — Inner Harbour and James Bay, 1–2 hours
• Mount Douglas (PKOLS) — Saanich, 1 hour

Staying near Chinatown and Fan Tan Alley

Stay in Downtown and Old Town ($$$) to walk here: victorian brick shopfronts, Chinatown and the LoJo boutiques. All areas to stay in Victoria.

Questions travellers ask