Historical Chinatown Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Savor the sights, sounds and stories of Canada's oldest Chinatown on this 90-minute walking tour. Follow in the footsteps of gold miners, merchants, laborers and revolutionaries as you weave your way along Chinatown’s main streets and then into Fan Tan Alley (the city’s most infamous thoroughfare).
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
No health restrictions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
If visiting the Tam Kung Temple, an optional donation of $1/person is recommended
Gratuities
What To Expect
Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site
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.
The Chinese Public School is Victoria's most intriguing building. Learn about why it was built and why there is much more to its ornate architecture than meets the eye.
Options
Historical Chinatown Walking Tour
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our tour guide, John,...
Michelle S,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, John, provided an excellent history of Chinatown. We could tell that he really knows his subject and enjoyed sharing his expertise.
Expert Guide Service
Richard P,
Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00In 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.
A must see Victoria tour
kamikaze316,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A 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.
Great Experience
Voyager49322100950,
Jun 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This 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.
Victoria BC's Chinatown Historical Walking Tour was Great!
705JimM705,
Dec 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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.
Wonderful guide, very informative
Marysia W,
Sep 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00John 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
Recommended
Corinna H,
Aug 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Unique experience with in-depth behind the scenes gems from a knowledgeable guide who grew up in the area.
This is a great value
W332DNkathya,
Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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.
Very good value for money
Howa26,
Jul 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent 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.
Excellent tour of Canada’s oldest Chinatown!
lorizoras,
Jun 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was fabulous! Informative and interesting and brought Chinatown’s history to life! Appreciated the restaurant suggestions too! Highly recommend!
From CA$22.00
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Operated by Walking Tours by Discover the Past