The Very Best of Victoria, British Columbia.
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The Very Best of Victoria, British Columbia.
Sarah Elizabeth
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is an idyllic destination for tourists, boasting beautiful natural landscapes and a vibrant city life.
Victoria has plenty to offer in terms of culture: wander through the historic streets downtown, explore unique shops, eateries, and art galleries and more. With something for everyone - from adventure seekers to nature lovers - Victoria is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience!
This guide is the very best that downtown Victoria has to offer (from someone who actually lives here!), including amazing restaurants to suit every budget, parks, activities, and shopping! Whether you’re just passing through or spending an extended vacation, you won't want to miss out on exploring these areas that make Victoria unique!
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Explore Canada's Oldest Chinatown
Victoria is home to Canada's oldest Chinatown. Established in 1858 by Chinese immigrants coming from San Francisco, this historic district has been a cultural center for the city ever since. Today, Victoria’s Chinatown is one of the most vibrant and colorful areas in the city and well worth a visit for any tourist looking to experience some of BC’s rich history. I would encourage you to visit the Chinese Canadian Museum to ensure you get the most out of your visit!
Gates of Harmonious Interest
@sarahelizabeth
The Harmonious Gates of Interest in Victoria, BC, also known as the "Dragon Gates," were built in 1981 to commemorate the friendship between the people of Victoria and their sister city, Suzhou, China.
They feature intricate carvings of dragons, which are a symbol of good luck and fortune in Chinese culture, and are considered to be one of the most impressive examples of Chinese architecture in North America.
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Fan Tan Alley
@sarahelizabeth
Fan Tan Alley is the narrowest commercial street in North America. Tucked away in the heart of Chinatown is Fan Tan Alley - a narrow cobblestone street lined with intriguing shops and eateries. What makes this place truly unique is the atmosphere – it’s bustling yet peaceful at the same time, perfect for anyone looking for a taste culture or a unique shopping experiences.
Make sure you check out the Chinese Canadian Museum, located in Fan Tan Alley, to learn more about the rich history of Canada's oldest Chinatown.
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Chinese Canadian Museum
@sarahelizabeth
The Canadian Chinese Museum in Victoria, BC is a museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Chinese Canadians in Canada. The museum features exhibits that showcase the experiences of Chinese immigrants who came to Canada in the 19th and 20th centuries, and their contributions to the country's social, economic, and cultural development. The museum also offers educational programs, events, and workshops to promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese Canadian history and culture.
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Don Mee
@sarahelizabeth
Don Mee has been serving delicious Chinese cuisine since 1929 in the heart of Chinatown. The restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional dishes, including dim sum, noodle soups, seafood, and stir-fries.
Don Mee is also known for its elegant and historic ambiance, with its red and gold décor and chandeliers. It has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and is considered one of the oldest and most iconic Chinese restaurants in Victoria.
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Dragon Alley
@sarahelizabeth
Dragon Alley is a narrow alleyway located in the heart of Victoria's Chinatown. It is a vibrant and colorful space that is decorated with hanging lanterns, murals, and sculptures of dragons. The alley is home to several small shops and businesses, including traditional Chinese medicine stores, tea shops, and souvenir shops. Dragon Alley has become a popular tourist destination in Victoria, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's Chinese heritage and culture.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Elizabeth
🍁Canadian
🪸PADI Divemaster
🥂Passionate about food and wine
📍Spain
Some fun facts: I hold a bachelor of arts double major degree in cultural anthropology and environmental studies with a minor in Hispanic studies. I'm a certified PADI Divemaster and a certified archaeological field technician! Those interests have definitely shaped the way I travel!
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
54 places
54 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
1 link
1 link from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Victoria, BC, Canada
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Foodie
History
Shopping
Sustainable/Eco
People & Culture
Coffee
Beach
Boutique
Art
BEST TIME OF YEAR
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FEB
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Map
Maps are simple lists of places often grouped by themes, categories or geos.
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