Lunar New Year 2026

Gung hay fat choy! Today is the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the year of the fire horse. The celebration of Lunar New Year holds deep cultural significance for Victoria’s historic Chinatown. Chinese Canadian pioneers brought many traditions with them when they...

EXPERIENCE A LIVING MUSEUM

Canada’s Oldest Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest surviving Chinatown in Canada (est. 1858) and the only one in North America to retain its original 19th century streetscape. It is a place of deep history and living heritage – a vibrant community shaped by generations of Chinese Canadians.

Explore Exhibits

Step into our Fan Tan Alley space and discover artifacts, stories, and artifacts that bring Canada’s oldest Chinatown to life in an intimate, immersive way.

Donate Now

Your gift helps us build a permanent museum celebrating Chinese Canadian pioneers, preserving stories that enrich BC’s cultural fabric now and for future generations.

Volunteer with Us

Join our passionate team and help tell the inspiring stories of Victoria’s Chinatown, support our museum events, and connect with community heritage.

VISIT THE MUSEUM

Hours

Thursday to Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm
Summer hours: Thursday to Monday 11 am – 5 pm
Open on all Monday statutory holidays

Location

10 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria, BC V8W 1N6

Lunar New Year 2026

Gung hay fat choy! Today is the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the year of the fire horse. The celebration of Lunar New Year holds deep cultural significance for Victoria’s historic Chinatown. Chinese Canadian pioneers brought many traditions with them when they...
Lunar New Year

History of Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and one of the oldest in North America. Its streets tell stories of arrival, labour, resilience, and community. Established in the mid-nineteenth century, Chinatown grew as Chinese migrants came to the West Coast seeking...
Student walk-out in front of George Jay Elementary

Chinese Canadian students in Victoria boycotted public schools for one year – 1922-1923

Grace Wong Sneddon, Ph.D Board Chair, VCMS September 5, 2022 The boycott was a response to the growing Anglo pro-segregation pressure across the West Coast in the 1920s for a more complete separation of the Chinese and white races in public schools. The school protest...
Commemorative Speech

Commemorative Fundraising Luncheon of the Chinese Students School Strike

Thomas Chan, Victoria Chinatown Museum Society Board Director, and Ryan Painter, School District 61 Board Chair, with commemorative plaque at George Jay School.

family with two kids enter the Victoria Chinatown Museum

Things to do with kids around Victoria

August 2024 Looking for things to do with your kids around Victoria? The link below will take you to an article that is filled with wonderful ideas to educate and entertain kids. READ FULL ARTICLE

Awakening Chinatown 2025

The streets of Canada’s oldest Chinatown will come alive with the sights and sounds of Chinese Canadian culture once again on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from noon to 5:30 PM, when Awakening Chinatown returns for its fourth year. Organized by the Victoria Chinatown Museum...

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Our Donors

The Victoria Chinatown Museum would not be possible without the generosity and vision of our donors. Your support honors the legacy of Chinese Canadian pioneers in Canada’s oldest remaining Chinatown and ensures their stories—of perseverance, culture, and community—continue to be shared and celebrated for generations to come

Get in touch,
get involved

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re curious about our museum’s initiatives, interested in becoming a member, or eager to volunteer at upcoming events, please drop us a message below. We’re here to connect you with the stories and heritage of Chinese Canadians in Victoria.

What are you interested in?