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YouVictoria
You Victoria
Eat List Victoria
Cheese and Meat Festival
I Know that Place
Nightlife - Entertainment
Shopping
Connect With Us
Discover Victoria
Events and Festivals
Attractions Art & Culture
Wineries and Breweries
Downtown Victoria
Global Travel
Biking The Peninsula
Hiking Vancouver Island
Farms and Country Markets
YouVictoria
You Victoria
Eat List Victoria
Cheese and Meat Festival
I Know that Place
Nightlife - Entertainment
Shopping
Connect With Us
Discover Victoria
Events and Festivals
Attractions Art & Culture
Wineries and Breweries
Downtown Victoria
Global Travel
Biking The Peninsula
Hiking Vancouver Island
Farms and Country Markets
More
  • You Victoria
  • Eat List Victoria
  • Cheese and Meat Festival
  • I Know that Place
  • Nightlife - Entertainment
  • Shopping
  • Connect With Us
  • Discover Victoria
  • Events and Festivals
  • Attractions Art & Culture
  • Wineries and Breweries
  • Downtown Victoria
  • Global Travel
  • Biking The Peninsula
  • Hiking Vancouver Island
  • Farms and Country Markets

  • You Victoria
  • Eat List Victoria
  • Cheese and Meat Festival
  • I Know that Place
  • Nightlife - Entertainment
  • Shopping
  • Connect With Us
  • Discover Victoria
  • Events and Festivals
  • Attractions Art & Culture
  • Wineries and Breweries
  • Downtown Victoria
  • Global Travel
  • Biking The Peninsula
  • Hiking Vancouver Island
  • Farms and Country Markets

Welcome and Discover Victoria

There's much to see here. So, check back as we continually update this section of the website

Unique and Exciting Public Squares and Markets

Bastion Square

Centennial Square

Bastion Square

  The Bastion Square Public Market is a colourful open-air market that brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. 

Market Square

Centennial Square

Bastion Square

  One of the city's oldest landmarks, Market Square is centrally located one block south of Chinatown and an easy 5-10 minute walk from the Inner Harbour .

Centennial Square

Centennial Square

Centennial Square

  Centennial Square was constructed in the 1960s as part of a major initiative to preserve, restore and revive downtown Victoria, and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city. 

Discover Public Squares & Markets

Colourful open-air markets and squares

Victoria is a city famous for domed copper roofs, hotels with ballrooms, expansive gardens and peeks into ocean life. But behind those highlights are parts of the city are its charming squares and markets.


Our squares provide a kind of surprise and delight behind the icons, adding depth and dimension to the city. They’re not something you lead with, but give a great payoff.”

 

Bastion Square

Bastion Square is located in the heart of downtown Victoria, B.C. The ceremonial entry arch, located at View and Government Streets, welcomes visitors to the original site of old Fort Victoria. Rich with history, this space is part of the original Fort Victoria and has housed some of the city’s foundational landmarks, including:


  • The Court House (designed by architect H.O. Tiedeman), the first concrete building in Victoria, built in 1889. For decades until relatively recently, it was home to the Maritime Museum of British Columbia.
  • The Law Chambers, designed by F.M. Rattenbury, built in the late 1800s.
  • Burnes House, originally a hotel in 1882 (then a brothel and later a warehouse), restored in 1967.
  • Strousse Warehouse, built in 1885 as a supply centre for gold miners.
  • The Board of Trade building, built in 1892 by A.M. Muir.


Bastion Square is said to house the troubled spirits of prisoners who marched down adjoining Helmcken Alley, which linked the nearby prison with the square, where public executions took place. The prison was demolished in 1885.

 

In more recent years the square has undergone quite the makeover. It’s home to sunny patios, live music, some of the hottest beer and cocktail sites and a vibrant public market.


Centennial Square

Built in 1962 to mark the 100th anniversary of Victoria’s incorporation, this central public square hosts many events, with a permanent stage, public art on display and community gathering spaces among its features.


Situated between city hall, McPherson Playhouse, a seniors activity centre, Capital Regional District headquarters, the Fisgard Street parkade and shops.

It is a central location for Victoria’s voices, acting as the space for demonstrations, festivals and public celebrations. It hosts markets in the summer and recently became the home of Victoria’s Lights of Wonder winter festival.


Fort Common

Tucked behind the walls of local eateries and independent shops between Broughton, Fort and Blanshard streets, this public space offers an exclusive feeling due to its subtle entrances and seasonal availability. The small square offers a quiet outdoor venue to enjoy local food and hosts evening events in summer, all under strings of Edison light bulbs.


Market Square

This large enclosed space has a character of its own, one that continues to evolve. Situated in Victoria’s’ Old Town, it was close to the busy seaport during the gold rush era. The heritage buildings which now surround it in the shape of a U were once commercial spaces, warehouses and hotels.


Today the three-storey square houses an eclectic collection of independent shops and restaurants, and hosts music festivals and special events. Most recently, Market Square has transformed into a space to celebrate beer, whiskey and microbreweries.


Pioneer Square

This tiny square, sits in Pioneer Park next to Christ Church Cathedral and houses Victoria’s second-oldest cemetery. It was the main burial ground for Fort Victoria and Victoria between 1858 and 1873. Approximately 1,300 people were interred there, including many Hudson’s Bay Company families and those who arrived for the gold rushes. Most of the smaller headstones were removed and put into storage when the square and graveyard was converted into a park, but larger monuments are still present.

Chinatown, Oldtown and Government Street

Chinatown

Government Street

Chinatown

 We are the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the 2nd oldest in North America behind San Francisco’s Chinatown.  

Oldtown

Government Street

Chinatown

 With heritage architecture and cobbled streets, Old Town Victoria exudes historic character. 

Government Street

Government Street

Government Street

 Walk Victoria's Government Street and enjoy the  variety of shops, boutiques and coffee stops.

Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria

Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria + Gold Mountain Dream!

Chinese Canadian Museum

Chinese Canadian Museum is delighted to bring “First Steps: Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria” and “Gold Mountain Dream!” to the Victoria Chinatown, the oldest in Canada!  


Designated as one of Canada’s Historic Places, this temporary exhibition site at 10 - 14 Fan Tan Alley (constructed circa 1912) is a brick-and-mortar embodiment of the experiences of Chinese pioneers who settled in Victoria. Fan Tan Alley provided a refuge for Chinese pioneers to socialize and carry on their traditional ways during the era of Chinese Exclusion Act when many Chinese men were prevented from reuniting with their families as immigration restrictions in effect barred virtually all Chinese from entering Canada.  


Come visit the temporary exhibition site that pays tribute to the early Chinese migrants in Victoria. Take part in celebrating the history and living heritage of Chinese Canadians in the oldest Chinatown of Canada.  Temporary Exhibitions in Victoria Chinatown  Hours: Friday to Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm  Free Admission. Book your visit at https://bit.ly/3hzbg4L Presented by the Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia in cooperation with Victoria Chinatown Museum Society, and with support from the Province of British Columbia. 


Photos by Corkboard MediaWorks | @larrykinfahchin 


Free Admission Friday to Sunday at 11 am – 5pm 10 – 14 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria 


Welcome to “First Steps: Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria”, a new temporary exhibition that highlights important starting points for Chinese Canadians in Victoria. Examples of intergenerational resilience and agency are shared through stories of community support, entrepreneurship, and personal accomplishment.   


“First Steps: Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria” is produced by Chinese Canadian Museum, in cooperation with Victoria Chinatown Museum Society.  Continue your visit with “Gold Mountain Dream!”, an exhibition which examines the personal stories and sacrifices of early Chinese migrant workers who came to British Columbia in search for prosperity during the Fraser Valley Gold Rush in the 1850s. 


The fascinating tales of early Chinese migrants during the Gold Rush detailed through photographs shed light on the adventure, heartbreak, and social upheaval which would impact the development of British Columbia and China. This exhibition is produced by Royal BC Museum in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of History.  


Inquire about your visit to “First Steps: Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria” / “Gold Mountain Dream!” by phone (250) 382-9883  |  Website

Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria + Gold Mountain Dream

 Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria + Gold Mountain Dream 

Chinatown & Fan Tan Alley in Victoria

Chinatown

Victoria's Chinatown is a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought to Canada by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago. These days, Chinatown proudly stands out in the downtown landscape of BC’s capital. As one gets closer to the Gate of Harmonious Interest, the ornately decorated arch marking the entrance to Chinatown’s centre on Fisgard Street, the neighbourhood’s presence is revealed: bold colours of lucky red and gold, distinct architecture, and business names written in Chinese on shop windows.


Victoria's Chinatown is not big - one or two blocks organized around a main street, but it's a unique, authentic, and full of local life. Lose yourself in the mazes of its narrow alleys and sample some of the great restaurants and enjoy a cultural experience.

Victoria Chinatown on Fisgard Street

Experience Victoria's Chinatown.

Victoria Kung Fu club traditional Lion Dance video

China Town

Victoria Kung Fu Club

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the popular Chinese New Year parade in downtown Victoria to go virtual for a second year.


Instead of celebrating in person, a local Kung Fu club is marking the occasion by releasing a video of a traditional Lion Dance. The video will release at midnight on Feb. 1 on the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club website and YouTube channel.


The club has practiced and performed Lion Dancing in Greater Victoria for several decades, with the tradition being passed down from one generation to another, along with its Hung Fut-style Kung Fu teachings.


Lion Dances are a symbolic Chinese folk tradition that dates back thousands of years and is an essential part of Chinese events and holidays. The dance is a tradition to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, happiness and prosperity.


This year marks the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac.


With files from CTV News Vancouver Island's Wells Gaetz.

China Town Lion Dance

China Town - Lion Dance

Featured Shops and Boutiques

Best of Both Worlds

Fan Tan Home & Style

Best of Both Worlds

 Sourcing hand made Asian furniture and home décor for Victorians since 1976

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La Roux Pastiessrie

La Roux Patisserie

Fan Tan Home & Style

Best of Both Worlds

 Our desserts and pastries are made from the highest quality ingredients  

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InsideOut Homestore

InsideOut Homestore

Fan Tan Home & Style

Fan Tan Home & Style

 InsideOut Homestore is a locally owned Furniture and Home Accents store in Victoria. 

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Fan Tan Home & Style

Fan Tan Home & Style

Fan Tan Home & Style

 Decorate your happy place and discover lovely goods for your home!

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Fan Tan Alley & Chinatown in Victoria

Fan Tan Alley

Fan Tan Alley—the narrowest street in the country and a side door to Canada’s oldest Chinatown!


Comprised of more than a dozen locally owned shops, they offer a diverse and exciting shopping experience.  At its narrowest, a child can place a hand on the brick walls on either side of a mere 1.2-metre gap.


The alley takes its name from the Fan Tan Guan, the gambling dens that once shared this space with opium dens. The latter was a legal pleasure until banned under the Opium Act 99 years ago.

These days, even cigarette smoke is a rarity in the alley, where dens of iniquity have been replaced by a barber shop, an art gallery, a yoga studio, a used record store, a used clothing store, a kitchenware store and a musical instrument store.


The alley can be crowded on weekend as families and tourists gather in Chinatown to eat dim sum and mark Chinese New Year for example. The celebrations have been a part of the history of the city since the first Chinese immigrants arrived almost 150 years ago in 1858.


Enjoy all this as you stroll through fascinating heritage architecture formed by a unique cultural history. 

Experience Fan Tan Alley in Victoria's Chinatown.

Featured Shops and Boutiques

Saltspring Soapworks

Saltspring Soapworks

Saltspring Soapworks

Saltspring Soapworks

    We offer a complete line of natural handmade soaps as well as skin, hair, and body care.

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Turntable Fan Tan Alley

The Turntable

Saltspring Soapworks

Saltspring Soapworks

  If you’re a music junkie, you can always get your hands on the good stuff at The Turntable, 

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Kid Sister Ice Cream in Fan Tan Alley

Kid Sister Ice Cream

Saltspring Soapworks

Kid Sister Ice Cream

  Kid Sister is a local, from-Scratch ice cream and POPSICLE shop.

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Just Matcha Tea Shop

Saltspring Soapworks

Kid Sister Ice Cream

  Dedicated to bringing you, the Matcha Lover (and everyone else too!) the best Matcha,

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Oldtown Victoria

Oldtown or LoJo

Brightly-painted Victorian-era shopfronts flank both sides of busy Lower Johnson and Yates Streets. Once home to hotels and stores during the Gold Rushes (1850s & 1890s), today the area is known for its funky local boutiques and restaurants. 


Maintaining the special character of Old Town for present and future generations requires the ongoing conservation and enhancement of its unique character. When new buildings are constructed or additions are made to existing buildings, it’s important that they are designed to complement and enhance the heritage character and historical significance of this special area of downtown Victoria. 

Oldtown or Lower Johnson Street - LoJo

Featured Shops and Boutiques

The Dancing Lily Fashion Boutique

The Dancing Lily

Milk & Honey Brow Bar

The Dancing Lily

The Dancing Lily is the cutest little boutique! Whenever I need to look my best!

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Rook & Rose flower shop on Lower Johnson Street, Victoria, BC

Rook & Rose

Milk & Honey Brow Bar

The Dancing Lily

   Rook & Rose is a flower shop and lifestyle store located downtown in Victoria, BC.   

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Shampoo Hair Bar

Milk & Honey Brow Bar

Milk & Honey Brow Bar

   Shampoo Hair Bar is an exclusive Bumble and bumble network hair salon. 

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Milk and Honey Brow Bar

Milk & Honey Brow Bar

Milk & Honey Brow Bar

Milk & Honey Brow Bar

   Milk and Honey Brow Bar specializes in quality waxing and lash extensions. 

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Government Street

Shopping on Government Street

All along this street are shops, shops and more shops! Most are unique and selling everything from native art/jewellry, toys, clothing, hats and more!  Be sure to stop in at some of our favorites:  Murchies for tea/coffee/munchies/lunch, & Munro’s books for a book browsers heaven! 


The Bay Centre

This is a multi-level mall with the Bay (Hudson’s Bay) as it’s anchor tenant. It is bordered by Government St., Fort St., View St. & Douglas St. There is a parkade in the lower (street) level for easy access.  It has all the ‘usual’ mall-type stores and a food court on the top level.

Government Street, Victoria BC

Shopping on Government Street, Victoria, BC.

Featured Shops and Boutiques

Murchie's Coffee and Tea

Murchie's

Roger's Chocolates

Munro's Books

Since 1894, Murchie’s has been a tradition of excellence and  proudly operate 9 retail stores.

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Munro's Books

Munro's Books

Roger's Chocolates

Munro's Books

Munro’s Books has been a destination for book lovers for more than 50 years.  

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Roger's Chocolates

Roger's Chocolates

Roger's Chocolates

Roger's Chocolates

The first Rogers' chocolates were made in 1885 by Charles "Candy" Rogers in Victoria, B.C. 

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Cowichan Trading Victoria BC

Cowichan Trading

Roger's Chocolates

Roger's Chocolates

Welcome to Cowichan Trading and Sasquatch Trading! Based out of Victoria, BC.

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