Taste of Oriental Vancouver Tour

The Millennium Gate marks the gate into Vancouver's historic Chinatown, one of the largest and oldest in North America, with roots dating back to the 1880s when Chinese immigrants arrived to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Stroll beneath the ornate Millennium Gate on Pender Street and explore a neighbourhood rich with history, from traditional apothecaries and tea shops to vibrant produce markets overflowing with exotic fruits and vegetables. The area's colourful heritage buildings, including the narrow Sam Kee Building listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's thinnest commercial building, tell the story of generations who shaped this enduring cultural landmark.

Tucked away in the heart of Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a tranquil oasis that transports visitors to Ming Dynasty China. Completed in 1986, it was the first authentic classical Chinese garden built outside of China, constructed by master artisans from Suzhou using traditional techniques and materials imported from the region. Wander along covered walkways past koi-filled ponds, weathered limestone rocks, and carefully placed pavilions, where every element is designed to create harmony between the natural and the constructed. The garden offers a peaceful retreat from the city and a profound appreciation for Chinese art, philosophy, and landscape design.

No visit to Vancouver is complete without experiencing the city's legendary dim sum, widely considered among the best outside of Hong Kong. Near historic Chinatown, you'll find bustling restaurants where steaming bamboo baskets arrive tableside filled with delicate dumplings, savoury buns, and crispy spring rolls. This traditional Cantonese brunch custom invites you to sample a variety of small plates, from classic har gow and siu mai to adventurous offerings like chicken feet and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf.

Gastown's charming cobblestone streets are home to an eclectic mix of shops offering the perfect keepsakes to remember your Vancouver visit. Browse boutiques featuring authentic Indigenous art, Canadian-made clothing, and locally crafted goods alongside stores specializing in Asian imports and unique giftware. Whether you're searching for a jade pendant, a hand-carved totem, maple syrup treats, or quirky Vancouver memorabilia, Gastown delivers a diverse shopping experience that reflects the city's multicultural spirit.