Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinDid you know that the Vancouver Chinese-Canadian Museum is housed in the oldest building in Vancouver’s Chinatown?
From cultural treasures to untold stories, we’re diving into this museum gem. Ready for a local’s journey? Dive into the guide and explore the vibrant history woven into Vancouver’s fabric!
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- What is the history of the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum?
- How to Get to the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
- Where to Stay near the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
- Where to Eat near the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
- What to Do in the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
- Where to Shop near the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
- Apps to Download for a Trip to the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum is during Chinese New Year, which typically falls in January or February. During this time, the area is booming with vibrant decorations, traditional performances, and a lively atmosphere.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
What is the history of the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum?
The Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum is a cultural institution highlighting the rich history of Chinese Canadians. Its importance lies in preserving heritage, educating the public and locals about the contributions of Chinese Canadians.
IIn 2017, BC said they wanted to set up a museum for the Chinese Canadian crew. Fast forward to 2020, the BC Chinese Canadian Museum Society kicked off, making plans to drop a spot that shouts out the history, hustle, and roots of Chinese Canadians.
And guess what? On July 1, 2023, the Chinese Canadian Museum found its forever home in the Wing Sang Building, throwing open its doors to the public officially on the same day.
Now, the Wing Sang Building, cooked up by Chinese merchant Yip Sang in 1889 for his “Wing Sang Company,” holds the title of Vancouver’s Chinatown OG, being the oldest building still standing.
How to Get to the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
From downtown Vancouver: head northeast on Seymour Street toward Dunsmuir Street. Then, take a right onto W Pender Street, the museum will be on your left.
From North Vancouver: make your way to the BC 99 S ramp to Vancouver. From there, continue driving to the Lions Gate Bridge and take a slight left toward W Pender Street. Lastly, keep driving on W Pender Street, the museum will be on the left.
From YVR: head towards Arthur Laing Bridge and stay in the left lane. Take a left onto Oak Street. Next, turn right onto W 6th Avenue, then make a left onto Cambie Street. Follow the signs to Pacific Blvd East and take the exit. Once on Pacific Blvd, make a left, and finish off by turning right onto E Pender Street.
Where to Stay near the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel and Gallery
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Address: 31 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1R3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-687-3589
Pricing: $$
The Skwachàys Lodge Indigenous Hotel and Gallery – Canada’s first-ever boutique art hotel repping Indigenous vibes. The place is decked out in stunning decor, filled with original Indigenous artworks in the lobby and hangout spots.
You’ll find cool extras like a lounge with a fireplace serving up breakfast, snacks, and wine, plus a shared kitchen. And don’t miss the rooftop smudge room with hand-painted murals and a lively Aboriginal art gallery.
The Cambie Hostel
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Address: 310 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-6466
Pricing: $
The Cambie Hostel Seymour is this awesome heritage spot, standing tall for more than 120 years right in the middle of downtown Vancouver. Seriously, the location is top-notch for the cost.
Gastown is your starting point, and with heaps of transit options nearby, you can explore every nook of Vancouver. Plus, there’s a buzzing bar and café on-site, complete with a sidewalk patio.
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
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Address: 180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4P4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-2211
Pricing: $$
Right smack in the middle of Downtown Vancouver, the Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown is a hop, skip, and jump away from shopping, a ton of restaurants, and the famous Robson Street.
The rooms got a recent makeover, giving off those fancy hotel vibes without breaking the bank. Affordable rates with a high-end feel – that’s the sweet spot.
YWCA Hotel Vancouver
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Address: 733 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-895-5830
Pricing: $
Right by the beach, the YWCA Hotel sits pretty in Downtown Vancouver, a neighborhood known for its walkable streets and excellent shopping. If you’re rolling with a team or a big crew, they’ve got a bunch of room options to pick from.
And get this – there’s a café in the lobby and not one, but three fully loaded shared kitchens. Need a spot for meetings? They’ve got rooms for that too, along with TV lounges.
Hotel BLU Vancouver
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Address: 177 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-620-6200
Pricing: $$
Tucked away on Vancouver’s famed Robson Street, Hotel BLU is the spot to be. They’ve got chic rooms, suites, and lofts all decked out in modern decor.
And here’s the scoop – this downtown gem boasts an indoor pool, hot tub, and a fitness center. So, whether you’re into city strolls or relaxation, they’ve got you covered.
Where to Eat near the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
Bao Bei
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Address: 163 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-0876
Pricing: $
This eatery serves up a menu with Asian flair, blending Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and more flavors. It’s a go-to spot in Chinatown if you’re up for some Asian fusion delights.
Our top picks were the sticky rice cake dish and the popcorn mushroom – absolute winners. And oh boy, the beef tartare, lamb dumplings, and crispy tofu were no slouch either. Seriously, all of them come with a high recommendation from us.
Ming Fong Fast Food
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Address: 180 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-687-8223
Pricing: $$
Ming Fong Fast Food is your go-to for genuine Cantonese comfort grub. Everything’s made to order, so expect your food to land hot and fresh – plus, the portions are on point.
The menu’s got a nice variety, catering to all tastes. Our shout-out goes to the mapo tofu – it’s got this fantastic numbing spice that adds a unique, but awesome twist to the dish.
Chinatown BBQ
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Address: 130 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-428-2626
Pricing: $$
Chinatown BBW has got all the classics – roast pork belly with cracklings, Chinese barbecue pork, barbecue duck, and soy sauce chicken. The place is all about that bright, clean, and surprisingly spacious vibe.
For your order, go with the BBQ duck and roasted pork over rice. Both meats hit the spot, but the roasted pork stole the show for us. It’s a win-win for your taste buds in a neat and comfy setting.
Kosoo Pocha at Sai Woo
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Address: 158 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-568-1117
Pricing: $$
Kosoo Pocha at Sai Woo is the spot for digging into popular Korean dishes and sipping on spirits like soju, beer, somaek, and makgeolli. It’s all about that Korean Izakaya feel.
Now, let’s talk about the grub – from savory dumplings to aromatic stir-fries, each bite is a flavor party. Trust us on this one: you’ve got to order the savory dumplings and the aromatic stir-fries.
Pizzeria Ludica
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Address: 189 Keefer Pl, Vancouver, BC V6B 6L4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-5552
Pricing: $
Pizzeria Ludica is your go-to spot for a chill time with beer and pizza. What sets this place apart is the extensive collection of board games – from Uno to Catan, they’ve got it all.
Now, onto the good stuff – the B.A.T. and Margherita pizzas are where it’s at. Seriously delicious choices that pair perfectly with the laid-back atmosphere.
What to Do in the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
Learn about the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act
Address: 51 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-262-0990
The 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act exhibit is a cool opportunity to dive into how they kept tabs on Chinese Canadians during the Chinese Immigration Act.
Teaming up with the Chinese Canadian Military Museum and put together by Catherine Clement, this exhibition is a community effort with families from all over Canada sharing their stories and documents.
Experience the Stories at the Odysseys and Migration
Address: 51 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-262-0990
Here you can learn about the fascinating journey of Chinese Canadians, spanning from the 18th century to today. They showcase a lot of history to help visitors understand how everything came to be.
From the Chinese-Indigenous relations since 1788, the waves of migration from Hong Kong to Vancouver, and the 20th-21st-century migrations from places like South Africa, Thailand, and Singapore.
This introduction sets the stage for delving into the essential role and distinct identities of Chinese diasporas in Canada.
Explore the Period Rooms
Address: 51 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-262-0990
The Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum is where you discover one of the oldest, most historic school rooms in Vancouver – it’s officially known as the Vancouver Chinese Independent School since 1914.
There’s a recreated 1930s living room, complete with a phonograph for playing music and a rotary phone sharing memories of life in the Wing Sang Building.
Check out the Magic of Tony Eng
Address: 51 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-262-0990
The Magic of Tony Eng exhibition celebrates the career of the Victoria-born magician. Tony Eng is famous for his unique magic show, “Mysteries of the Orient,” which beautifully embraces his Chinese Canadian heritage.
Growing up in Victoria, B.C., Tony’s lifelong fascination with magic turned into a remarkable career. His exceptional skills and talent earned him a reputation as the “Ambassador of Magic” within the Canadian magic circle.
Visit the First Steps
Address: 51 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-262-0990
This temporary exhibition sheds light on crucial milestones for Chinese Canadians in Victoria. The display features photographs and stories of the early Chinese migrants who ventured during the Gold Rush.
You’ll get to hear all about the tales of their adventures, heartbreaks, and the social upheavals that left a lasting impact on the development of both British Columbia and China.
Where to Shop near the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
Foo Hung Curios
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Address: 168 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-225-0055
Nestled within the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, Foo Hung Curios is a treasure trove of home goods, stationery, art, and jewelry.
What makes this gift shop stand out is its special curation of Asian products. Imagine plushies resembling Asian candies, a bao steamer, candles with scents reminiscent of Asian households, and even card games themed around Asian culture.
Fuling Gifts & Houseware
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Address: 111 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-683-8666
Fuling Gifts & Houseware is a real gem, offering a wide array of gifts, housewares, knick-knacks, lanterns, and even clothing, jewelry, and toys.
Whether you’re into modern or vintage, and no matter your budget, this place has something for everyone, from large items to small trinkets. It’s a diverse and exciting shopping destination with surprises waiting at every turn.
The Chinese Tea Shop
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Address: 101 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-633-1322
The Chinese Tea Shop is a haven for tea enthusiasts, boasting a collection of specialty teas ranging from oolong and green to white, black, and puerh. The variety and quality of teas here are impressive.
What makes this spot even more special is the free tea tasting session they offer. They’ll walk you through the diverse world of teas, sharing insights into tea culture and guiding you on how to brew gongfu tea.
Chinatown Plaza
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Address: 106 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-632-3809
Chinatown Plaza exudes a calm atmosphere with a handful of Chinese-owned shops and a spacious restaurant on the top floor. It’s a place where you’ll frequently spot seniors engaged in chess or mahjong during the mornings and weekends.
The interior evokes a sense of nostalgia, featuring a Chinese-styled food court offering familiar delights. Don’t miss the small shop with toys and the charming florist.
Old Faithful Shop
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Address: 320 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1E8, Canada
Old Faithful Shop is an adorable store boasting an impressive collection of designy artifacts, all in love with that irresistible Scandinavian style. The products are diverse enough to captivate the mind, yet they come together seamlessly in their presentation.
Apps to Download for a Trip to the Vancouver Chinese Canadian Museum
Vancouver Transit Live: provides real-time bus schedules as well as live updates on buses approaching stops near you.
Uber: arrange a ride anywhere in Vancouver. Allows you to track the driver’s whereabouts in real time on the app and provide an anticipated arrival time.
Street Food Vancouver: Locate the nearest food trucks on a map, along with their operating hours.
Maps.me: offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation are available for free.
