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For its size, Victoria’s Chinatown leaves a big impression, especially for its nationally renowned Fan Tan Alley.
Named after the Chinese gambling game Fan-Tan, the alley was originally a gambling district with restaurants, shops, and opium dens.
Today, it stands as a local landmark with many small shops ranging from locally-made popsicles to vintage vinyl records.
Some of the businesses have been there for years, while others have entered the space just recently, but all the shops share a special charm that make Fan Tan brim with life.
At 3-6 feet wide and 240 feet long, Fan Tan Alley is the narrowest street in Canada and is a central piece to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Its located between Fisgard Avenue and Pandora Avenue.
On a hot summer day, the popular tourist spot is jam packed with visitors from around the world. In the winter, you can see the lanterns and string lights dripping with chilly atmosphere.
Without further ado, here are 24 businesses you can find in Fan Tan Alley:
- Kid Sister Ice Cream
- Hussy Boutique
- Turtle Express Designs
- JC Scott ECO Design
- West Coast ECO Home
- Heart’s Content
- Best of Both Worlds Imports & Design
- La Tana
- Pure Lovin’ Chocolate
- By Lacey Janette
- Jovee Handcrafted
- Whirled Arts
- Triple Spiral
- The Turntable
- Devil-May-Wear.ca
- Wilderness Committee
- My Open Road
- Userful Corp.
- MokSana Yoga Centre
- Big Pixure
- The Umbrellatorium & Canery
- Just Matcha
- Fan Tan Cafe
- Saltspring Soapworks
Check out DVBA’s Facebook page and website for more information on local businesses in downtown Victoria.