5 Things to Do in Chinatown

You could spend all day just browsing the grocery supply shops in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, but in between stocking up on fresh seafood and dried spices, there are plenty of other attractions to explore.

1. Wing Sang Building

Book a free tour at the Wing Sang Building’s Rennie Collection for an expert-led walk through an ever-changing exhibition of contemporary art, ending with the view from a rooftop gallery. 51 East Pender Streethttps://www.instagram.com/p/BTfQdPAg0vr/?taken-by=_spacelab

2. Space Lab

You could spend weeks browsing at Space Lab, a one-of-a-kind trove of antiques with the Aubade Coffee bar in the front and a barbershop in the back. Find everything there, including the kitchen sink: vintage typewriters, secretary desks and risque postcards. 230 East Pender Street

3. Kissa Tanto

This 80-seat Japanese-Italian restaurant (styled after 1960s Japanese jazz cafes) is atmospheric perfection. Oh, and it’s home to the man Vancouver magazine named Chef of the Year—Joël Watanabe—so no one is going to leave hungry. 263 E Pender Street

4. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s hard to resist the appeal of a zen moment at this peaceful sanctuary that is tucked away amongst tall buildings and busy streets in the heart of Chinatown. 578 Carrall Street

5. Vancouver Police Museum

Step inside this historic building and into a world of unsolved crimes, murder mysteries and tales of the Wild West. This museum is filled with authentic artefacts, photos and archives, but for maximum impact, wait for a “Movies at the Morgue” screening. 240 East Cordova Street

Chinatown ▸▸▸