Vancouver - Chinatown

Vancouver's exotic and interesting Chinatown, the largest in North America apart from San Francisco's, extends east of Carrall St. as far as Gore Ave. Set among the modern functional buildings are many older ones dating from Victorian times, some with typically Chinese features. E. Pender St. and Keefer St. (the main shopping streets) are crowded with restaurants.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Stanley Park

Canada Place

Granville Island

Queen Elizabeth Park / Bloedel Conservatory

Vancouver Aquarium

Gastown

University of British Columbia

At lunchtime these serve "dim sum", a sort of Chinese brunch which can sometimes include less familiar Chinese dishes. Many of the shopsn in Chinatown describe their wares only in Chinese and some of the foodstuffs on display are to say the least unusual to European eyes. Vegetables and fruit are sold on the streets. Even the telephone kiosks are shaped like pagodas. Running between the streets proper are narrow alleyways such as the Truance or "Blood" Alley. These are used for deliveries to the shops and also give access to the flats and habitations.