Historical Chinatown Tours in Vancouver

Historical Chinatown Tours offers immersive walking experiences led by local historian and guide Judy Lam Maxwell in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown. These tours dive deep into the neighbourhood’s history, culture and architecture, often with the added bonus of tasting authentic Chinese food along the way.

Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest in Canada, making it a destination rich in heritage and unique stories. Judy’s mission is to educate, enlighten and entertain, while also supporting community initiatives and heritage restoration. Her tours are the only ones in the city with special permission to enter several historic Chinatown buildings, offering guests rare access to spaces not usually open to the public.

For full details about the tours, visit the official chinatowngirl.ca website.

About Judy Lam Maxwell — “Chinatowngirl”

Judy Lam Maxwell is the owner and sole guide of Historical Chinatown Tours. With a Master’s degree in History from the University of British Columbia and decades of community involvement, Judy is a respected authority on Chinese Canadian history and Chinatowns worldwide.

A third-generation Vancouverite on her father’s side and first-generation Chinese Canadian on her mother’s, Judy brings both personal and academic insights to her tours. She has served on multiple heritage and revitalization committees and is also a skilled cook, writer and educator who knows how to enhance her guests’ experiences.

For full details, visit the official chinatowngirl.ca website. To book a tour, e-mail judy@chinatowngirl.ca.

Guided Experiences in Vancouver’s Chinatown

Judy Lam Maxwell offers the following experiences as part of the Historical Chinatown Tours.

Chinatown Walk, Historic Talk & Dim Sum

This popular tour blends storytelling, local history and a guided walk with a visit to select Chinatown businesses and heritage buildings. Guests also enjoy a traditional Cantonese meal while learning about Chinese culinary traditions.

Masterclass Dumplings

Part tour, part cooking lesson, this experience begins with a short guided walk before transitioning into a hands-on dumpling-making session led by Judy herself. Guests learn about the history of dumplings and how to prepare them. Participants also, of course, get to enjoy eating their creations.

Pro-D Day Tours for Educators

Specially designed for teachers, these tours explore Chinatown’s history and architecture while providing educational resources to teachers for school field trips.

Customized Tours and Private Experiences

Historical Chinatown Tours can be tailored to suit group preferences, whether you want to focus on architecture, food, cultural history, or a mix of all three. Judy also hosts private dumpling parties at homes and workplaces, and she can recommend restaurants and attractions based on your interests.

For full details, visit the official chinatowngirl.ca website. To book a tour, e-mail judy@chinatowngirl.ca.

Why Choose Historical Chinatown Tours?

We’ve been on a number of Judy’s tours and highly recommend them. In addition to their being educational, fun, entertaining and informative, below are just a few of the reasons we like them so much.

Exclusive Access: The only tours with permission to enter certain heritage buildings in Chinatown.
Authentic Perspective: Led by a local historian with deep community ties.
Cultural Immersion: Combines food, history, and architecture in an engaging way.
Community Support: Partial tour proceeds help fund heritage restoration and support local businesses.

Other information

For more information or to request a tour, visit chinatowngirl.ca or email Judy directly at judy@chinatowngirl.ca.

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An online resource with more information about tours, but also comprehensive details about events and attractions in the region in general, is Vancouver’s Best Places. Articles in that website you might like include the following: