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"Listed among the major Chinatown landmarks the author visited; part of a cluster of institutions that together framed a Canadian perspective on Asian immigrant history and culture during the author's tour." - Rachel Chang
Rachel Chang
Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
A major cultural and heritage museum in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, dedicated to the history, stories, contributions, and lived experiences of Chinese Canadians,offering meaningful context on the Chinese diaspora’s influence in BC and across the country through engaging exhibits and historic spaces.
supun J.
Google
Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver is a powerful and beautifully presented space. The exhibits thoughtfully tell stories of immigration, resilience, and community, weaving together personal narratives with broader historical contexts. It’s both educational and deeply moving a must visit for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Canada’s multicultural heritage.
Katie W.
Google
Had a lovely time here today! This was my second visit this time bringing a friend visiting from Japan. The staff were exceptionally kind and welcoming. They were also incredibly gracious and patient allowing us extra time to enjoy the feature exhibit and change our baby before leaving at the museum's closing. The story and intention of the building and museum is beautiful. Exhibits are really well-done. Proud to be a CBC ❤️
Kenna Cc (.
Google
Nice little museum. I liked the interactive bits. Staff on every floor were friendly and had lovely smiles. It felt very welcoming. Your toilet could use a bag hook though!
M A.
Google
Who knew a museum could be so fun?! 😆Learned a lot and felt a lot more connected to my heritage and empowered. Fun to walk down memory lane seeing items and references that reminded me a lot of my parents and grandparents. Really enjoyed chatting with the staff who were so welcoming, friendly and gave a real sense of community. Highly recommend for all Chinese Canadians and non Chinese Canadians!
Jessica Acevedo C.
Google
It is a small but very valuable museum. Exhibits are very well curated and designed. There are many interactive pieces that help the audience understand better the context of the place and also the stories of the Chinese Canadian people. The staff is super helpful and very knowledgeable about the content of the exhibits and also the history of the building. I would totally recommend
Mark P.
Google
The CCM has an incredible collection that truly brings local history to life. What made it so impactful for me personally were the thought-provoking personal stories and eye-opening first-hand accounts that are woven throughout the exhibits. The staff are clearly passionate about Vancouver's Chinese Canadian history, and their extensive knowledge really shines through.
San
Google
The is the hidden gem of Vancouver Chinatown. By far the best museum in Chinatown as their exhibits change and they have two new ones as of May 2025. Oldest building in Chinatown but they have made such beautiful changes, 4 floors of architecture beauty and voted best restrooms in Chinatown. Must visit!!!
Gin C.
Yelp
This is a small museum that takes about an hour to go through. There is history from how this building came about and some background history in WWII. There are also changing exhibits.
Paula K.
Yelp
This small museum is located in an historic building and explores various aspects of Chinese history in Canada. The featured exhibit dealt with Chinese pop music which I found very interesting. I also found the exhibit about Chinese Canadians in the military during WWII to be compelling. There are recreations of of old school room and residence, and other displays showcasing how Chinese people were exploited building the railroad. Highly recommend.
Thanh L.
Yelp
This museum is such a hidden gem! The special exhibition at the time I visited in August was the The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act to commemorate the 100 years since the passing of the Chinese Immigration Act. It's surprisingly big and is so informative about the history of Chinese Canadians in B.C.
I'd like to give special thanks to one of the staff, Rebecca. She walked me and my friend around while giving us plenty of space and time to navigate the space. She gave us lots of tips on how to best go around the museum and recommended restaurants around Chinatown to check out afterwards. She even took some pictures for us. Rebecca was very knowledgeable - she answered many of our questions and gave us insider information that we wouldn't have gotten from reading all the signs alone.
I had such a good experience here and the knowledge you get is invaluable. I recommend you check out this place if you find yourself in Chinatown to educate yourself on a significant aspect of Canadian history.
Andrew S.
Yelp
Located in Chinatown in Vancouver, BC, the Chinese Canadian Museum charges a small fee to look at historical significant displays that create a history lesson on Chinese immigration to Canada. It is a small building location, but very updated and modernized. I would take the time to come by and visit this historical site if you are in the area. It is worth the time and energy to view the exhibits here.
John M.
Yelp
Incredibly interesting place, I had no idea the abuses that people of Chinese descent had suffered in Canada. Highly recommend the guided tour at 2:30.
Beth M.
Yelp
Exceptional museum, it was beautifully done and also had some very interesting videos.