HISTORICAL CHINATOWN TOURS - Vancouver, British Columbia

Tianhe Y.

Travelling is made more meaningful with a deeper understanding of the place you're visiting. Judy's tours offer exactly that. Our tours with Judy have helped us gain a better understanding and personal connection to Vancouver's storied Chinatown. Whether you prefer to experience culture through food, architecture, or human stories, Judy has crafted the perfect experience to bring the neighborhood to life.

We have attended Judy's Masterclass Dumplings workshop and her historical Chinatown tour and we can't recommend them enough! Masterclass Dumplings is hands-on and wonderfully social. Judy goes the extra mile to tailor the dumplings to your tastes, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. The historical Chinatown tour will take you into grand meeting rooms in heritage buildings, allow you to sample refreshing drinks brewed by tea masters, and visit family-run shops where you can mingle with longtime residents. You don’t just see Chinatown, you get to be immersed in it.

Katya

Had a great time on tour with Judy! It was amazing to learn about the history of Vancouver’s Chinatown and everything that makes the neighbourhood so vital and special. Judy was very knowledgeable and you can truly tell she enjoys what she does - I got to learn so many new things, and find new places to get fresh produce, specialty teas, and food recommendations! Would definitely consider the dumpling making classes next.

Shiloh D.

I originally booked Judy's dumpling master class as a gift for my husband's birthday. We had so much fun learning about the history and techniques of Chinese dumpling making that we decided to take Judy's historic tour of Chinatown. Judy was amazing! She showed us all kinds of hidden gems that we would have otherwise never known of! I highly recommend her tours and classes to anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of Chinese history in Vancouver's Chinatown!

Claire F.

I cannot recommend any and all of Judy's tours enough! We had an incredible Chinatown tour and dim sum experience. From the moment we started walking, it was clear that Judy knows everyone in the neighborhood. People lit up when they saw her. She brought the history and heart of Chinatown to life in such a personal, engaging, and respectful way. It felt less like a tour and more like walking around with an old friend who just happens to be Chinatown’s most beloved local. I thought we were seasoned at dim sum but Judy showed us new dishes, all while explaining the history of the restaurant. This was truly one of the most memorable travel experiences we’ve had. Highly recommend!

Emmexx11

Lived here all my life and been to Chinatown several times but never had such a great time as we did during the tour. Learned about the culture and history. Met some locals in buildings that I have walked past and never knew what was behind the doors!!
Really enjoyed the explanation of how Vancouver's Chinatown compares to others around the world and also the stories of some individual locals and how they made their way to this area many years ago.
Judy is very knowledgeable and you can see that she is really trying to make a difference in this community.
LUNCH !! It was so yummy!! now that I know where we had food so tasty, I will be returning! Truly an excellent way to spend a few hours.

Vicky J.

If you are looking for a fun and engaging way to peel back Vancouver's historic Chinatown, then Judy Maxwell is your go-to-guide to do so. With my friends I enjoyed a fun and informative historical tour of Vancouver's Chinatown with her. She proudly took us into benevolent association buildings as well as businesses of cultural interest. She spoke with ease and expertise of Chinese clan associations and the influence of Chinese people and culture on Canadian history and society. Judy also offers fun and interactive Cantonese style dumpling making classes that cater to individual taste preferences. Take the opportunity to book a tour or dumpling class with Judy to learn something new!

Nadine S.

Booked the dumpling making course/tour as apart of a birthday surprise for a friend! We're all actually locals who rarely spend time in Chinatown, so this was a great opportunity to learn about an important neighbourhood in Vancouver. Judy was fantastic, so knowledgable and every shop we walked by knew her and greeted her warmly! She truly is an advocate for this neighbourhood.

After the tour and a few stops at great shops, we made our way back to learn how to make dumplings using Judy's technique. We made lamb and chicken dumplings and they were delicious! Judy brought tons of dipping sauces, Thomas Haas chocolate, snacks, and just really made an effort to make the day that much more special for my friend which we truly appreciated.

I hightly recommend taking this tour whether you're visiting Vancouver or have lived here for years! Judy's wonderful and made the experience so fun!

Dr. F. L.

Judy's tailored tour was super insightful and fun! Judy literally opened doors to the beautifully diverse cultural practices going on in Vancouver’s Chinatown! In addition to checking out cultural institutions and of course the delicious food, make sure to book a tour with Judy if you want to get to know this historically important neighborhood!