Historic Neighbourhoods - Chinatown

Historic Neighbourhoods

Strathcona, Downtown Eastside (DTES), Chinatown, Gastown, and Yaletown are the oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver. These historic neighbourhoods are a part of Vancouver's past, and will continue to play an important role in Vancouver's future. These vibrant neighbourhoods host a huge variety of interesting arts and cultural events, festivals, facilities, and services. Details on what's new and what's happening in Yaletown are found on our Downtown area page. You can stay up to date with news and events affecting our other historic neighbourhoods on the Hastings area page.

On this page, you will find information about city initiatives affecting these historic neighbourhoods and other heritage-related topics.

City Planning & Park Board initiatives

Chinatown

Learn more about our work to revitalize economic and community development in Chinatown.

Public views

Our goal is to balance the protection of Vancouver's ocean and mountain views, while allowing more flexible and efficient urban development.

Downtown Eastside Plan

The Downtown Eastside Plan provides a vision, policies, and strategies for the Downtown Eastside that focus on ways to improve the lives of low-income DTES residents and community members.

Oppenheimer Park Commemorative Project

The Oppenheimer Park Commemorative Project is a celebration of the rich cultural history of this park in the downtown eastside of Vancouver.

How we protect Vancouver's heritage

Heritage advisory groups

We have three volunteer-led advisory groups that work to help preserve and protect the character of Vancouver's heritage areas.

Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR)

The Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR) is a list of 2,300 buildings and structures that Council has formally recognized for their heritage value.

Heritage plaque program

Historic buildings in Vancouver that are protected by heritage designations or other legal agreements are marked by a special plaque or marker.

Discover your home's history

The Archives has a variety of records and other materials that document the history of the homes in Vancouver.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the conservation of Vancouver's heritage places through public awareness, education, and granting activities.

Visit their website 

Tourism Vancouver

Tourism Vancouver

Visit Tourism Vancouver