The Pacific Connection: Celebrating Asian Culture in Vancouver

Vancouver is a city shaped by the Pacific. Not just in geography, but in identity. It’s here, on Canada’s west coast, that the cultures of Asia have long found a home—melding with the landscape, influencing the food scene, shaping the arts, and creating a distinctly Canadian city that reflects the richness of its residents. For Ontarians, a trip to Vancouver is more than a vacation—it’s a window into the Pacific connection that defines this part of the country.

A City Built on Global Roots

Vancouver’s Asian communities are an essential part of the city’s fabric. According to Statistics Canada, over 43% of Vancouver’s population identifies as being of Asian descent. But these aren’t just demographic numbers—they’re part of the lived experience of the city. You’ll feel it on the SkyTrain, where announcements are made in multiple languages. You’ll see it in the signage in neighbourhoods like Kerrisdale, Fraserhood, and Richmond. And you’ll taste it—oh, you’ll taste it—everywhere.

Exploring Chinatown: History and Heritage

Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and most significant in North America, and it offers a powerful introduction to the story of Asian immigration to Canada. Wander past traditional herbal shops, bakeries, and historic landmarks like the Sam Kee Building (the narrowest commercial building in the world) and you’ll start to grasp the deep roots of Chinese-Canadian culture.

At the heart of the neighbourhood sits the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a peaceful oasis inspired by Ming Dynasty gardens, built using traditional techniques and materials. Entry includes access to rotating cultural exhibits and guided tours that dive deeper into the philosophies of balance and harmony. Whether you’re into photography, history, or just a quiet moment away from the city buzz, it’s an essential stop.

Richmond: Canada’s Flavour Capital

A 25-minute Canada Line ride from downtown takes you to Richmond, a city where over 60% of residents are of Asian descent. The result? Some of the best food in the country—period. This is where culinary tradition meets modern experimentation. Think dumplings that rival Shanghai, bubble tea as good as it is in Taipei, and late-night izakayas that feel plucked from Tokyo.

From March to October, the Richmond Night Market is a must-visit. With more than 600 food items and 70 vendors, it’s a sensory overload in the best way. Travelling with kids? There’s an entire zone dedicated to games and rides. Travelling with friends? Come hungry. Come curious. Come prepared to try things you’ve never seen before.

Beyond Dim Sum: A Culinary Capital

Of course, you don’t have to leave the city centre to experience the richness of Asian culture. Vancouver is home to the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Canada, iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House, where the signature dish is an experience in itself. Prepared using centuries-old techniques, carved tableside, and served with theatrical elegance, it’s a meal that feels like a cultural moment.

Craving ramen, sushi, or street snacks? Spots like Maruhachi Ra-men, Kingyo Izakaya, and Zubu deliver authentic, affordable flavours in stylish, easygoing spaces. There’s also Japadog, a humble hot dog cart turned culinary sensation, combining Japanese flavours with a familiar Canadian staple. (The Terimayo Dog is a rite of passage.)

Cultural Institutions and Community Spaces

Asian influence in Vancouver extends far beyond the plate. Visit the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby to learn about Japanese-Canadian history through art, archives, and rotating exhibitions. Over in the West End, the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society hosts ExplorASIAN, a month-long festival every May that includes performances, workshops, and talks celebrating the depth and diversity of Asian Canadian culture.

Vancouver is also a city of temples. The International Buddhist Temple, located in Richmond, is one of the largest in North America. Open to the public, it’s a stunning blend of architecture, sculpture, and tranquil gardens. For many Ontarians, it offers a chance to experience cultural and spiritual practices that aren’t as common back home.

A Modern Canadian Identity, Informed by the Pacific

The Pacific connection isn’t a niche experience here. It’s woven into every part of life. And while Toronto has its own incredible pockets of Asian culture, Vancouver offers something different. It’s a central narrative. Asian traditions aren’t just imported—they’re evolving, living, and thriving here in real time.

For Ontarians, especially those visiting with kids or planning multigenerational trips, this opens up new ways of seeing Canada. It’s a chance to connect with heritage, to explore new perspectives, and to understand that Canadian identity is as fluid and diverse as the coastline that defines our western edge.

Come Hungry. Leave Inspired.

So if you're planning a trip west, make sure to embrace this side of Vancouver. It’s not just about seeing the sights or snapping photos, it's about understanding the culture that makes this city so dynamic. Whether you’re discovering something new or reconnecting with something familiar, Vancouver’s Pacific connection offers a uniquely Canadian experience—one that will stick with you long after your return flight touches down in the GTA.