Fan Tan Alley facts for kids

View looking south from near where the Fan Tan Alley narrows on its north (by Fisgard Street), looking toward Pandora Avenue.

Fan Tan Alley (which means 番攤里 in Chinese) is a very famous alley located in the Chinatown area of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It stretches from Fisgard Avenue in the north to Pandora Avenue in the south. This special alley is found between Government Street and Store Street.

Today, Fan Tan Alley is a popular spot for visitors. It is filled with many small and interesting shops. You can find a barbershop, an art gallery, and even a Chinese cafe there. There are also apartments and offices tucked away in the alley.

What Makes Fan Tan Alley Special?

Fan Tan Alley holds a unique record: it is the narrowest street in all of Canada! At its tightest point, the alley is only about 0.9 meters (or 35 inches) wide. Imagine walking through a space that narrow!

A Place with History

The local government recognized the importance of Fan Tan Alley in 2001. They officially named it a heritage property. This means the alley is protected because of its historical value and unique character.

Fan Tan Alley in Pop Culture

This famous alley has even appeared in movies! You can briefly see Fan Tan Alley in the 1990 film "Bird on a Wire (film)". In one scene, actor Mel Gibson rides a motorcycle right through the alley.

A Piece of History in Music

In 2006, a historian named Dr. David C. Lai found some old materials from the alley's original gate. He gave these pieces to the Six String Nation project. This project created a special guitar called Voyageur. Some of the wood from Fan Tan Alley's gate is now part of this unique guitar!