A Step Back in Time

I recently remarked how civilized one of Victoria's alleys seemed with a fancy gate to lock it up. The city has several other alleys that have been spruced up, redecorated, and re-purposed for new types of services. Fan Tan alley is located in Chinatown, and it has a sordid history that includes prostitution, opium dens & factories, gambling (Fan Tan gaming), and other illicit activities. Today, it is known as the narrowest commercial street in North America at a mere width of three feet. There are several shops, restaurants, offices, and galleries. Its design is retro, including the light bulbs that used to be so popular at the dawn of electricity. So much history in a small space.

If you would like to see more shots from Victoria, then visit my post A City of Vintage Good Looks.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Tan_Alley