Chinatown

Chinatown dates back to the 1860s when Chinese immigrants came to Canada to work in the mines and on the railroads. They settled mainly along De La Gauchetière Street near Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The heart of this historic district, the Site patrimonial Noyau-du-Quartier-chinois, is classified as a heritage site. Today the district is less residential than commercial but it has kept its Asian flavour. The Chinese community continues to shop and celebrate its traditional festivals and holidays here. The narrow streets are lined with shops selling exotic foods, traditional crafts, martial arts accessories, herbs, and natural medicines. Acupuncture and Asian medical services can also be found here.