HISTORICAL CHINATOWN TOURS

Such a fun time. The dumplings were delicious, and I loved learning about all of the local businesses! So many great places I had never noticed before.

Judy was an incredible guide through Vancouver's Chinatown. I had so much fun learning about the history, seeing the culture from a completely different perspective, and hearing all of her tales. I ended up doing both the dumpling masterclass, which was very fun, and the dim sum historical tour. I absolutely recommend any of Judy's tours.

What a special time we had with Judy, her knowledge of Chinatown was world class. With her work and volunteering she has access to heritage buildings no other tour operator has. We would recommend this experience to anyone. So fun

Judy gave us a truly fascinating tour of Chinatown. We met many members of the community, each of whom greeted us with! Extreme warmth. In her care, we were given an imtimate view of the lives and culture that helped create Vancouver. A fascinating experience! I cannot recommend it enough!

The tour was very worthwhile! I learned lots that was new to me, even though I was somewhat familiar with the area. Judy took us into the clan buildings, which I'd read about, but never seen inside. She introduced us to new Chinese businesses that have grown alongside the old ones. I expect to go back to try the restaurants and tea shop she showed us. The tour can be formed to fit your interests. Recommended! Would be fun for a group of people who work together, and end with a good meal!

Being a local, I prefer to promote Vancouver businesses rather than write negative reviews. However, here, I break my rule for Chinatown tour operator Judy Lam Maxwell as her recent performance was so embarrassing that prospective clients need to be aware of the sad reality. I wanted to show three out-of-town guests the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and learn about the rich history of Chinatown with an authoritative guide. I booked a 2.5-hr tour for the four of us at $100 each under the impression that we were a private group but we were joined by three other clients. So, after introductions, we were sent unguided around the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden armed with only the Garden’s brochure and Judy’s advice that we would find “interesting stones and plants from China”. After 30 minutes of wandering it became apparent that Judy knew little about the architecture and symbolism of the Garden despite claiming to have been a docent. We walked on to a contemporary coffee shop where another 30 minutes were spent viewing an iPad presentation on Judy’s multicultural family history and Chinatowns of the world. The remainder of the tour was spent walking through Chinatown with Judy relaying the ownership of some buildings, revealing the hidden entrances to two “speakeasy” businesses and assorted restaurants while acquainting us with local politics. Intriguing Chinese medicine shops were passed by with only her comment that the mysterious medicines at the back would be necessary for treatment after eating the enigmatic foodstuffs displayed at the front. Similarly, the cultural and gastronomic backgrounds to the wares of various traditional food retailers were ignored before we were crowded into a Chinese tea shop. Again, no cultural context, nor explanations provided about the teas before moving on to peek inside the interiors of two Chinese Clan Society buildings. Tour over with a group photograph (that was never delivered) and only perfunctory coverage of the Chinese history, the “head tax” and unique architecture of an important gem in the heart of Vancouver. Overall: Judy is personable but displays only superficial knowledge and, in my opinion, is an ineffective ambassador for Chinatown – consequently, a disappointingly lacklustre and expensive experience!

First time visiting Vancouver. My favourite part of the trip was the walking tour thru Chinatown with Judy and learning about all its history. Definitely recommend!

Judy is knowledgeable about the Chinese Canadian history overall as well as the Chinatown globally. I had a wonderful experience with my tour. Highly recommended if you want to know more about Chinatown and Chinese Canadian history.

Judy is absolutely amazing and so much knowledge being such a young person. She gains access to places no one else could get and has a story for every corner, building and floor. Her alliances throughout Chinatown are to the benefit of every guest she has. Do take the tour and finish with an authentic dumpling masterclass and you do get to eat the dumplings at the end! Bravo Judy!

I had the pleasure of trying Judy's famous dumplings. And OMG they are so good that if they fell on the floor i would eat them right off the floor. That's how good they are. Could not waste one little morsel. And on top of everything Judy has the most generous kindest heart. Helena

A great tour of Vancouver's Chinatown with local historian Judy Lam Maxwell. Entertaining, informative and full of "hidden" and lesser-known stories, this is a must-do activity for both locals and tourists.

Judy's dumplings are mouthwateringly sensational. An absolute master at her craft. Book a tour with her! You won't be disappointed!

Our group of six spent a wonderful evening with Judy recently. We were blown away by her knowledge of the history and people of Chinatown. Her passion for her community is evident in the stories she tells. We were a bit worried about walking in the drizzly weather but Judy’s enthusiasm and humour more than made up for it. The dumpling making was also so much fun. She patiently showed us her technique and was very generous with all the different dipping sauces. And the dumplings were delicious of course. I’d highly recommend Judy and Historical Chinatown tours!

What a great experience, so much knowledge and we made dumplings as well with Judy, such an amazing lady with so much to share. Would recommend to anyone.

Judy is fantastic. I took my class on her tour as a field trip! She was great with the kids and told us all kinds of cool historical facts and secrets about Chinatown. We even got to go inside some really neat old buildings! Highly recommended.

We had a wonderful time with Judy, who was gracious and patient as we ham-fistedly tried to make dumplings with our two-year old. The results were delicious all the same, and we had a splendid time, especially thanks to the educational aspects of the experience!

If you want a great experience I highly recommend spending time with Judy with either a tour or her masterclass dumpling extravaganza.

Judy is a great host, knowledgeable, congenial, a fantastic sense of humour, a apparently knows everyone in Chinatown.

Local or tourist, you are missing out if you don't get the Chinatown experience with Judy.

I grew up going every weekend to Chinatown with my parents. I have moved away since, but I wanted to show Chinatown to my children and the history it had. Judy was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable and showed a passion towards the Chinese community. There were many buildings we went in that I never knew that existed. And we ended the day with making dumplings. It was fun and delicious. We all had fun that day.