Sightseeing

Sam Kee Building

📍 8 West Pender Street, Vancouver (Chinatown), BC, Canada

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3.8/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: Canada, Vancouver
Category: Sightseeing
Duration: Suggested visit: 15 minutes
Opening Hours: The exterior is free to view all day (visible right from the street; no reservation needed). The interior is commercial office space and generally not open to the public.
Ticket Price: Adult: Free · Free (exterior viewing only)
Address: 8 West Pender Street, Vancouver (Chinatown), BC, Canada
Coordinates: 49.2804, -123.1047

Introduction

The Sam Kee Building, at 8 West Pender Street in Vancouver's Chinatown, was built in 1913 by merchant Chang Toy (trade name Sam Kee). With a street-front depth of only about 1.8 metres (6 feet), it is recognised by Guinness World Records and related records as the world's narrowest commercial building. Its distinctive look stems from the city's expropriation of most of the lot to widen the street; the owner rebuilt on the remaining narrow strip, creating this singular structure that is one of Chinatown's most recognisable historic landmarks. The ground floor now houses commercial uses such as an insurance business, and most visitors stop to photograph the exterior.

✨ Highlights

Recognised by multiple records as the world's narrowest commercial building, only about 1.8 metres deep

At Sam Kee Building, Recognised by multiple records as the world's narrowest commercial building, only about 1.8 metres deep is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

A century-old building from 1913 and a landmark of Chinatown

At Sam Kee Building, A century-old building from 1913 and a landmark of Chinatown is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Clever construction with second-floor bay windows and basement shops extending along the sidewalk

At Sam Kee Building, Clever construction with second-floor bay windows and basement shops extending along the sidewalk is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

Adjacent to other Chinatown historic sites such as the Chinese Cultural Centre, easy to combine visits

At Sam Kee Building, Adjacent to other Chinatown historic sites such as the Chinese Cultural Centre, easy to combine visits is one of the most representative experiences of this destination.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Avoid the midday heat; mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable and better for photos.

→Transport：Arrange via local public transport, driving or a chartered transfer; check latest local transport info.

→Climate & dress：Prepare sun protection, water and suitable footwear for the local climate; some outdoor areas are exposed.

→On site：Follow on-site signs and rules; do not climb on or touch heritage features.

→Accessibility：Some areas have natural or uneven surfaces and may challenge those with limited mobility.

→Opening Hours：The exterior is free to view all day (visible right from the street; no reservation needed). The interior is commercial office space and generally not open to the public.

→Transportation：Reachable by SkyTrain to Stadium–Chinatown Station and walking, or by bus to near Pender/Columbia and walking into Chinatown.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	Free

Free (exterior viewing only)

💡 Tips

• Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The exterior is free to view all day (visible right from the street; no reservation needed). The interior is commercial office space and generally not open to the public.; admission: Free (exterior viewing only).

• Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.

• Respect local culture, customs and any religious norms; dress and behave accordingly.

• Combine with nearby sights and plan around local transport and accommodation.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Sam Kee Building?

The exterior is free to view all day (visible right from the street; no reservation needed). The interior is commercial office space and generally not open to the public.

How much is the admission for Sam Kee Building?

Adult: Free; Free (exterior viewing only)

Any practical tips for visiting Sam Kee Building?

Ticket prices, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: The exterior is free to view all day (visible right from the street; no reservation needed). The interior is commercial office space and generally not open to the public.; admission: Free (exterior viewing only). Prepare for the local climate (sun, hydration) and pace your visit accordingly.