Sam Kee Building Vancouver
The world's narrowest commercial building, a 1913 architectural marvel in Vancouver's Chinatown.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Sam Kee Building Vancouver
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The world's narrowest commercial building, a 1913 architectural marvel in Vancouver's Chinatown.
"Worth checking out if you’re in the area. Fun Panda exhibit."
📸 Photo Op Alert
Capture its unique narrowness! Best viewed from across the street.
🚶♀️ Explore Chinatown
Combine your visit with nearby shops and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Narrowest Building
A Guinness World Record holder, this 1.5m deep building is a testament to ingenuity and defiance.
Chinatown Charm
Discover this architectural marvel nestled within the bustling streets of Vancouver's historic Chinatown.
Architectural Ingenuity
Built in 1913, it's a clever response to land acquisition, showcasing a unique design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Narrow
Chinatown Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Op Alert
Capture its unique narrowness! Best viewed from across the street.
🚶♀️ Explore Chinatown
Combine your visit with nearby shops and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
💡 Historical Context
Learn about its history as a defiant build after land expropriation.
📍 Location, Location!
Find it at 8 West Pender Street in Vancouver's Chinatown.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Op Alert
Capture its unique narrowness! Best viewed from across the street.
🚶♀️ Explore Chinatown
Combine your visit with nearby shops and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
💡 Historical Context
Learn about its history as a defiant build after land expropriation.
📍 Location, Location!
Find it at 8 West Pender Street in Vancouver's Chinatown.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sam Kee Building a unique and worthwhile stop, especially for its Guinness World Record status as the world's narrowest commercial building. Its historical significance and quirky architecture are highlights, making it a quick but memorable photo opportunity within Vancouver's vibrant Chinatown. Some note it's more of an exterior viewing experience than an interior attraction.
"Guinness World Record Skinniest Building in the World. Worth checking out if you’re in the area. Fun Panda exhibit."
Kai’ula
"I had never seen a Guinness World Record holder before. I was a little surprised that it’s not totally free standing, but it is very narrow. Worth a visit on your next trip to Chinatown."
Kate Carter
"Fun place to visit, you can also see Dr. Sun Yet-sang park nearby."
Mike Chu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sam Kee Building is located at 8 West Pender Street in Vancouver's Chinatown. It's easily accessible by public transit, with several bus routes stopping nearby. If you're coming from downtown, it's a pleasant walk or a short bus ride.
Street parking can be challenging in Chinatown. There are several paid parking lots and parkades in the vicinity, such as the Chinatown Parkade. Consider public transport or ride-sharing for convenience.
The best way to appreciate its narrowness is to view it from across the street. You can get great photos from Pender Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Sam Kee Building is an exterior architectural landmark. You can view and photograph it from the street for free.
As it's an exterior building, there are no specific opening hours. You can view it at any time, though daytime offers the best light for photography.
There is no entrance fee to see the Sam Kee Building from the outside. It's a public landmark.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Sam Kee Building is famous for being the world's narrowest commercial building, measuring only 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) deep at its base.
The primary activity is admiring and photographing its unique, narrow architecture. It's a great spot for a quick photo opportunity and to learn about its history.
While you can view the exterior, the building itself is a commercial property and not typically open for public interior tours. Accessibility for viewing from the street is generally good.
The Sam Kee Building is in Vancouver's Chinatown, close to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, various shops, restaurants, and the International Village Mall.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the building's unique dimensions. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon can provide good lighting without harsh shadows.
Photographing from across the street on Pender Street gives you the full view of its narrow facade. Experiment with different perspectives to emphasize its slim profile.
Some visitors have sought creative shots, even attempting to photograph from adjacent buildings if possible, though this is not standard. The most common and effective photos are from the street.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a visit with the nearby Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden offers a more engaging experience for younger visitors, providing space to explore and learn about nature and culture. Chinatown itself has many visually stimulating shops and food stalls that can capture a child's attention. Keep the visit brief to maintain engagement, focusing on the 'wow' factor of the building's size.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Best photo tips: Shoot from across the street on Pender Street to capture the full facade. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to exaggerate the narrowness. Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light. The building's historical context and its location in vibrant Chinatown also offer opportunities for street photography.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Learn about its construction in 1913 and the circumstances that led to its unique form. Understanding the historical context of Vancouver's Chinatown and the city's development adds depth to the visit. It's a tangible piece of local history that stands out for its sheer peculiarity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Skinny
Rather than abandon the property, Sam Kee, known for his business acumen and perhaps a touch of stubbornness, bet a business associate that he could still make use of the remaining land. He commissioned an architect to design a functional building on this challenging plot. The result is an iconic piece of Vancouver's history, a testament to creative problem-solving and a symbol of resilience against urban development pressures.
Today, the building stands as a quirky landmark in Vancouver's Chinatown, often featured in films and TV shows, and a must-see for visitors interested in unique architecture and local history. Its narrowness is not just a physical characteristic but a narrative of ingenuity. Architectural marvel and historical defiance are key themes when discussing this unique structure.
Exploring Vancouver's Chinatown
Beyond the Sam Kee Building, explore the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a serene oasis offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese landscape design. Wander through the streets, discovering hidden gems like tea shops, bakeries selling delicious pastries, and boutiques offering everything from vintage clothing to artisanal crafts.
Chinatown is also a fantastic place to sample authentic Chinese cuisine, from dim sum to regional specialties. Many visitors recommend exploring the local eateries to get a true taste of the neighborhood. The area is well-connected by public transit, making it easy to combine a visit to the Sam Kee Building with further exploration of Vancouver's diverse districts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit