Opium wars and treaties (mid 1800's) opened up Chinese ports to the U.S. and the British who continued a trade in opium for highly sought after Chinese goods such as tea, silks, ceramics and spices. China suffering from a British defeat in the Second Opium War of 1860 failed to stop the ongoing opium trade. The increased demand for opium was supplied in part by Old Chinatown's one dozen opium factories. Opium was also sent from Old Chinatown to the battle fields and front lines of the American Civil War to be used as medicinal morphine. Old Chinatown was at the end of an important direct overland trade route to the orient. It was the link to Canadian nationality and is testament to world events and the foundation of the western economy. Some secret societies and political groups from China settled in Old Chinatown to raise funds for efforts and revolutions in China. As history shows, many did this with great success. Unsurpassed natural beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the fruit of Chinese rail road workers' sacrifice are enjoyed on Hidden Dragon Mystery Rail Tours. On board luxury passenger trains tour British Columbia's interior and the Great Rocky Mountains with surprise destinations to and from Victoria British Columbia, Edmonton or Calgary Alberta. AND Extend the Hidden Dragon Rail adventure past Edmonton Alberta through Northwest Canada and take in the sites of The Magnificent Prairies, Northern Lights, Boreal Wilderness and Polar Bears with a final destination of Saskatoon Saskatchewan. All Tours are escorted by professional Program Directors. With so much to learn and so much to share, we welcome those interested in our many educational soft adventures and mystery tours. Whether your tour is for a couple of hours or a couple of weeks, Hidden Dragon has all that is needed for a memorable well rounded vacation. to the Cultures and Wilderness of the surrounding Islands of the Salish Sea. On Walking Tours of our ancient rainforest, one takes in the sights of wildlife living amongst towering Giant Cedar and the sounds of nature. Take a Train Tour for the day over breath taking vistas to the Totem capital of the world to hear stories and see the arts of First Nations in Duncan BC. The Ocean comes alive with Hidden Dragon as the wonder of the water is explored. Orca (Killer) whales in this area have long been revered by First Nations and are now the most studied in the world. As a dominant and prolific creature, they are sought out for their majestic beauty and awe inspiring power. Through woods, beach or by boat, Hidden Dragon's certified naturalists will interpret a fantastic adventure. Some renowned artists of Victoria were among the first non-Chinese residents of Old Chinatown. Many fine studios and galleries are still present and welcome an audience arranged through Hidden Dragon Entertainment and Tours. and nation of Canada. 1.5 - 2 hour tours are fun, cultural and educational. Full Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. This remained so long before the city of Vancouver existed. The VI Colony, Navy, Coast Salish and especially the Chinese, played Explore the oldest intact Chinatown in North America with the only tour operator based in Chinatown. As long time residents of Old Chinatown, Hidden Dragon has local hometown insight to make walking tours and interpretation exciting, accurate and memorable. Dinner options available. Commissionable rates. Group and Clan discounts offered. For more info click Explore: The Oldest Temple Hidden Passageways Dragon and Fan Tan Alley Exotic Tea Tasting Herbs & Chinese Medicine Chinese Produce Artist Studios Markets Tong Ji Men Gates of Harmonious Interest Art Galleries Secret Societies The Blue Bridge Harbour Boardwalk Chinese School Old Hung Fut Kung Fu Club Unique Shops and Restaurants Also discover the sites and remnants of: Opium factories Gambling Dens Cormorant Street Settlement Brothels Old Opera and Theatre site Many other Historical accounts