Oneika Raymond dials into Vancouver's historic Chinatown to learn how local entrepreneur Carol Lee has been leading the charge to save the historic neighborhood. Carol is the chair and founder of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, and is dedicated to revitalizing the neighborhood without losing its invaluable cultural heritage.

Oneika learns about the history of the Chinese community in Vancouver, and how Chinatown became home for many after the Canadian Pacific Railroad was completed in 1885. While Chinatown has experienced a gradual decline in the last 20 years, Vancouver locals have a special place in their hearts for the area and are banding together to help save it. And Carol is leading the charge. Examples of her work include building affordable housing and opening the first museum in Canada that shines a spotlight on the Chinese-Canadian experience. And as you’ll hear, she’s just getting started.

Along the way, Carol takes us on a tour of Chinatown. She points out the beauty of the early 20th century architecture, like the Lim Building, stops by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, and reflects on the significance of the Millenium Gate. We also hear from the manager of her Hong Kong barbecue style restaurant, Chinatown BBQ, who shares Carol’s vision for harnessing the nostalgia of Chinatown of yesteryear while serving today’s diverse clientele. Carol also shares must-visit sites and eats with Oneika, including the lush Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens, the donuts at Mello, and dim sum at Jade Dynasty.

About the Journey is a podcast produced by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, AT WILL MEDIA, MNTRA, and Oneika Raymond. Listen and follow the show here.

To read full episode transcripts from About the Journey and see photos of each featured destination, head to About the Journey on Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. Starting this season, you can watch full videos of each episode on the Marriott Bonvoy YouTube channel.