history tour vancouver

Walk and Talk Tours

Historic tours.

Our tours are an opportunity to dive into local history by visiting buildings and a curated site that have been with us for more than a century. Explore the Marshall House and Providence Academy guided by expert docents, or take a leisurely stroll through The Historic Reserve and explore the landscape with our Self-Guided Botanical Tour map. For questions or large group inquiries please contact 360-992-1800.

Providence Academy Tours

Providence Academy was built by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1873 and served as a school, orphanage, and governance offices for the Sisters of Providence. Mother Joseph, along with four other Montreal nuns, traveled to Vancouver to serve the social and religious needs of locals. Providence Academy has four stories and is constructed in brick in a neo-Georgian style. It operated as a school until 1966. The Academy is open for tours on Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by reservation or for small walk-in groups, and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select Friday evenings in March, April, and May of 2024.

Marshall House Tours

The Marshall House is named in honor of General George C. Marshall, who lived there from 1936 to 1938, serving as Commander of the Barracks and the regional Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This home’s Queen Anne architecture serves a striking example of late 19 th  century American architecture, with ornate features including stained glass, decorative woodwork, and a round turret. The museum-like setting features period furnishings, military memorabilia, and an interpretation of Marshall’s study. Walk-in tours are available Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select Saturdays in 2024.

Self-Guided Botanical Tour

Trees and other botanical features are signature landscape elements contributing to the experience of visiting and living and working at the 366-acre Vancouver National Historic Reserve (VNHR), created by an act of Congress in 1996. The Botanical Tour Map was produced in part with funding from the City of Vancouver Lodging Tax Grant Program and with the assistance of the City of Vancouver Urban Forestry Program. The Historic Trust thanks them for their support for the project. The Historic Reserve grounds are open for self-guided tours, and you may print our botanical tour map.

The Historic Trust and the City of Vancouver are grateful for grant funding from the Heritage Capital Projects program managed by the Washington State Historical Society. This support has contributed significantly towards the preservation, public usage, and community enjoyment of these buildings which help tell the story of our state.

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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THE 10 BEST Vancouver Historical & Heritage Tours

Historical & heritage tours in vancouver.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour

2. Exploring Vancouver: Includes Admission to Vancouver Lookout

3. Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver

4. Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver

5. Ancient Trees of Vancouver Walking Tour

6. Great Art Lives HERE! Discover inside Vancouver's Art.

7. Private Guided Grand City Tour in Vancouver

8. Victoria BC Ferry Mile Zero 1 Day City Tour from Vancouver

9. Vancouver City Finest Private Tour

10. Best Of Vancouver Small-Group Tour w/Capilano + Grouse Mtn Lunch

11. Vancouver City Highlights Explorer Private Tour

12. Urban Bike Tour of Historical Vancouver - Afternoon

13. Evening Tour of Vancouver's Stanley Park

14. Vancouver: Guided City Sights Minivan Tour incl. Quarry Garden

15. North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour

16. Talking Trees: Stanley Park Indigenous Walking Tour Led by a First Nations Guide

17. The Haunting of Vancouver Film Tour

18. Gastown Night Photography

19. Vancouver - True Crime Walking Tour, Gastown to Stanley Park

20. Spoken Treasures: Stanley Park Indigenous Walking Tour

21. Private Historical Food Tour of Gastown

22. Discover Vancouver: 3.5-hour Sightseeing Tour

23. A Full Day In Vancouver: Private And Personalised

24. Vancouver Walking Tour: Hidden Gems

25. Best of Vancouver Private Tour

26. Chinatown Through the Lens A Street Photography Private Tour

27. Walking Tour Along Stanley Park's Seawall

28. Vancouver City Day Tour in Granville Island and Stanley Park

29. Gastown, the origins of Vancouver

30. 3-Hour Private Walking Tour of Vancouver's Highlights

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13 Best Vancouver Walking Tours in 2024

Vancouver walking tours offer an engaging alternative to endlessly scrolling through Wikipedia.

With the city’s top guides, you’ll dynamically experience the city, ensuring you’re well-prepared to ace any Vancouver test with firsthand knowledge and bonus exercise.

Let’s discover the best Vancouver walking tours tailored just for you.

Vancouver Walking Tours

In a city known for its diverse neighbourhoods and cuisines, it’s only fitting that walking tours in Vancouver try and cover a lot of ground – both literally and figuratively.

I’m here to break down the best ones whether you want culture, history, food, or a bit of all three.

That said, here’s a list of the top Vancouver walking tours:

Lost Souls of Gastown – Best Vancouver History Tour

Location:  Gastown |  Length:  1.5 hours |  Cost:  From $37.80 CAD

Undoubtedly, Gastown is one of the best Vancouver historical walking tours neighbourhood – and the most interesting.

Its cobblestone streets and narrow alleys evoke the spirit of a wild frontier town – not a bustling metropolis of millions.

On this Vancouver walking tour, which we ranked #1 on our list of best Vancouver sightseeing tours , you’ll be led through the streets by a professional actor telling tales of:

• Vancouver’s Indigenous and colonial history
• The logging industry & the gold rush
• Unsolved murders
• The Great Vancouver Fire
• Smallpox outbreaks
• Tales of revenge and redemption

This tour is particularly popular with groups seeking a unique city experience , as it offers hidden Vancouver gems and plenty of opportunities for socializing .

For reviews of the Lost Souls of Gastown tour and the best online prices, click below:

Talking Trees Tour – Best Walking Tour in Vancouver for Nature

Location:  Stanley Park |  Length:  1.5 hours |  Cost:  From $75.00 CAD

There’s no better way to learn the history and culture of the First Nations peoples than this  captivating interpretive walking tour  in  Stanley Park .

Led by a knowledgeable cultural ambassador of the First Nations , this tour offers a firsthand perspective on the ways in which Aboriginal people have cared for these lands, forests, and oceans for generations.

Along the way, you’ll gain valuable insights into the rich heritage of local First Nations as you explore the natural beauty of Stanley Park.

The goal here? To deepen your understanding of their customs, traditions, and relationship with the environment .

For reviews of the Talking Trees Tour and the best online prices, click below:

Wok Around Chinatown Tour – Top Chinatown Walking Tour in Vancouver

Location:  Chinatown |  Length:  4 hours |  Cost:  From $137.50

Here’s a great way to indulge in the flavours of the Orient while learning the history of one of Vancouver’s most important neighbourhoods: Chinatown .

This is one of the best food tours in Vancouver . It’s led by a local chef , and you’ll explore traditional medicine shops, cookware stores, and a Chinese bakery in search of delicious goodies.

Along the way, you’ll also visit Chinatown’s best restaurants , sampling everything from crispy BBQ duck to exquisite teas from Asia.

But it’s not just about the food – this cultural tour also takes you to:

• Chinatown’s most iconic landmarks
• Chinatown markets
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

And the grand finale? A sumptuous dim sum lunch to satisfy your cravings.

This is a small group tour so it’s mandatory to book way in advance . You can do so using the orange button:

Street Art Tour + Top Breweries – Best Street Art Walking Tour in Vancouver

Meeting point:  Olympic Village Square   | Length:  3 hours | Price: From CA$136.14

Vancouver is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene and vibrant street art culture , making for this unique cultural combo tour that’s beautiful and thirst-quenching at the same time.

This one-of-a-kind 3-hour tour takes you to the hottest street art spots in the city.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the lively Mount Pleasant neighborhood , known for its stunning annual Vancouver Mural Festival , where you can admire the colorful artwork that adorns the streets.

Stops include popular breweries such as Faculty Brewing Co. and Electrical Bicycle Brewing.

Walking & Tasting Tour: Best Walking Tour in Vancouver for Food

Meeting point : The Dominion Building (Gastown) | Length : 3.5 hours | Price : $129.28

Experience the culinary delights of Vancouver with a unique walking tour that takes you on a gastronomic adventure through downtown Vancouver .

With a local guide to lead, you’ll discover the city’s diverse cuisine and indulge in delicious tastings of sushi, poutine, ice cream, a ‘secret dish’ and more.

This walking tour not only satisfies your taste buds but also immerses you in Vancouver’s rich culture and history, as your guide shares fascinating history along the way .

With a limited group size of 10 people , you’ll enjoy personalized service and the opportunity to ask questions and get insider tips on where to eat , drink, and explore.

Make sure you book ASAP because they sell out quickly – you can do it using the button below:

3-Hour Tips-Based Walking Tour of Vancouver

Meeting point : Canada Place | Length : 3 hours | Price : $7.35

Embark on a unique tips-based walking tour of Vancouver, led by a local guide, where you set the price.

Discover the city’s highlights, including iconic landmarks like the Marine Building and Gastown Steam Clock, while learning about its rich history and First Nations roots.

Connect with fellow travelers and make new friends from around the globe on this engaging 3-hour excursion , filled with insider recommendations and memorable experiences.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to book this tips-based tour . Book now!

If you want to stay longer around this area, you can try any of the best Gastown Vancouver hotels .

The Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour

Meeting point : Water St. | Length : 1 hour and 30 minutes | Price : $37,80

Explore Vancouver’s illicit history of bootlegging, rum-running, and prohibition on a guided best Vancouver walking tour spanning Victory Square and Gastown.

Journey through landmark edifices and historic locales as your knowledgeable guide animates the era with tales of corrupt officials , underworld figures , and glamorous showgirls who once dominated the city’s shadows.

Learn how Vancouver evolved from a rugged frontier settlement into a vibrant cosmopolitan center , concluding your stroll in Gastown, where former speakeasies and gambling establishments have transformed into trendy eateries and stylish Gastown bars .

This is one of the most interesting walking tour in Vancouver therefore get the change to book this already before it’s too late.

Top Vancouver Walking Tours Runners up:

Didn’t find something you’re looking for? Let me direct you to some runners-up:

• Gastown Historic Food Walking Tour : Try Canadian classic dishes like poutine, but also sample other top dishes from Vancouver’s foodie neighbourhood (CA$129.15)
• Prohibition City Walking Tour : The best cheap walking tour in Vancouver takes you through areas once famous for brothels, gambling dens, and speakeasies (CA$37.80)
• Food Walking Tour of Granville Island : Small group tour of Granville Island to try candied salmon, chocolate, cheese, and all sorts of artisanal products (CA$112.50)
• Craft Coffee & Street Art Walking Tour : Small group tour including a coffee roastery, a visit to a local art gallery, and a walk through Vancouver’s mural district (CA$136.14)
• Artisan Donut Walking Tour : A delightfully sweet look into Vancouver culture via donuts (CA$82.87)
• Vancouver Hidden Gems Walking Tour : Private and personalized tour of places you won’t find in the guidebooks (CA$131.84)

Why Take A Vancouver Walking Tour?

You learn the city history like nowhere else.

Each of the Vancouver walking tours listed above focuses heavily on Vancouver history .

This means you’ll learn how the city came to be, where the city is at, and where it is ultimately going.

If you’re a tourist this is a great education to take away from the endless consumption on holiday.

For locals, it’s a great way to learn about the place you grew up in – it’s amazing going around the city and having a new appreciation for familiar landmarks .

You Get Insider Information

The Vancouver walking tour options listed above also open new windows into the city.

Yes, having a knowledgeable local guide whose job is literally to entertain and send people to the city’s hotspots is an enormous advantage.

Ask them where to go after the tour. Get their opinion on the best things to do in Vancouver or how to properly craft your Vancouver itinerary .

These types of concierge services usually cost a bunch of money at hotels, but here it’s free.

It’s a Fun and Social Experience

I’ve been travelling around for most of my adult life and I’ve always met cool people on walking tours .

I’m not promising you’ll meet the love of your life on walking tours of Vancouver, but you’ll at least find a couple of drinking buddies for the evening if you’re looking for that kind of thing.

Hell, at the very least you put in a ton of steps – we all know exercise while on holiday is at a premium.

About to Take a Vancouver Walking Tour?

These best Vancouver walking tours are sure to immerse you in the experience.

However, since your preferences are unique, I may not have covered everything you’re seeking. If you’re still uncertain or have specific questions, feel free to reach out in the comments section—I’m here to assist.

Wishing you a fantastic time on your Vancouver walking tours!

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Heritage and History in Vancouver: A Visitor’s Guide

• By Nikki Bertrand

Incorporated as a city in 1886, Vancouver is a maze of old buildings, Victorian architecture, and streets littered with stories from the earliest years of this beautiful, vibrant city. Many neighborhoods are filled with buildings that have been around since the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and you can feel the past echoing back at your as you wander through these historic sites. Vancouver certainly has its share of towering skyscrapers with a modern gleam, but the number of designated heritage buildings within the city provides an impressive balance of both new and old.

Historical Neighborhoods

You’ll find rich history and old buildings on every block in Vancouver, but certain neighborhoods are simply teeming in the remnants of the past. These older neighborhoods allow you to peek into a bygone era while remaining a vibrant and lively community where arts and cultural events are held, festivals are planned, and people continue to live and thrive as they did over a century ago. 

Strathcona is one of Vancouver’s oldest residential neighbourhoods. Many of the houses in the area are designated heritage houses, with a good deal of homes having been restored to their original Victorian or Edwardian styles and colors. The Downtown Eastside is another old and storied neighborhood filled with rich history and many turn of the century buildings and homes.

A visit to Vancouver’s Chinatown is a must if you want to gain a good understanding of this city’s past. Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2011, Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s most significant historical areas. Stops to the Chinatown Millennium Gate, the Chinese Freemasons building, and the Chinese Times building are only a handful of the historical attractions in this neighborhood. At the very least you’ll want to check out the gorgeous Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first full-size classical Chinese garden outside of China.

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most interesting historic neighborhoods for both intriguing history and aesthetic appeal. Grown from a tavern founded in 1867 by John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton, the neighborhood is still a landscape of cobblestone streets, old fashioned lamp posts, and Victorian era homes and buildings. Gastown was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2009 and many of the buildings in the area date back anywhere from 1886 to 1914. Some popular landmarks you’ll want to check out include the Gastown Steam Clock, the statue of Gassy Jack Deighton, and the renovated Woodward’s building that still features some of its original facade.

Once a place of industry, warehouses, and working class housing, Yaletown is now a trendy neighborhood built on the preserved skeleton of these remnants of the past. While some of the buildings are modern and gleaming, many businesses have taken up residence in the old, converted brick warehouses. Loft style apartments, offices, shops, bars, and restaurants can all be found in the old buildings that line the streets of Yaletown. 

Heritage Buildings and Houses

The history and heritage within Vancouver isn’t contained only to certain specific neighborhoods. You’ll find old buildings, monuments, and historical sites throughout the entire city. Within Vancouver there are around 2200 registered heritage buildings as well as many other old parks, monuments, and archaeological sites teeming with historical significance. Check out the Vancouver Heritage Register for a complete list of buildings, sites, trees, and monuments around the city.

The Hotel Europe is one of Vancouver’s most recognizable buildings. This six-story heritage building was opened as a hotel in 1909 and was later converted into affordable housing in 1983. It can be found in the Gastown district within a triangular lot which is suited perfectly to the flatiron style design of this building.

At 269 feet tall, Sun Tower was once Vancouver’s tallest building. It was originally named the World Building then later renamed when purchased by the Vancouver Sun newspaper. The building’s dome is painted to look like patinated copper but is actually made of steel. This faux patina dome is an iconic landmark of Vancouver’s skyline.

Another interesting sight to see is the Seaforth Armoury, a Canadian Forces armoury built between 1930 and 1936. It is the base of Canada’s Reserve Infantry unit, the Seaforth Highlanders. Here you can also find the Seaforth Museum which is filled with exhibits from the past tours of the Canadian Forces.

One of the most historically significant areas in Vancouver is the Hastings Mill. This commercial sawmill operated from 1865 until 1928 and became the settlement that Vancouver was built around. History buffs who’d like to take a glimpse into this piece of Vancouver’s past can visit  the Old Hastings Mill Store Museum, which was moved to its current location on Alma Street in 1930 and holds the proud title of Vancouver’s oldest building.

Another neat site to explore is the Gulf of Georgia Cannery located in the adorable Steveston village in Richmond. This seaside cannery was built in 1894 and was the largest cannery in BC until 1902. It now functions as a museum with interactive exhibits and tours that transports visitors back in time to learn about the history of the fishing industry within Canada’s West Coast.

Tours and Museums

It can be a lot of fun to explore Vancouver and simply keep an eye out for all of these old buildings as well as the thousands of others that are situated around the city. For a more focused tour of the heritage and history of Vancouver, you can also take a guided tour and hear all the old stories of the past from a knowledgeable guide. The Vancouver Heritage Foundation offers yearly heritage house tours as well as many walking tours throughout the summer months.

Vancouver isn’t a terribly old city but the history it does have is both interesting and very well preserved. Modern buildings and impressive new architectural designs can be found everywhere but it is always balanced by a splash of old brick, antique framework, and Victorian charm. Whether on a guided tour or a casual sightseeing stroll, the history and heritage of Vancouver can be glimpsed just about everywhere within the city. For even more history and stories of the past, check out some of the amazing museums in Vancouver.

Nikki Bertrand

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THE LOST SOULS OF GASTOWN TOUR

• The Forbidden Vancouver Tour
• The Really Gay History Tour
• THE DARK SECRETS OF STANLEY PARK TOUR
• The Hidden History & Sweet Treats Tour
• Private Groups
• Retirement Home Activities
• School Field Trips & Outings
• Celebrate Pride Month At Work
• Team Building and Corporate Events
• Secrets of the Penthouse
• Backstage at the Commodore
• Last Gang in Town
• Meet The Team
• Tourism Challenge 2024
• BOOK YOUR TOUR

DISCOVER THE EERIE HISTORY OF VANCOUVER’S OLDEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

Follow the lamplight of your guide into Vancouver’s earliest and most gruesome history. You’ll step inside a world of murder, revenge, and true grit in a dramatic retelling of Victorian Gastown’s earliest stories. Tales of deadly fire and smallpox emerge from the shadows as you venture through cobblestone streets to the shocking finale in this unique performance-theatre experience.

$33 ADULTS $30 YOUTH AND SENIORS

DAILY 7PM + THURS – SAT 8PM

TOUR RUNS 1.5 – 2 HOURS

MEET OUTSIDE OF MONACO CAFE – 356 WATER ST

Rachel with lantern

City Hall 1886

Emmett Look Up

Klondike Kate

Lost Souls of Gastown slide 2

Water Street from the foot of Richards M-11-42

Eric Regimbald Lost Souls

Sir William Van Horne

Early Gastown

Emmett Stairs Gastown

Maple Tree Square

Emmett Come Close

Fire Department P41 1895 Water Street

Rachel at Victorian

Water Street 1887

Rachel in alley

Klondike Men

Lost Souls of Gastown slide 1

Sunnyside Hotel

Lost Souls of Gastown slide 4

ON THIS WALKING TOUR YOU’LL DISCOVER…

Gruesome stories of the Great Fire

The notorious ladies of the Gold Rush

A murder mystery unsolved to this day

The haunting legend of Gaoler’s Mews

The chilling history of George Vancouver

Stories of smallpox outbreaks & heartbreaks

Hotels and streets that haven’t changed from the 1800s

*IMPORTANT*

The Lost Souls of Gastown is our most popular tour and regularly sells out. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend you book as soon as possible.

FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION POLICY

You can cancel your experience for a full refund up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, you can receive a full credit for future use. No questions asked! Prices exclude fees and taxes.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Testimonials from tripadvisor.

INCREDIBLE!

“Eric was a fantastic storyteller and had so many awesome facts about the area. I was taken aback by his performance, at one point I actually thought I may cry because he conveyed such emotion and pain.”

– AMY B, VIA TRIPADVISOR

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING EXPERIENCE!

“This is a must if you are visiting or even living in Vancouver! The very talented actress took us back to the time period of late 1800s. It was so well done that it was hard to believe the ending. You need to go through the story…it was amazing.”

– JULIE P, VIA TRIPADVISOR

TOP 20 EXPERIENCES IN CANADA, VIATOR 2024

WINNER TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2012 – 2024

WINNER LONELY PLANET “TOP CHOICE” 2024

WINNER CITY OF VANCOUVER HERITAGE MEDAL OF HONOUR

WINNER MUST DO CANADA FEATURED EXPERIENCES 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do i need to bring.

There’s plenty of shade in Gastown, and by the evening the sun won’t be too hot. We recommend you bring a jacket and sturdy footwear during the cooler months.

You’ll definitely want your smartphone charged so you can take photos of the incredible sites and views!

Is it suitable for children?

We carefully crafted this experience to suit the interests and preferences of adults, making it an ideal choice for teenagers seeking engaging and thought-provoking content. However, due to its mature themes and potential for intense or sensitive content, we don’t recommended it for children under the age of 12.

Can I park near the start point?

There are several parking lots near the starting point at Monaco Cafe. The closest is at 450 W Cordova at Harbour Centre. There’s also one at 160 Water Street near Pourhouse.

How much walking is involved?

The tour is a leisurely stroll through Gastown. There is one short hill right at the beginning of the tour. The total distance covered is about 1.5 km, or 1 mile.

Does my guide accept gratuities?

Absolutely! Our guides accept cash or cards (via a portable Square device). If you enjoyed your guide’s performance then a tip is greatly appreciated.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at the corner of Water and Cordova Streets, beside Monaco Cafe The end point is at Maple Tree Square in Gastown, nearby plenty of food and beverage options!

Can I get to the start point on transit?

It’s super easy! The historic Waterfront Station is only a block from our starting point. Take any line to Waterfront Station and exit on Cordova Street. Turn left out of the exit and walk one block towards Monaco Cafe.

Hot tip: Use Translink’s online trip planner for more options.

Is the Lost Souls of Gastown a ghost tour?

The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour isn’t a ghost tour, it’s a live performance experience based on the city’s most gothic early history. You’ll follow the lamplight of your guide, a professional actor, as you discover the city’s past and stories of smallpox, fire, and murder.

Can't I just wander around Gastown by myself?

You can, and Gastown is a lively neighbourhood full of shops, restaurants, and bars. But you’ll miss out on the historic neighbourhood’s roots and a unique performance theatre experience!

Can I buy my ticket cheaper on another site?

We guarantee our website has the lowest prices for our walking tours. Beware reseller sites that display their prices in $USD to appear cheaper than they really are.

Do I qualify for a senior or youth ticket?

Anyone aged 65 or older qualifies for a seniors ticket.

If you’re 18 or younger, or a full-time student of any age with valid photo ID, you qualify for a youth ticket.

What are your Terms and Conditions?

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

We do not permit guests on the tour who are, or appear to be, intoxicated. Guests who are intoxicated or disorderly will be asked to leave the tour and no refund will be issued.

While the tour is not strenuous, walking is involved and guests will be on their feet for the duration of the tour. Guests are responsible for making sure they are able to complete the tour.

You and your party knowingly and freely assume all the risks with participating in this experience. We are not responsible for illness or injury of guests during a tour. By participating in this experience you release and hold harmless Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours with respect to any injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property whether cause by the negligence of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours or otherwise.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

This tour is electric wheelchair accessible and is led on mostly flat terrain (with some historic cobblestones). The tour does start with a small hill, which may be more challenging for guests in a conventional/non-electric wheelchair.

Is there a bathroom break?

There isn’t an official bathroom break on the tour. We recommend you visit the bathroom before the tour starts. However if you do need to go during the tour it’s no problem at all. Simply let your guide know and they will advise you of a nearby cafe or restaurant you can duck into.

Is it scary?

You can expect a shiver or two down your spine, but, don’t worry, definitely no nightmares! We don’t use cheap scare tactics, the drama is in the storytelling.

MEET OUR LOST SOULS OF GASTOWN WALKING TOUR GUIDES

Samantha Alexandra

Jarod Campbell

Amy Lee Newman

Cole Breckell

Rachel Ruecker

Emmett Hanly

Stuart Jansen

Sandra Medeiros

Nevada Yates Robart

Janet Glassford

Alison Jenkins

Tracy Jennissen

AS FEATURED ON

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

When you buy a ticket for this walking tour, two percent of the ticket cost goes to support the Vancouver Urban Native Youth Association. Since its founding in 1988, UNYA’s focus has been to provide meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth (Aboriginal, Metis, Inuit, First Nations, Status, Non-Status) in the urban setting. Today, UNYA delivers 20+ programs, with 175+ volunteers, 100 staff, and more than 300 community partners.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

A gothic adventure.

Venture into Vancouver’s earliest and most gruesome history on the Lost Souls of Gastown Tour. You’ll discover a time when Vancouver was the Granville Townsite – the wild frontier town that suffered a devastating fire, smallpox outbreaks, and unsolved murders.

Designed for adult audiences, the Lost Souls of Gastown Tour is both a walking tour and a theatre piece. Created by Forbidden Vancouver’s Founder Will Woods – and based on documented Vancouver history – the plot weaves through back streets and alleyways to a dramatic finale in the heart of Gastown’s Maple Tree Square.

THE GRUESOME MURDER OF JOHN BRAY

The year was 1898. After a night of whiskey and cards at the saloon, gold prospector John Bray staggered out onto the streets of Gastown. He never made it back to his hotel. Robbed and shot three times in the head, he spent two delirious weeks roaming the streets before the bullets finally killed him.

Relive the tale of John Bray and his mysterious death, along with stories of the people and events that shaped early Vancouver. The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour is not a ghost tour. It’s an interactive gothic theatre experience that pulls you so deep into the swirling lamplight and darkened alleys of Gastown’s murky past, you may have a hard time finding your way back out…

MEETING PLACE

Tours start outside of Monaco Cafe – 356 Water St Tours end at Maple Tree Square in Gastown

Book your Lost Souls of Gastown Tour today

John has created, and conducts, a number of unique and popular walking tours throughout the City of Vancouver. He brings an insight of urban planning and development, a love of architecture, and the fascination of the curious to all his tours.

Walks take approximately 2 hours - depending on the group size and route - and are organized year round. Tours cost 15 dollars per person. Custom tours can also be organized for groups or individuals, contact John for information.

Please note for groups less than ten, there is a 150 dollar minimum charge.

� 2006-19 John Atkin

Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour

Join us on Saturday, June 1 to explore Arbutus Ridge, Kerrisdale & Marpole!

• Heritage Discovery Day 2024
• 2024 Sponsors
• Suggest a Site

Past Guidebooks

The Heritage House Tour offers a chance to explore a selection of Vancouver’s heritage homes, each with its own story, past and present, from early architects, builders and residents to more recent restorations and adaptations. Running since 2003, it is a wonderful way to explore Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods as well as architectural styles, design ideas, and garden landscapes.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our sold-out 2023 tour on Sunday, June 4th. We are excited to announce that our re-imagined Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour in 2024 will return on Saturday, June 1st! Take a peek inside a selection of heritage properties to learn about their diverse history, architecture, and design, as well as connect with local businesses and community organizations and explore the neighbourhoods of Arbutus Ridge, Kerrisdale and Marpole.

Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour 2024

Saturday, June 1st, 10am - 5pm Kerrisdale, Marpole and Arbutus Ridge $50/40+tax

SOLD OUT! From a 1913 Arts and Crafts church in Arbutus Ridge and a Dutch Colonial Revival home in Marpole to a stunning 1925 Tudor Revival Style house and Mid-Century Modern home in Kerrisdale, take a peek inside a selection of seven unique heritage properties and learn about their history, architecture, and design.

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore other lesser-known places and spaces that have shaped each neighbourhood, as well as connect with local businesses and community organizations.

The tour is self-guided and ticket holders can choose which stops to visit and in which order. Volunteers and your guidebook will offer historical information about each site as well as additional neighbourhood insights. The tour will be well enjoyed on foot, by bike or by transit, although parking information will also be provided. Please be aware that ticket holders are responsible for finding and covering costs associated with vehicle parking. We will also provide information on local transit routes with your ticket.

Please note that the ticket is a detailed guidebook, therefore they cannot be sent via email. You will need your ticket to access the tour stops. All attendees require a ticket. No children under 6 are permitted (infants in front carriers are allowed).

There are a limited number of tickets available for this year’s tour! Tickets will not be available for purchase on the day of the event. If you are waitlisted, you will be contacted by May 30 th and notified if there are any tickets available for purchase.

Tickets can be mailed (if purchased before Thursday, May 23), picked up at VHF’s Main St office on the dates listed below or picked up between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm on the tour day at the Info Booth in Kerrisdale (address will be provided to ticketholders 2 weeks prior to the event).  All guidebooks will be printed in early May and ticketholders will be notified when the guidebooks have been mailed.

Dates/Times Available for Ticket Pick-Up at VHF Office (3102 Main St)*

• Tuesday, May 14, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Wednesday, May 15, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Thursday, May 16, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Tuesday, May 21, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Wednesday, May 22, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Thursday, May 23, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Tuesday, May 28, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Wednesday, May 29, 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Thursday, May 30, 9:30am – 4:30pm

*Additional dates and times may be added as necessary. As all VHF staff work remotely, please do not come to the office to pick up your ticket outside of these times without confirmation. Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding ticket pick-up.

Please consider sponsoring a student to attend the Heritage House Tour this year. There are two sponsorship options: 100% or 50%. To learn more about the Student Access Program and how your donation will be used, please visit our website . Please note this is not the same as purchasing a student priced ticket.

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors!

Presenting sponsor.

House Sponsor

Friend Sponsor

In Kind Sponsor

Heritage Discovery Day & House Tour 2023

On Sunday, June 4th, we welcomed over 500 visitors to one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods, Strathcona in a re-imagined version of the Heritage House Tour.

Eight properties were featured during the Heritage Discovery Day & House Tour, representing a wide range of housing styles – from an institutional Arts & Craft chapel turned artist studio and residence to a Victorian-era cottage and a garlic factory that was converted into loft-style condos. A number of additional sites of interest in the neighbourhood were featured through 3 self-guided discovery routes.

Over 120 dedicated volunteers were on hand to guide visitors through each home and showcase the unique features, answer questions, take photos and help visitors navigate the neighbourhood of Strathcona.

In addition to our presenting sponsor, Equitable Real Estate Investment Corp Ltd. , we would also like to thank our house sponsors – Buntain Insurance, Disher Construction Ltd., and Solus Trust Company Ltd. – as well as our friend sponsors – Penfolds Roofing & Solar, Quinton Construction, and Stonehouse Team.

I just wanted to say how much my daughter and I enjoyed the tour this year – we love wandering the streets of Strathcona – and loved touring just one area of the city rather than driving from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. We took transit to Science World and walked to the start of the tour, so better from an environmental perspective too. I hope you will be able to do something similar next year!

Visitors lining up to enter Fountain Chapel during the Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Kamran Safari

Volunteer at Fountain Chapel during the Heritage House Tour and Discovery Day in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Visitors at the Places that Matter Info Table during Heritage Discovery Day in 2023. Credit: Kamran Safari

Visitors walking to Fountain Chapel in Strathcona during Heritage Discovery Day & House Tour in 2023. Credit: Kamran Safari

Volunteer Team at Lovegrove House during the Heritage Discovery Day & House Tour in 2023. Credit Kamran Safari

Visitors at the Lovegrove House during the Heritage House Tour and Discovery Day in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Lineup at Koo's Corner during the Heritage House Tour and Discovery Day in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Visitors inside Koo's Corner during the Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Visitors inside the MacPherson House during the Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Visitors waiting in line to visit the Baldasso House at the Heritage House Tour in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Kamran Safari

Third floor loft at the Baldasso House during the Heritage House Tour and Discovery Day in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Volunteer with her sketch of the Baldasso House during the Heritage House Tour and Discovery Day in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Volunteers at Montreal Bakery during the Heritage House Tour and Discovery Day in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Visitors reading Walter & Mary Chan House Plaque during the Heritage Discovery Day & House Tour in 2023. Credit Kamran Safari

Volunteer at The Factory during the Heritage House Tour and Discovery Day in 2023. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Visitor taking photo of house exterior during the Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour in Strathcona in 2023. Credit: Kamran Safari

Close-up of the Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour Guidebook from 2023, featuring the neighbourhood of Strathcona. Credit: Kamran Safari

Know a house in Vancouver that would be a great fit for an upcoming tour?

Shannon Estates during the 2017 Heritage House Tour. Credit: Martin Knowles Photo/Media

2017 Heritage House Tour at Shannon Estates. Credit Martin Knowles Photo/Media

From Heritage House Tour 2019: "This Edwardian-style house was built in 1911 by John Bell along with its two neighbours facing Willow Street. "

From Heritage House Tour 2019: "This large Edwardian home was built by John and Edith Beaton."

The Downs Residence was designed by renowned architect Barry Downs for his own family and is an especially fine example of a West Coast Modern home.

From Heritage House Tour 2019: "A Swiss chalet style Craftsman bungalow of 1910 designed by Gamble and Knapp, features river stone in the garden, leaded-glass windows, half-timbered gables, big brackets and eaves. "

This large half-timbered home, sheltered within its lush street-side garden, started out as a revenue property for a well-known local boat builder. It was built as three units in the former garden of the 1912 house next door, which was later demolished for an apartment building.

From Heritage House Tour 2019: "This large Victorian home was built by George Weeks for his family when the West End was the young city’s fashionable residential neighbourhood. It is now the Diamond Centre for Living and part of Barclay Heritage Square. "

From Heritage House Tour 2019: "This house, built in 1929 by self-employed contractor William Earland, reflects more prosperous times and the taste beginning to form in the late 1920s for Storybookstyle architecture, supplanting the popular Craftsman Style and earlier boxy house forms."

One of the more remote early estates in Vancouver is now Crofton House School in the southwestern corner of the city.

From Heritage House Tour 2019: "As the Dunbar neighbourhood developed in the 1930s with a distinctly modest flavour compared with adjoining Kerrisdale, building contractor Mikkel Nielsen built a one-storey bungalow using the typical five-room floor plan of living room, dining room and kitchen across from two bedrooms and a bathroom."

Past Heritage House Tours

The Heritage House Tour has taken place on the first weekend in June since 2003. Enjoy highlights of some of the great spaces we’ve featured in recent years and what makes the tour special with our ‘Celebrating the Heritage House Tour’ video below.

Do you or someone you know live in a house that may be a good fit for a future tour? We are always searching for great examples of heritage or character homes to open on our tours. If you’d like to know more, or have your home considered for inclusion on a future tour, contact us 604 264 9642 or by email .

VHF’s popular Heritage House Tour returned  in virtual format again in 2022! Through a series of curated video tours, two live events (May 31 and June 2) and our exclusive Heritage House Tour web portal, we explored the stories of six unique properties around the city. We visited a Mission Revival building in Hastings-Sunrise that has been converted to residential townhouses, a 1928 award-winning Tudor-Revival style cottage, a grand Edwardian commercial building, a 1912 Craftsman home in Kitsilano lovingly restored by its current owner, an early passive solar home in Dunbar Southlands, and a Dutch Colonial Revival home in Marpole that has been transformed into a community museum. We will enjoy original interior features, craftsmanship, and unique designs. We explored the history and heritage significance of each building and learned about how they have been restored and adapted for modern living.

In 2021, the Heritage House Tour was offered virtually for the first time. Through a series of curated video tours, an exclusive web portal, and two live events, we explored six properties spread across Vancouver. The 2021 tour featured a 1958 award-winning Mid-Century Modern home in Southlands, an 1890s Strathcona home, a grand Shaughnessy estate home, and a 1928 apartment. Participants were able to experience the compelling stories, past and present, of early architects, builders and residents as well as recent restorations and how these distinct spaces have been adapted for modern living.

In 2019, we explored the evolution of Vancouver’s heritage and character homes. The traditional self-guided tour offered a look inside homes across Vancouver, varying in age and style, each with a unique story to tell. The houses dated back to 1895 including the A-listed 1910 Arts & Crafts beauty Hirschfeld House and the 1895 home built for George Weeks that is now a calming wellness centre in a historic square. The homes spanned six decades of architectural design including handsome Victorian detailing, sturdy Craftsman construction and even influential Mid-Century Modern design. The tour also featured the Downs Residence, a 1959 masterpiece designed by Downs for his own family, is a strong example of West Coast Modernism and has been featured in many design and architecture publications as well as exhibitions.

The future of a site is often found in adaptive reuse, which is a key concept in heritage conservation and the retention of historic buildings. Finding compatible new uses for early structures preserves historic materials and maintains a sense of community. It is also a consistent theme throughout Vancouver’s housing history. Through the decades and adaptations, the history of each home connects to the people who built them, designed them, and lived in them, and helps illuminate the development of the city, its industries, neighbourhoods and communities over the decades.

Traveler's Guide to Historic Attractions in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver Attractions for History Buffs

One of the things I value most about travel is the learning experience; I learn so much about history when I travel! My family traveled a lot when I was kid (we all still do), and--though I didn't always want to be dragged to this or that historic site / museum, I retained a huge amount of information from that period. (I still remember the details of the Bayeux Tapestry I saw at age 10.) As an adult, I do the dragging.

If you're a traveler who loves history--and you're lucky enough to come to Vancouver--then this Traveler's Guide to Historic Attractions in Vancouver, BC is for you!

See also: The Vancouver Experience: Best Vancouver Cultural Attractions

Historic First Nations Art and Artworks

The first people to live in the area we now call British Columbia were Aboriginal people, including the First Nations of Haida, Coast Salish and Musqueam (among others). These civilizations go back 8,000 years and have an incredible history of art and artwork.

You can learn about First Nations art and artworks here: 

• UBC Museum of Anthropology
• Totem Poles at Stanley Park

Historic Gastown

By the mid-1800's, the City of Vancouver was just beginning to take shape. One of the earliest landmarks was the Gassy Jack saloon, built in 1867 by "Gassy" Jack Deighton. The neighborhood of Gastown grew up around that saloon.

Today's Gastown has many historic sites, including a statue of Gassy Jack Deighton, as well as many of Vancouver's oldest buildings. (The Diamond-- one of Vancouver's top cocktail bars --resides in what was a brothel in Gassy Jack's time.)

You can explore Gastown yourself , or you can take a SIns of the City walking tour (led by the Vancouver Police Museum) that details all the salacious bits of Vancouver's tumultuous 19th-century beginnings.

Vancouver Historic Journeys: Engine 374 & St. Roch

In 1887, the Canadian Pacific Railway's Engine 374 pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver. You can see Engine 374 --and learn all about its history--for free at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown . 

You can also climb aboard (and around and on top of) the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Schooner  St. Roch  at the Vancouver Maritime Museum . Built in 1928,  St. Roch was the second ship in history to navigate the Northwest Passage and the first to travel that passage from west to east.

Historic Steveston Village

Located about 30 minutes south of Downtown Vancouver, in the city of Richmond, BC, Steveston Village was once the "salmon capital of the world." (It's still famous for its Canada Day salmon festival .) 

Today, history buffs can tour the  Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site  museum to learn all about 19th century salmon canning and fishing, and see restored heritage boat works at the nearby  Britannia Heritage Shipyard .

Burnaby Village Museum

This is the kind of museum that kids love because it doesn't feel like a museum. Located about 40 minutes east of Downtown Vancouver, the Burnaby Village Museum is an open-air museum that recreates a small town in British Columbia in the 1920s. The "village" includes a main street, a restored Interurban tram (that was actually used from 1913 to 1958), historic shops, and a working 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation Tours

I have learned so much Vancouver history from taking tours with the non-profit Vancouver Heritage Foundation . Their neighborhood tours are incredibly rich with information and tiny, exceptional details, and their Heritage House Tours are the classiest real estate porn to ever exist.

See also: Vancouver's Best Sightseeing Tours  

Haunted Vancouver

Want to have a little fun with your history? From the "Lady in Red" who haunts the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver to multiple hauntings at Gastown's Old Spaghetti Factory, Vancouver has plenty of legendary ghosts. You can tour Vancouver's haunted history with my  Guide to the Most Haunted Places in Vancouver . 

Visit Steveston Village in Richmond, British Columbia

Guide to Gastown in Vancouver, BC

Foodie Travel Guide to Vancouver, BC

20 Top Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver, Canada

Guide to Yaletown in Vancouver, BC

Top 10 Historical Sites in Canada

Attractions and Hotels Near UBC in Vancouver, BC

Canada's Most Scenic Drives

Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

The Top 12 Things to Do in Burnaby, British Columbia

Top 10 Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids

Best Sightseeing Tours in Vancouver, British Columbia

Don't Miss These Attractions in Ottawa

Top 10 Museums and Galleries in Vancouver

18 Most Beautiful Islands in the World

Whale Watching in Vancouver: The Complete Guide

The Really Gay History Tour

Tickets for The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver 🎫 Ticket for 1 adult (19-64) 🎫 Ticket for 1 senior (65-99)

All tickets include:

• A 3-hour tour along Vancouver with a professional guide

Highlights 🏳‍🌈 Discover Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ history and how it shaped the city's social fabric 👨‍🏫 Learn all about the people and movements behind the various struggles from a professional guide 🍸 Enjoy post-tour cocktails at the bars in Davie Street Village General Info 📅 Date and time: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector ⏳ Duration: 3 hours 📍 Departure point: Vancouver City Centre Station 👤 Age requirement: the experience is not recommendable for guests under the age of 14 ♿ Accessibility: the experience is wheelchair and strollerr accessible ❓ For this event, all sales are final and tickets can’t be refunded, changed or modified. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs Description It's time for Vancouver's secrets to come out of the closet. The wild, untold history of Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ community comes alive through stories of struggle, unity, and celebration on a 2 hour adventure through Downtown and the West End. You'll learn about a plethora of outrageous drag queens, book store bombings and the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of the city. Let the man in pink guide you through the city's LGBTQ2+ history and the places that shaped it. Get your tickets and discover Vancouver's colorful side!

Getting there

Vancouver City Centre Station

Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, BC V7Y 1K8

Select date and session

No booking fees

Flexible cancelation

Snapshot by Candlelight

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