One of the best ways to learn about a new area or neighbourhood is on foot. Get up close to the city’s heritage buildings and distinctive neighbourhoods with one of our popular walking tours!

Get your walking shoes ready – our summer walking tours are back! From May to September, join us on a stroll around Vancouver’s historic neighborhoods with our beloved walking tour guides on select Saturday mornings at 10 am and Wednesdays at 6 pm. Historian John Atkin will explore different stops along the old BC Electric interurban Central Park Line and Rob Howatson will focus on South Vancouver with points of interest in Downtown South Vancouver, the Sunset Neighbourhood, and Fraserview.

Tours require 10 participants to run and have a maximum capacity of 20. Tickets will be available for purchase until 5pm the day before each tour.

For the most up-to-date news on our upcoming walking tours, sign-up for our e-newsletter or follow us on social media!

Exploring Kensington Cedar Cottage

Saturday, May 17th, 10am
Kensington Cedar Cottage
$30+tax

In partnership with the Kensington Cedar Cottage Community Centre, please join John Atkin as he explores the Kensington Cedar Cottage Neighborhood.

Location: Tour will start and end in the Kensington Cedar Cottage area. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Walking the Line: Epworth (16th Ave and Commercial Drive)

    Wednesday, May 28th 6pm, and Saturday, May 31st,10am
    Kensington Cedar Cottage
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Epworth Station.

    Photo Credit: Mail car at Epworth P.O and Station. City of Vancouver Archives. CVA 330-12

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Epworth Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

    • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
    • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
    • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
    • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
    • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.

     

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Vancouver Chinatown Mural Walks

    May 10th - June 1st, 10:30am and 1:30pm
    565 Columbia Street, Vancouver
    By Donation

    The Suzhou Alley Women's Mural (SAWM) is a community-driven commemorative mural and storytelling project celebrating the contributions and legacies of women who helped shape Vancouver's Chinatown over the last century created by Elisa Yon, Janet Wang, Stella Zheng, Mengya Zhao, and Laurie Landry. To celebrate its unveiling this Spring, the project team will be offering a series of mural walks during May, as it is Asian Heritage Month.

    Please note:
    The walks that Vancouver Heritage Foundation are hosting on May 31st are now sold out. There are additional walks being hosted throughout the month of May.

    Learn more about the Suzhou Alley Women’s Mural (SAWM)

    About the Guides:

    Helen Lee is a fifth generation Canadian-born Chinese with roots in Guangdong Province, China. While she grew up in a Vancouver Special in East Vancouver, her knowledge and experience of Chinatown comes from her family’s coffee shop on East Hastings and attending Chinese school with her four siblings in nearby Strathcona. Helen is a member of several Chinese societies, including the Lee’s Benevolent Association of Canada and Kong Chau Benevolent Association of Canada. Over the past decade, she was also a member of the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee, Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee and Historical Discrimination against People of Chinese Descent Advisory Group. Helen is a registered planner with formal training in urban planning, art history and heritage conservation. She currently lives with her husband and son in Vancouver and works as a Planner at the City of Vancouver where she contributes her skills in community planning and cultural heritage.

    Morning Tour: 10:30 am – noon
    __________

    John Atkin is a civic historian, heritage consultant, writer and walking tour guide who brings an insight of urban planning and development, a love of architecture and the fascination of the curious to his work. John is a vice president of the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC, board member of Vancouver Moving Theatre and served on the board of the Dr Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden.

    Afternoon Tour: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

    Walking the Line: Cedar Cottage (Porter Street and Victoria Diversion)

    Wednesday, June 11 6pm, and Saturday, June 14th,10am
    Kensington Cedar Cottage
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Cedar Cottage Station.

    Photo Credit: A photo of a B.C.E.R. Inter Urban Car 1203. City of Vancouver Archives CVA 447-1663

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Cedar Cottage Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

    • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
    • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
    • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
    • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
    • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.

     

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Walking the Line: Lakeview (Epworth and Victoria Diversion)

    Wednesday June 25th, 6pm
    Kensington Cedar Cottage
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Lakeview Station.

    Photo Credit: Salmon cans on track after B.C. Electric Railway Interurban collision with truck City of Vancouver Archives CVA 586-910

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Lakeview Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for th

    Sunset’s Sunny Slope

    Saturday, June 21st and Saturday, June 28th 10am
    Sunset
    $30+tax

    As the hill steepens, the neighbourhood lore deepens. Join native South Vancouverite Rob Howatson for a stroll around Lower Sunset, where quiet residential streets meet the noisy bustle of the city’s largest industrial area. See where South Van’s first school once stood and walk among the site’s current structures: Sunset’s first condo towers. Up the hill, the school’s successor, Walter Moberly Elementary, shows its checkered history through a mish mash of renovations and extensions. Hear about the struggles to create early neighbourhood halls, walk the old stream paths and follow Khalsa Diwan Road down to the Gurdwara that helped transform the slope into an Indo-Canadian settlement.

    Photo Credit: Sunny Southern Slope. City of Vancouver Archives. VLP 58

    This tour will explore the Sunset Neighborhood. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

    • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
    • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
    • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
    • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
    • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.

     

    About Your Guide

    Rob Howatson is a writer, local history buff and lifelong South Van’er. He caught the heritage bug in 2007 when he discovered a time capsule hidden in the old Sunset Community Centre. (It contained rare Bing Crosby footage!) Rob also works for the City of Richmond at Steveston’s heritage sites.

    Walking the Line: Gladstone (Gladstone Street and Vaness Ave)

    Saturday, July 5th,10am
    Kensington Cedar Cottage
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Gladstone Station.

    Photo Credit: B.C. Electric Railway, interurban streetcar in shop
    City of Vancouver Archives CVA 83-1

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Gladstone Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Walking the Line: Nanaimo Road (Nanaimo and Vaness)

    Wednesday, July 9th 6pm, and Saturday, July 12th,10am
    Kensington Cedar Cottage
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Nanaimo Road Station.

    Photo Credit: Front view of interurban streetcar number 1309. City of Vancouver Archives. Item – LGN 1223

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Epworth Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Exploring Downtown South Vancouver

    Saturday, June 21st and Saturday, June 28th 10am
    Downtown South Vancouver
    $30+tax

    Fraser and 41st was the hub of the sprawling-yet-humble municipality of South Vancouver. Amalgamation demolished its city hall, but the stories live on through its biggest park, South Memorial; its first high school, John Oliver; and its eternal graveyard, Mountain View.

    Photo Credit: Looking south at the west side of the 6100 Block of Fraser Street. City of Vancouver Archives, Str P412.1.

    This tour will explore the Sunset Neighborhood. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

    • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
    • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
    • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
    • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
    • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.

     

    About Your Guide

    Rob Howatson is a writer, local history buff and lifelong South Van’er. He caught the heritage bug in 2007 when he discovered a time capsule hidden in the old Sunset Community Centre. (It contained rare Bing Crosby footage!) Rob also works for the City of Richmond at Steveston’s heritage sites.

    Exploring Fraserview’s Riverfront

    Saturday, August 9th and Saturday, August 23rd 10am
    South Vancouver
    $30+tax

    Stroll the Fraser River’s edge, where a country music star was discovered, squatter shacks rode the tides and Captain House anchored his tragic but rewarding life. This tour covers the best parts of previously offered walking tours, 'Fraserview's Shifting Shores' and 'Grappling With The North Arm'.

    Photo Credit:

    This tour will explore the Sunset Neighborhood. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

    • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
    • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
    • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
    • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
    • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.

     

    About Your Guide

    Rob Howatson is a writer, local history buff and lifelong South Van’er. He caught the heritage bug in 2007 when he discovered a time capsule hidden in the old Sunset Community Centre. (It contained rare Bing Crosby footage!) Rob also works for the City of Richmond at Steveston’s heritage sites.

    Walking the Line: Beaconsfield (Slocan Street and 28th Ave)

    Wednesday, August 13th 6pm, and Saturday, August 16th,10am
    Renfrew Collingwood
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Beaconsfield Station.

    Photo Credit: B.C.E.R. Interurban Car. City of Vancouver Archives #1317CVA 447-1671

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Beaconsfield Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Walking the Line: Earls Road (Earls Street and Vaness Ave)

    Wednesday, September 3rd, 6pm, and Saturday, September 6th,10am
    Renfrew Collingwood
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Earles Road Station.

    Photo Credit: Earles Street and Kingsway looking West. City of Vancouver Archives. CVA 772-574.

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Earles Road Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.

    Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Walking the Line: Collingwood West (Vaness Ave and Joyce Street)

    Wednesday, September 10th 6pm, and Saturday, September 13th, 10am
    Renfrew Collingwood
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Collingwood West Road Station.

    Photo Credit: Collingwood Station on the B.C.E.R. Central Park line. City of Vancouver Archives. CVA 677-386

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Epworth Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 1 week prior to the tour.

    Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Walking the Line Collingwood East (Boundary Road and Vaness Ave)

    Wednesday, September 17th 6pm, and Saturday, September 20th, 10am
    Renfrew Collingwood
    $30+tax

    From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Collingwood East Station.

    Photo Credit: A photo of Collingwood East. City of Vancouver Archives. CVA 359-09

    Location: Tour will start and end in the around the old Epworth Station location. Paid participants will receive the exact starting location after registering, approximately 1 week prior to the tour.

    Please note:

  • For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
  • Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate  a variety of terrain!
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
  • Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
  •  

    About Your Guide

    John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

    Can’t join us in person?

    Join local historian, author and seasoned walking tour guide, John Atkin as he explores local history and heritage on a pre-recorded virtual walking tour. Experience the streets of Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and discover some of city’s diverse heritage places from the comfort of your home.

    Sign Up for A Virtual Stroll

    Past Walking Tours

    with John Atkin
    February 24: Water, Muck and Trains: The Shrinking Shoreline of False Creek
    May 25: Walking on Water: Riley Park (17th Ave and St George St)
    June 29: Walking on Water: Riley Park (King Edward Avenue and Columbia Street)
    July 6: Walking on Water: Arbutus Ridge (20th Avenue & Vine Street)
    July 13: Walking on Water: Riley Park (26th Avenue and Heather Street)
    July 27: Walking on Water: Killarney (46th Avenue and Killarney)
    August 10: Walking on Water: Sunrise (43rd Avenue and Elgin Street)
    August 24: Walking on Water: Charles and Kaslo (Charles Street and Kaslo Street)
    September 25: The West End and the Lightheart Legacy
    October 2: It All Started in 1974: Early Heritage Designations in Vancouver
    October 9: Coal Harbour: As It Once Was

    with Rob Howatson
    June 22: Champlain Heights: Where the Groovy Went Off Grid
    July 20: River District: From Carbolineum to Condominium
    August 17th: Fraser Street: South Van’s Original Heartline

    Walk the Plan with John Atkin
    May 20: Glen Dr & 10th Ave
    June 17: Manitoba St at 13th Ave
    July 8: Hemlock St at 13th Ave
    July 29: Maple St at 14th Ave
    August 19: Yew St at 6th Ave
    September 2: Hemlock St at 6th Ave
    September 16: Columbia St at 4th Ave
    October 7th: Scotia St at 6th Ave

    with Rob Howatson
    June 24: The River District: From Carbolineum to Condominum
    July 22: Fraser Street: South Van’s Original Heartline
    August 12: Fraserview: The Real Story of the War Vets’ Pleasantville

    Where Have I Been Walking with John Atkin
    June 25: Glen Park
    July 16: Knight and 49th Avenue
    August 13: Below 45th Avenue
    August 20: Above the Grandview Cut
    August 27: Revival Styles, Bogs and Post Modernism

    with Christine Hagemoen
    June 18: Lower Mount Pleasant: Industry, Immigrants and Institutions
    July 9: Secrets of Mount Pleasant

    with Rob Howatson
    July 23: Fraserview: The Real Story of the War Vets’ Pleasantville
    August 6: Life’s a Ditch: Grappling with the Fraser’s North Arm
    September 10: Fraserview’s Shifting Shores

    ‘An Industrial City’ with John Atkin
    May 4: The Waterfront
    May 25: Railtown
    June 8: Vernon Street
    July 6: From Creeks to Trains
    July 20: Shipyards, Salt and the Olympics
    August 10: Beer, Boxes and Tents
    August 31: Vegetables, Furniture and Flowers
    September 7: Lumber and Telephones
    October 5: Foundries, Lumber and Baseball
    October 19: Take Me to the River

    with Michael Schwartz
    July 14: Foundations of the Jewish Community in Gastown & Strathcona
    August 25: Pioneers of Vancouver’s Jewish Community at Mountain View Cemetery
    September 22: Oakridge Community History

    with John Belshaw
    April 27: Gore: The Avenue That Slashes the East End
    June 22: From Cedar Cove To Port Town
    September 21: The Narrows

    with Rob Howatson
    June 23 & September 15: Fraserview’s Shifting Shores

    with Christine Hagemoen
    July 28: Lower Mount Pleasant: industry, immigrants and institutions

    ‘Following the Creeks’ with John Atkin
    March 18: Gastown Revisited
    April 7: China Creek Basin (NE Mount Pleasant)
    April 21: China Creek Ravine (SE Mount Pleasant)
    June 16: Davey Creek (SE Mount Pleasant)
    June 24: A Brewery and A Stump (Kensington-Cedar Cottage)
    July 21: The Lake Bottom (Renfrew Heights)
    August 11: Bogs, Farms and a Dairy (Killarney)
    September 8: Memorial Park (S Kensington)
    October 27: Skunk Cabbage and Tudors (W Point Grey)
    November 3: A Country Lane and the Mid-Century (Southlands)

    with John Belshaw
    May 5 & July 7: Gore – The Avenue That Slashes the East End
    June 9: From Cedar Cove To Port Town
    June 23: The Narrows

    with Adrienne Brown
    May 12 & August 25: Vancouver’s Waterfront – History Found Near the Seawall
    July 28 & September 22: Open Spaces of Vancouver’s Downtown

    2018 Special Event Walking Tours
    May 13: Revitalizing UBC – Cultural Landscape and Twentieth Century Design Legacies
    October 27: Historic Powell Street Walking Tour

    ‘Here and There: A Few Bits of the City’ with John Atkin
    April 15: The Southern Sunny Slope (Kerrisdale)
    May 13: Royal Nurseries (South Kerrisdale)
    June 10: Pleasant View (Fraserview)
    June 17: Bon Accord Park (Renfrew-Collingwood)
    July 15: Welton Heights (Riley Park)
    August 12: Strathcona Place (West Side)
    August 19: Selkirk Heights (South Shaughnessy)
    September 9: Strathcona Hill (South Cambie)
    October 14: On the Edge of Shaughnessy (North Shaughnessy)
    October 28: Tatlow Park (Kitsilano)
    November 19: Chinatown Walk & Dim Sum Lunch

    with Maurice Guibord
    April 28 & July 29: The Viaducts Quandary
    May 6 &  June 23: East Fraser Lands
    May 20 & August 18: Vancouver’s Art Deco
    June 9 & September 30: Vancouver’s “Francophone Village”
    June 24 & October 20: False Creek South

    with John Atkin
    April 30: Carrall Street – Between Forest & Mill (Gastown)
    May 7: The Other Shore (Olympic Village/False Creek)
    May 21: The Suburbs (Mount Pleasant)
    June 18: Edge of the City (Mount Pleasant/Little Mountain)
    July 2: Where’s 24th Avenue? (Little Mountain/Riley Park)
    July 16: Next to the Mountain (Queen Elizabeth Park)
    July 30: Church and School (Sunset/Oakridge)
    August 6: Sunset and Golf (Sunset)
    October 1: Specials and More (South Vancouver)
    October 15: Industry and River (Fraser River)

    with Maurice Guibord
    April 23 & August 19: Grandview – Places of Worship
    May 14 & 27: Vancouver’s Art Deco
    May 20 & June 25: Hastings Park & The PNE Fairgrounds
    June 10 & August 13: Mountainview Cemetery
    July 8 & September 10: The False Creek Flats

    with John Atkin
    May 2: At the Edge of the City (Renfrew-Collingwood)
    May 16: A Stream and a Ravine (Kensington-Cedar Cottage)
    May 23: Former Farms and the Interurban (Kensington-Cedar Cottage)
    June 14: The Wonky Grid (Kensington-Cedar Cottage)
    June 20: Markets and Market Gardens (Little Mountain)
    July 4: Hobbit and Other Houses (South Cambie)
    July 18: The Edge of Shaughnessy
    August 8: Asthma Flats (Arbutus Ridge)
    October 3: On the Ridge (Dunbar-Southlands)
    October 10: The City Ends (Dunbar-Southlands near Pacific Spirit Park)

    with Maurice Guibord
    May 8 & July 25: Post-War Architecture (Burrard St)
    May 22 & August 29: East Hastings
    June 12 & August 15: Sunrise – At the Water’s Edge
    June 27 & July 10: Commercial Drive – Little Italy
    October 9 & 17: Vancouver’s Art Deco

    2015 Special Event Walking Tours
    May 19-24: Asian Heritage Walks
    September 20: In the Footsteps of the Past – Retracing South Asian History in Kitsilano

    ‘Off Broadway’ with John Atkin
    May 3: On the Edge of the City
    May 24: A Garden Oasis
    June 7: A Little Bit of Mount Pleasant
    June 14: The Lost Neighbourhood
    July 12: An Eclectic Apartment District
    August 2: Interurbans and Garden Plots
    August 16: A Brewery and Cricket
    September 6: A Little Bit of Everything
    October 4: A Craftsman Neighbourhood
    October 18: The End of the Road

    with Maurice Guibord
    March 29 & April 20: Grandview – Commercial to Clark
    April 5 & June 20: Japantown
    May 2 & 17: Granville Island
    July 4 & August 9: Art Deco Downtown
    August 8 & 30: International Style

    2014 Special Event Walking Tours
    October 14-17: Early Immigrant History Walks

    ‘Architects and Their Neighbourhoods’ with John Atkin
    April 27: The West End
    May 18: 1890s Mount Pleasant
    June 1: Kitsilano
    June 15: Old Roads #1 – Alexander St.
    July 6: Kerrisdale
    July 13: Triangle West
    August 3: Arthur Erickson
    August 17: Old Roads #2 – Chinatown
    September 7: The Lighthearts
    October 5: Old Roads #3 – False Creek

    with Maurice Guibord
    April 12, June 7 & August 23: West Hastings
    April 26, June 21 & September 6: Railtown
    July 12, August 9 & September 20: Yaletown
    May 24, July 26 & October 11: West End

    2013 Special Event Walking Tours
    June 15, July 20 & August 17: Stanley Park Bike Tours with Maurice Guibord
    May 25: Places that Matter Bike Tour with John Atkin

    with John Atkin
    May 5: Clark & E 6th Avenue
    May 19: Pender & Victoria
    June 16: Commercial & Franklin – The Other Chinatown
    July 7: Nanaimo & Oxford, Beacon Hill
    August 4: 54th & Vivian – Diaperville
    August 11: Park Dr & Fremlin – Timber Lease & Old Estates South
    August 25: Killarney & 45th – Farmland to Suburbia
    October 13: Nelson & Thurlow – West End Apartments
    October 27: Nelson & Thurlow – West End Houses

    with Maurice Guibord
    April 13, May 11 & June 8: Gastown
    April 27, May 27 & June 22: Chinatown
    July 13, August 10 & September 14: Art Deco
    July 27, August 31 & September 28: Burrard St

    2012 Special Event Walking Tours
    September 8: Public Art Walking Tour (Downtown)

    with John Atkin
    July 16: Market Alley – Opium, Laundry and Pawnshops
    July 23: Blood Alley, the Early City – A Real History
    August 13: Laneway Housing: Been There, Done That
    August 20: Trails, Creeks and Lanes – A Westside Ramble
    August 28: Eveleigh Street – An architect, the CPR and nothing

    with Maurice Guibord
    October 14 & November 25: Historic Hastings Street West
    October 28 & November 25: Historic Hastings Street East

    2011 Special Event Walking Tours
    August 20: Mole Hill Art & Heritage Walk

    with John Atkin
    July 10: Marpole
    July 17: Italian Strathcona
    July 24: Jewish Strathcona
    August 14: Sunset
    August 21: Oakridge

    with John Atkin
    July 11: Chinatown
    July 25: Carrall St
    August 8: Japantown
    August 22: Mid-Century Modern
    August 29: Strathcona

    East End with John Atkin
    July 5: Strathcona – Part 1
    July 12: Strathcona – Part 2
    August 2: Japantown
    August 23: Downtown Eastside
    August 30: Chinatown