Events

Heritage Week

Heritage Week offers a chance to explore heritage across BC and Canada and take part in programming that provides opportunities to learn and share about Vancouver’s history, diverse cultural heritage and historic places.

From February 16th to 22nd, we invite you to explore the theme “Stir the Pot” and how food can be a vessel of memory, identity and meaning.

It is an open invitation to celebrate food as a form of heritage that is both deeply personal and widely shared. From heirloom seeds and traditional cooking and harvesting methods to community feasts and intergenerational recipes, food reflects who we are and where we come from.

Food brings us together and links us to the land and to traditions, ties us to our families and ancestors, and connects cultures and communities.

Join us at one of our events to celebrate Heritage Week 2026!

 

Come to the Table: A Places That Matter Winter Storytelling Event

Tuesday, February 17th, 7pm - 8:30pm
University Women's Club at Hycroft Manor
By Donation

Come to the table as we spend an evening together sharing community stories and reflecting on how food brings us together and shares who we are and where we come from. Learn how cherished family recipes, beloved dishes and community tie us all to the powerful theme of food. Each speaker will be sharing stories of their own experiences growing up and the importance that food played in their lives.

Register Here View Details

The Heritage Week Proclamation will also be read at this event.

Please contact katherine@vancouverheritagefoundation.org for more information on how to participate or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

 

Neighborhoods and Nourishment: An Exploration of Food and Community in Vancouver’s East End (10am)

Saturday, February 21st, 10am - 12pm
Strathcona
$30+tax

From bakeries and butchers to ice cream and importers such as Tosi, Bosa and Benny’s, Strathcona’s legacy food stores endures. Celebrate Heritage Week by participating in a walking tour with John Atkin as he explores the legacies of the food producers and suppliers that were once found in Strathcona neighbourhood.

Tickets On Sale January 12 at 10am View Details

Photo Caption: Benny’s Market in Strathcona (Credit S Carlson)

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

Please note:

  • Our walking tours take place rain or shine, snow or hail. Please dress for the weather.
  • The walks are two (2) +/- hours long and may take a one-way or circular route.
  • Participants must bring valid ID with them as per VHF’s registration policy. The name on the ticket must match the name on the ID.
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour and a minimum of 10. Registration is required in advance for all walking tours and ID must match the ticket. Unregistered people will not be permitted to join on the tour date. Do not seek out the group on the tour day in hopes of joining as this will disrupt the tour; if you are not able to attend your tour, due to liability reasons an unregistered replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • Tours take place in public spaces through Vancouver, BC. Participants will encounter a variety of terrain including uncontrolled road crossings, gravel, stairs, slopes, etc. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
  • Further details, including start and finish points, will be provided to registered participants.
  • Tickets will be available for purchase until 5pm the day before the tour, or until sold out
  • 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 and take place rain or shine.
  • 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.

Neighborhoods and Nourishment: An Exploration of Food and Community in Vancouver’s East End (1pm)

Saturday, February 21st, 1pm - 3pm
Strathcona
$30+tax

Discover the legacy of chicken joints and cafes, the women who ran them, and how they contributed to Vancouver’s larger community and heritage in this Heritage Week walking tour from Prior to Powell Street with John Atkin. These restaurants were largely owned and operated by Black women and were an important part of the local and city-wide social scene.

Tickets On Sale January 12 at 10am View Details

Photo Caption: Gore Avenue and Powell Street intersection – Jung’s Café c. 1972-73(Credit City of Vancouver Archives 1095-09896)

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

Please note:

  • Our walking tours take place rain or shine, snow or hail. Please dress for the weather.
  • The walks are two (2) +/- hours long and may take a one-way or circular route.
  • Participants must bring valid ID with them as per VHF’s registration policy. The name on the ticket must match the name on the ID.
  • There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour and a minimum of 10. Registration is required in advance for all walking tours and ID must match the ticket. Unregistered people will not be permitted to join on the tour date. Do not seek out the group on the tour day in hopes of joining as this will disrupt the tour; if you are not able to attend your tour, due to liability reasons an unregistered replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
  • Tours take place in public spaces through Vancouver, BC. Participants will encounter a variety of terrain including uncontrolled road crossings, gravel, stairs, slopes, etc. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
  • Further details, including start and finish points, will be provided to registered participants.
  • Tickets will be available for purchase until 5pm the day before the tour, or until sold out
  • 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 and take place rain or shine.
  • 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.

Places that Matter Community Fair 2026

Sunday, February 22nd, 11am - 3pm
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street
Free

Celebrate Heritage Week and the 15th Anniversary of Places that Matter with VHF! Join us at Heritage Hall for a family-friendly community fair with table displays, items for sale, and crafts. Learn about the many stories and people that connect us to the places that matter in our communities. All are welcome to attend.

Register Here View Details

Join VHF for the 9th Annual Places That Matter Community Fair that will include over thirty community organizations from all over the City of Vancouver.

2026 marks the 15th year of Places That Matter, Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s ongoing project that includes an information-rich website that expands on the original Places That Matter (PTM) plaque program. A project created in 2011 to celebrate Vancouver’s 125th anniversary as an incorporated city. PTM has helped recognize over 100 community-nominated sites, covering some of the people, places and events that tell the stories of Vancouver’s history.

Photo: Mahbuhay House at the 2025 PTM Community Fair. Credit Kamran Safari

Heritage Week 2025

From February 17th to 23rd, 2025, we invited you to celebrate the theme “Pastimes in Past Times.” We encouraged you to delve into the pastimes and traditions of your neighbourhood, exploring how these activities have contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of your community and beyond.

VHF will hosted four events during Heritage Week, each highlighting different aspects of the 2025 theme.

Places That Matter Storytelling Session – Tuesday February 18th, 2025

Join Vancouver Heritage Foundation and select community organizations for an intimate evening of storytelling and building community connections. Each community organization will share a short story with the audience that is connected to their heritage and community at large.

95th Places That Matter plaque presentation for the ANZA Club – February 20th, 2025.

Walking Tours with John Atkin – Saturday, February 22nd. 10am and 1pm.

Join us for Heritage Week Walking Tours and explore the vibrant athletic history of Vancouver’s West End. Delve into how pastimes such as tennis, water sports, horse shows, and hockey helped shape the community and foster a strong sense of connection and contribute to = the West End’s unique cultural fabric.

Places that Matter Community Fair – Sunday, February 23rd, 11am – 3pm

This year, Places That Matter will continue to host a family-friendly afternoon focused on the many stories and people that connect us to the Places that Matter in our communities. Our 8th annual community celebration will feature table displays from local organizations and businesses.

Heritage Week 2024

From February 19th to 25th, we celebrated the theme “Layer By Layer” and invited you to dig deeper into your community’s past and explore the many layers and stories that your unique community holds. We hope you took some time this week to learn something new about the many “layers” of the place you call home.

Water, Muck and Trains: The shrinking shoreline of False Creek, February 24th
Local historian John Atkin led heritage lovers on our special Heritage Week walking tours, which explored the many layers and stories of False Creek. The morning tour showcased CPR and the early industries, such as the saw mill, which led to the development of Chinatown while the afternoon tour focused on the gas works, the old Georgia Viaduct and the filling of the eastern basin for the GNR and CNR stations.

Places that Matter Community Fair, February 25th, 11am – 3pm
Vancouver Heritage Foundation presented a family-friendly afternoon focused on the many stories and people that connect us to the places that matter in our communities. table displays, items for sale, crafts and a scavenger hunt. Our 7th annual community celebration featured table displays and items for sale from 31 local organizations and businesses, including Yosef Wosk Publication Grant recipients, the presentation of the Heritage Week Proclamation by Councillor Lisa Dominato and Councillor Mike Klassen, as well as crafts and a scavenger hunt.

We greatly appreciate the support from all of our volunteers and event sponsors, including our Gold Sponsors Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Association and Terris & Company General Contractors Ltd., as well as our Bronze Sponsor Yamamoto Architecture Inc. We also want to thank our Venue Sponsor Heritage Hall, as well as Siegel’s Bagels and COBS Bread Main St for their in-kind donations. This event would not have been possible without all of our generous sponsors!

Heritage Week 2023

From February 20th to 26th, we celebrated the theme “Always in All Ways” and invited you to explore your community’s heritage in all the ways that excite you. We hope you took time during Heritage Week 2023 to celebrate the culture and heritage of the communities that make up the place you call home.

Places that Matter Community Celebration, February 22nd, 7pm – 8:30 pm
Vancouver Heritage Foundation presented a family-friendly evening of storytelling from the Places That Matter project. Our 6th annual community celebration featured community organizations and Yosef Wosk Publication Grant recipients, the reading of the Heritage Week 2023 Proclamation by City Council and special guest speakers on Vancouver’s places that matter, including Storytellers from the Militant Mothers of Raymur and Japanese Canadian Hastings Park Interpretive Centre Society, Fiona Lam, Vancouver Poet Laureate, Leona Lam, Vancouver Heritage Fairs Alumni, and Aaron Chapman, as well as music from the Annie Molesworth Quintet.

Milk, Suitcases and Vegetables: A Stroll in Upper Mount Pleasant, February 25th
Local historian, author and seasoned walking tour guide, John Atkin, celebrated Heritage Week by exploring the little known agricultural and industrial heritage of upper Mount Pleasant, which was home to a couple of dairies and a number of Chinese wholesale and retail vegetable dealers. Along with food, this area is a delightful mix of old and new development.

Heritage Week 2022

From February 21st to 27th, we celebrated the theme “altogether inclusive” and explored the many ways that heritage engagement requires creativity, as well as unique solutions and actions to encourage broad participation. Heritage can and must foster best practices in diversity and accessibility. By reducing the many different types of barriers that keep people from enjoying heritage and feeling safe, then lives will be enriched. When heritage responds to diversity and accessibility challenges, it becomes inclusive. This is possible for even the smallest of heritage organizations and is reason to celebrate.

Places that Matter Community Celebration, February 23rd, 7pm – 8:30 pm
Vancouver Heritage Foundation presented an evening of storytelling from the Places That Matter project, hosted virtually through Zoom. Our 5th annual community celebration featured Musqueam community members, the reading of the Heritage Week 2022 Proclamation by City Council and special guest speakers on Vancouver’s places that matter.

Altogether Inclusive: A Heritage Week Virtual Stroll, February 23th, 7pm – 8pm
Local historian, author and seasoned walking tour guide, John Atkin, celebrated Heritage Week by visiting some of Vancouver’s unique heritage spots – like Mole Hill – on this virtual walk!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Heritage Week 2021!

From February 15th-21st, we explored the theme “Where do you find heritage?” Gathering virtually with our community, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Places that Matter program, discovered some of Vancouver’s lesser known heritage spots and got inspired to go outside and sketch our favourite local heritage buildings and places.

  • Places That Matter Community Celebration: 10th Anniversary Year!

    Tuesday, February 16th, 7pm – 8pm

    We launched Heritage Week 2021 with an evening of storytelling and a look at the first 10 years of the Places That Matter project. The program included: Musqueam Welcome with Alec Guerin and the story of Musqueam with Mack Paul, Heritage Proclamation by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Carr, stories directly from Collingwood Neighbourhood House, the family of Nellie Yip Quong and family-owned East India Carpets about the First Sikh Gurdwara on West 2nd Avenue.

    Places That Matter launched with a plaque project in 2011 to recognize community-nominated sites that highlight some of the lesser-known people, places and events that have shaped Vancouver. A decade later, with 88 plaques installed, the online Community History Resource continues to grow with community contributions of personal stories and photographs for the 125 sites.

  • Urban Sketching Workshop

    Thursday, February 18th, 12pm – 1pm

    Author and illustrator of Hand Drawn Vancouver, Emma FitzGerald, led participants in learning how to sketch with confidence. We explored how drawings can be a prompt for storytelling and got inspired to go outside to sketch favourite neighbourhood spots or local heritage buildings and places. Emma also shared tips for drawing on location, including intimidating architecture.

  • Discovering Heritage Places: A Virtual Stroll

    Saturday, February 20th, 10am – 11am

    Heritage is all around us – sometimes you just need to look closely! Local historian, author and seasoned walking tour guide, John Atkin, explored some of Vancouver’s lesser-known heritage spots and shared the history of some of the buildings that make our neighbourhoods unique on this virtual walk.

Heritage Week 2020

In 2020, the theme of Heritage Week was “2020 Vision: Bringing the Past into the Future”. The restoration and adaptation of heritage buildings is key to a sustainable future, preserving community and cultural spaces, retaining affordable retail and residential spaces and keeping usable building materials from landfills, all while enriching our streetscapes and neighbourhoods. The future also includes reconciliation with Indigenous communities and a more inclusive telling of the stories of the past for all communities. Across three events, we explored the role of heritage in our future throughout Heritage Week, February 17th – 23rd.

We created a short video with some highlights from the week. You can view other VHF videos on our YouTube channel.

Heritage Week Proclamations

2024
2023
2022
2021
2020