]Historic Places Days offer a chance to explore and showcase the places and stories that are important to us. The set of days is celebrated all over Canada and is hosted as a National Trust for Canada by a collection of events.
From July 11-20, 2025, we invite you to celebrate the theme, “Every Place, A Story.” We encourage you to find and visit your favorite historic places and learn their stories.
Vancouver Heritage Foundation will host five events during this time, each highlighting different aspects of the theme.
A photo of Donald Luxton and a Walking Tour, July 2024. Credit: Sarah Carlson
Places that Matter Summer Storytelling, July 11th
Enjoy an evening with Vancouver Heritage Foundation and photographer Martin Knowles, free food and non-alcoholic beverages. Vancouver Heritage Foundation longtime volunteer, photographer Martin Knowles, will be presenting last 20 years of our Heritage House Tour, now known as Heritage Discovery Day. Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Community Engagement Manager, Jessica Quan and Executive Director, Laura Carey will also be presenting.
Walking the Line: Nanaimo Road, July 12th 10am
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.
A Night of Heritage at Hollywood Theater, July 15th, 7pm-8:30
Join Vancouver Heritage Foundation and select speakers for an evening of storytelling about the Hollywood Theatre and other theatres that have contributed to Vancouvers rich tapestry of entertainment history.
Behind-The-Scenes: A tour at the Vancouver Block, July 19th
Join VHF and celebrate Historic Places Days this July with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Vancouver Block – a landmark on the Vancouver skyline since 1912. The tour will begin with an hour-long walking tour with heritage consultant Donald Luxton exploring the economic growth of Vancouver. The second half of the tour will end with a guided tour of the Vancouver Block building (736 Granville Street).
Exploring Downtown South Vancouver with Rob Howatson, Saturday, July 19th, 10am.
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.
Stay tuned for more information about these events!
Donald Luxton leading a walking tour of the Vancouver Block , Historic Places Days 2024. Credit Sarah Carlson
Summer Storytelling Chinese Canadian Heritage Society table. Photo Credit Kamran Safari.
Donald Luxton leading a walking tour of the Vancouver Block , Historic Places Days 2024. Credit Sarah Carlson
Summer Storytelling attendee at food table. Photo credit Kamran Safari.
Donald Luxton leading a walking tour of the Vancouver Block , Historic Places Days 2024. Credit Sarah Carlson
Donald Luxton leading a walking tour of the Vancouver Block , Historic Places Days 2024. Credit Sarah Carlson
Summer Storytelling Chinese Canadian Heritage Society table. Photo Credit Kamran Safari.
Donald Luxton leading a walking tour of the Vancouver Block , Historic Places Days 2024. Credit Sarah Carlson
Summer Storytelling attendee at food table. Photo credit Kamran Safari.
Donald Luxton leading a walking tour of the Vancouver Block , Historic Places Days 2024. Credit Sarah Carlson
Historic Places Days 2024
In 2024 we hosted four events to celebrate Historic Places Days.
July 13:
Walking on Water: Riley Park (26th Avenue and Heather Street), Walking Tour with John Atkin
Behind-The-Scenes: A tour at the Vancouver Block
July 19th:
Places that Matter: Summer Storytelling
July 20th:
The River District: From Carbolineum to Condominium, Walking Tour with Rob Howatson