Explore Vancouver’s rich history through a variety of mediums. VHF has compiled a list of resources that can be used as a starting point for learning more about the historical context of our city’s heritage buildings and sites. Read about the multicultural history of early residents, learn traditional place names for familiar sites, browse the archives for historical photos, or tour the city’s past by foot or mouse click. You can also explore VHF’s own online resources including Heritage Organizations and Heritage Study Guide for Schools web pages.
Resources for Researching Vancouver’s History
- VPL Local History Resources
- City of Vancouver Archives – historical photos & records
- BC History Internet/Web Site – database of historical resources
Historical Chronologies & Narratives
- A Chronology of Vancouver by the Vancouver Planning Department
- Musqueam Nation: Our Story & Musqueam Place Names Map
- Squamish Nation
- Story of Vancouver by the Vancouver Historical Society
- Tsleil Waututh Nation: Our Story
Historical Blogs
- Building Vancouver
- Changing Vancouver
- Every Place Has a Story by E. Lazarus
- Past Tense Vancouver by L. Russwurm
- Vanalogue by C. Hagemoen
- Vancouver Is Awesome
- When an Old House Whispers by J. Johnstone
MORE RESOURCES can be found at the Vancouver Public Library. You can search for books through the VPL catalogue or use their handy Subject Guides which suggest books based on the subject you are interested in. VHF also offers a selection of books and resources about Vancouver’s history. Check out VHF’s Reading Room.
Historical Photos & Videos
Maps, Apps and Other Self-Guided Resources
- Black Strathcona
- East End Stories – Strathcona
- Explore This Vancouver
- Heritage BC Cultural Maps
- Mount Pleasant Self-Guided Walking Tour
- A Historical Tour of Mount Pleasant
- Nikkei Stories – Powell Street
- On This Spot App
- Portrait Sonore: Vancouver’s Modern Heritage
- South Asian Stories – Kitsilano and Punjabi Market
- VanMap (1912 Goad’s Fire Insurance Map layer)
- VHF Map Guides
Tours & Museums
Guided Tours
- VHF House Tours
- VHF Walking Tours
- History Walks in Vancouver with James Johnstone
- Walking Tours of Vancouver with John Atkin
- Forbidden Vancouver – historic tours through Gastown
- Stanley Park History Group Walking Tours
- Vancouver Police Museum Walking Tours
Museums
- Chinatown Storytelling Centre
- Chinese Canadian Military Museum/ Chinese Cultural Centre
- Chinese Canadian Museum of BC
- Jewish Museum & Archives BC
- Marpole Museum & Historical Society
- Museum of Anthropology at UBC
- Museum of Vancouver
- Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre
- Old Hastings Mill Store Museum
- Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration
- Roedde House Museum
- Vancouver Maritime Museum
- Vancouver Police Museum
For more heritage experiences and a list of museums, visit BC Road Trip Time Machine or Hello BC.
Researching Heritage Buildings
Interested in researching the history of a specific heritage building? See our guide to Researching Heritage Buildings. VHF also offers regular workshops and talks about researching heritage buildings.
Heritage Links
For more on heritage organizations in Vancouver and heritage conservation, visit our Heritage Organization Links page.