Explore the past and present of Vancouver and Victoria with AIBC’s top-rated guided walks.
Through its walking tour program, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) offers stunning architectural perspectives of three Victoria and six Vancouver neighborhoods. For locals and tourists alike these fun tours are a unique and engaging way to learn more about the architecture and history of the two cities.
Regularly scheduled tours run in the summer months. The AIBC considers requests to accommodate group tours at other times throughout the year, depending on tour guide availability. Please email your request to tours@aibc.ca or call 604.683.8588.
For CES participants please note that walking tours earn 1 Non-core LU per hour (Architect AIBC + Architectural Technologist AIBC).
Vancouver and Victoria tours are now open for booking!
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Know before you go.
- Cost: $10/person. To guarantee your spot and to pay by credit card, book your tour online. Space permitting, cash-paying walk-ins are also accepted on the day of the tour. Tours are limited to 20 people.
- Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. per the schedule for each city.
- Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before the departure time.
- Tour starting points vary. Find out where to meet your guide in the tour descriptions for Vancouver and Victoria.
- Tours are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long and include walking distances of up to 3 km (2 mi).
- Tours are wheelchair accessible.
- Tours are suitable for children who are able to walk the distance. A parent or guardian must accompany children.
- Washrooms are available for tour participants at the tour meeting points.
- Tours operate rain or shine. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Meet your Tour Guides
Gabe Baron – Program Coordinator and Vancouver Guide
Gabe is an Urban Studies and International Relations student at the University of British Columbia. For six years, he has been involved with leading and coordinating a variety of tours throughout the city.
Gabe is a true globe trotter – he has lived in New York, St. Petersburg, Seoul and Vancouver, to name a few! With each city having their own distinct architectural characteristics, Gabe has a deep appreciation for architecture and the built environment. He is excited to share his knowledge with participants and help them discover a side of Vancouver they’ve never seen.
Thomas Janvier – Vancouver Guide
Thomas grew up in Neuilly-sur-Marne, France, and is currently an Urban Studies and Sociology student at University of British Columbia. He has always been fascinated by the ways in which the built environment shape us as much as we shape it, and how both of these processes feed into one another.
Thomas is looking forward to showing his tour participants how every building has a story and meaning, and to provide a new perspective of the structures that frame our everyday life in the city. He’s also excited to share fun architectural terms, like caryatid!
Don Main – Victoria Guide
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., this is Don’s first summer with the AIBC’s Architectural Walking Tour Program. Don started his career in the industry as an architectural technologist in Calgary before returning to the West Coast and working in residential design. Don’s years in Communications for the BC Public Service and his extensive local knowledge will provide for an engaging and detailed look at our capital city, and its unique architecture and history.
AIBC Corporate Social Responsibility Program
As part of the AIBC’s commitment to institutional excellence, we have a corporate social responsibility program available to community and non-profit groups who wish to take an architectural walking tour. Please contact tours@aibc.ca to request more information on eligibility.
AIBC Contact
For more information or to inquire about private tour bookings, please email tours@aibc.ca or phone 604.683.8588 ext.329.