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.
While regularly scheduled tours run only 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 604.305.2716.
For CES participants please note that walking tours earn 1 Non-core LU per hour (Architect AIBC + Architectural Technologist AIBC).
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.
- 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.
Cancellation Policy
You may request to cancel your tour booking for a full refund, up to 48 hours before the date and time of your tour. Cancellation requests after 48 hours and before the tour can be transferred to a future tour. Requests received after the tour has begun are not eligible for a refund or transfer to another day.
Meet your Tour Guides
Johanna Mickelson – Vancouver Guide
Johanna completed her Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Art History, and has a passion for communicating and making content accessible and exciting for everyone. She is looking forward to uncovering hidden gems in Vancouver with tour participants – you’ll see details of the city you’ve never seen before on Johanna’s tours. She has a fascination with roofs, and will share the different styles and design evolution of Vancouver’s architectural history. You’ll be sure to walk away with a new perspective!
Sydney Thorne – Vancouver Guide
With an academic background in Art History, Sydney is excited to bring together on each tour her love of design and her passion for education.
Her favourite building in B.C. is the Wood Innovation and Design Center in Prince George because of the use of natural and charred western cedar. On her tours, you will discover new ways to engage with the city’s history through architecture and design. Plus, you’ll learn fun facts and architectural terms, like googie, which will surely impress your friends!
Don Main – Victoria Guide
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., this is Don’s second 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 604.305.2716.