Vancouver Architectural Walking Tours

Starting out as a handful of frontier-style saloons and hotels catering to Hastings Mill workers, the newly incorporated City of Vancouver grew quickly after the “Great Fire of 1886” and the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1887.

Explore how building scale and street layout offer clues to the expansion and relocation of the downtown centre from Gastown to its current location. See how heritage restoration and preservation guidelines and initiatives set up in the 1970s have transformed and renewed this historical part of Vancouver. Learn how Vancouver has preserved the most historic part of our city, making it one of our most popular tourist destinations.

Meet your guide: inside the lobby of The Architecture Centre, 440 Cambie Street

Learn about the history and distinctive architecture of this notable part of the local cityscape. Visit retail, commercial and residential structures built by some of Vancouver’s founding merchants and hear stories of discovery, hardship and diversification. Stroll through market streets, taking in the sights and sounds of a vibrant Chinese community. Let your imagination run wild while you learn about Chinatown’s integral role in the development and transformation of the City of Vancouver.

Meet your guide: inside the lobby of The Architecture Centre, 440 Cambie Street

Discover modern and contemporary architecture while we walk through Vancouver’s business district. See results of the unique challenges of preserving “modern heritage” in the face of continuing redevelopment and urban change. Observe the most important modern and historical landmarks and discuss how density impacts a city without a highway running through it. The tallest buildings in British Columbia are found here.

Meet your guide: inside the lobby of The Architecture Centre, 440 Cambie Street

This famous warehouse district in Vancouver was created in response to the rapid growth and expansion away from Gastown at the turn of the century. Learn how the City of Vancouver transformed this heavy industrial area from a contaminated wasteland into one of the trendiest and most vibrant neighbourhoods in Canada. We show you some of the city’s most iconic buildings as well as major renovation projects and community planning marvels. Public projects including the city’s stadiums, theatres and seawall expansions are discussed as well as how the city densifies while maintaining and protecting its historic buildings.

Meet your guide: inside the lobby of The Architecture Centre, 440 Cambie Street

In less than a century, Vancouver’s first luxury neighbourhood has seen many changes. From estate homes, to boarding houses and back again, this area is now one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Canada. Walk through a diverse mix of historic buildings and explore architectural influences that have shaped this area through the decades. From Queen Annestyle homes, to 70s style post-modern residential high rises, this tour has it all. The West End is truly a Vancouver experience full of great stories and beautiful scenery.

Meet your guide: on the steps of the Manhattan Apartments courtyard at 780 Thurlow Street across from Joe Fortes.

Vancouver’s oldest and most diverse residential area. Strathcona has remained the city’s “hidden gem” for years. Learn how this historical area has survived and flourished over the years. This area shows its charm through unique architectural styles, beautiful homes, corner stores, historic schools, churches, renovation projects and beautiful gardens. Trace the route of the Vancouver Electric Railway and experience community like never before.

Meet your guide: outside main entrance to Strathcona Community Centre at 601 Keefer Street