Looking for a way to explore the city and enjoy the crisp fall weather? Join historian John Atkin for evening walks around downtown Vancouver on select Wednesday evenings this September and October.

September 25 | The West End and the Lightheart Legacy

SOLD OUT! The Lightheart family constructed some of the earliest and finest apartment buildings in the West End. This evening walk with John Atkin will trace the Lightheart legacy through their buildings that remain in the neighbourhood.

October 2 | It All Started in 1974: Early Heritage Designations in Downtown Vancouver

SOLD OUT! Some of the city's most notable landmarks, including the Post Office at Hastings and Granville and and the iconic Sun Tower, were part of the first 22 buildings designed by City Council in 1974. On this evening walk, John Atkin will explore those original Heritage designations that still remain in downtown Vancouver.

October 9 | Coal Harbour: As It Once Was

SOLD OUT! Now home to condo towers with sweeping views of Burrard Inlet and a bustling seawall that brings together locals and tourists alike, Coal Harbour was once bustling industrial hub for the growing city. Join John Atkin on an evening stroll to discover the area's connections to Vancouver's shipping history and how development has changed Coal Harbour since the 1800s.

Details:

• Walking tours will take place rain or shine on select Wednesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm in September and October. Each tour will be two (2) +/- hours long and may take a one-way or circular route and the selected routes go through well-lit areas.
• There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour and need 10 registrants to run. Registration is required in advance for all walking tours and ID must match the ticket. Unregistered people will not be permitted to join on the tour date. Do not seek out the group on the tour day in hopes of joining as this will disrupt the tour; if you are not able to attend your tour, due to liability reasons an unregistered replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
• Tours take place in public spaces through Vancouver, BC. Participants will encounter a variety of terrain including uncontrolled road crossings, gravel, stairs, slopes, etc. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
• For the comfort and safety of all participants, service animals are the only pets allowed on walking tours.
• While tours are geared towards an adult audience, children are welcome to attend. Infants and toddlers in a carrier or stroller do not require a ticket. Children 6 years and older must be able to walk the entire duration of the tour and require their own ticket. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
• Washrooms will not be available on the tour.
• Further details, including start and finish points, will be provided to registered participants.
• Tickets will be available for purchase until 5pm the day before each tour or until sold out.
• Please email mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org to join waitlists for specific tour dates. Enter your email address through the 'Join waiting list' button on this page to be added to the general list for all tours.

*Please email mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org to be added to the waiting list for specific tours*

John Atkin is a civic historian, author and heritage consultant. He offers an interesting and offbeat insight into the city’s architecture, history and neighbourhoods through a series of unique and popular walking tours. These combine his interests in urban planning and development, a love of architecture and a fascination for the curious.

PLEASE NOTE: For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For additional information on VHF's policies, please visit our Policies page prior to registering.

If you would like to make a donation in addition to your registration, the amount will be tax deductible and you will receive an official tax receipt for donations of $20 or more. Our Registered Charity number is 891765968.