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Offered languages
- English
- English
Explore Gastown’s historic cobblestone streets on this two-hour walking tour that reveals Vancouver’s complex identity as a Pacific port city.
Starting at Waterfront Station, you’ll see preserved architecture, confront issues like gentrification and houselessness, and visit key sites including Maple Tree Square, the Gastown Steam Clock, former Japantown, and the Astoria Hotel.
Key highlights include:
• Architecture saved by 1960s activists fighting urban renewal
• Contrast between upscale eateries like Ask for Luigi and vulnerable residents
• History of the Asahi baseball team and Japanese-Canadian internment
• Vancouver’s only legal tent city at CRAB Park at Portside
• Blood Alley’s transformation into a community space
• Strathcona’s evolution into a green neighborhood
• Vancouverism’s unique mixed-use urban planning approach
The tour offers a deep dive into the city’s history, activism, and ongoing development.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour begins outside Waterfront Station, Vancouver's central train and seabus port - 601 W Cordova St, Vancouver. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
The tour ends at Spray Park, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Y6, Canada
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Start the tour at Waterfron Station, and admire its grand 1914 architecture, explore nearby attractions like Canada Place and Gastown, and enjoy views of the harbor. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Catch a glimpse at the Angel of Victory statue, a dramatic bronze angel lifting a fallen soldier, honoring Canadian Pacific Railway employees lost in WWI.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by and watch one of the world’s few working steam clocks release puffs of steam and chime every 15 minutes, a popular photo spot and a charming symbol of Vancouver’s old-town character.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll through the historic heart of Vancouver, where the city was founded, marked by a statue of “Gassy Jack” and surrounded by heritage buildings, cafés, and shops, it’s a great spot to explore Gastown’s roots and soak in its vibrant, historic atmosphere. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk by and learn about its extensive craft beer selection and locally sourced menu. Set in a historic brick building near the railyards, a favorite spot for tasting BC brews and experiencing Vancouver’s laid-back food scene. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by and hear about this peaceful waterfront escape with stunning views of the mountains, harbor, and downtown skyline. Featuring a beach, walking paths, and a memorial for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk by this popular and cozy, Italian-inspired dining in a charming, casual setting. Known for fresh, handmade pasta and warm hospitality, this small eatery near the rail tracks offers a local favorite experience. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Take a leisurely stroll through one of Vancouver’s oldest community parks, rich in local history and activism, hosting cultural events and sports, serving as a gathering place, reflecting the area's social challenges and strong sense of community.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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