Vancouver Heritage Foundation Walking Tours

$15 All tours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10am - 12pm except where indicated Join one of our experienced guides for a walk through Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and architecture. John Atkin will lead a series of walks exploring neighbourhoods across the city from Boundary Road to the forest of Pacific Spirit Park, crossing an intriguing variety of geography and architecture. Maurice Guibord will explore diverse historic neighbourhoods and offer a close-up look at architectural styles from Art Deco to post-war. Each tour has limited space so it is recommended to sign up early. Walking Tours with Maurice Guibord: Post-War Architecture: Burrard St. - Friday May 8th and Saturday July 25th After the Second World War, downtown Vancouver inherited a succession of architectural styles, some of which were lauded by the public, while others still evoke strong sentiments to the contrary. The Electra's International Style and the MacMillan Bloedel's Brutalist versions of modernism seem to clash, and the "black towers" of the Downtown core still attract uncertain side glances. The progressive evolution of the Bentall towers might tie them all together, right into the Post-Modern ethic. Let's gauge our impressions of these and more buildings from this period, by trying to appreciate what their architects were aiming for in the context of design for Vancouver. East Hastings - Friday May 22nd and Saturday August 29th During this meander through the Lakewood to Renfrew corridor, you'll see the recent growth of this neighbourhood, where the buzz of new businesses is helping maintain local heritage, including residences. Sunrise: At the Water's Edge - Friday June 12th and Saturday August 15th This neighbourhood perched above Burrard Inlet is a hidden trove of beautiful homes. Come explore the sought-after views, see heritage revitalization by astute buyers, and enjoy the lovely architecture. Just don’t tell anyone! Commercial Drive: Little Italy - Saturday June 27th and Friday July 10th Vancouver's "Little Italy" has changed dramatically over the last decade. As communities move, so do the businesses that represent them. As we wander Commercial Drive we'll talk "Kits-ification", family businesses, coffee culture, and of course, development pressures. Vancouver's Art Deco - Friday October 9th and Saturday October 17th Vancouver has some amazing examples of the ebullient Art Deco movement. We'll revel in the grand dames of this elaborate architectural style, both past and present, but join us to get to know some examples you have walked by but probably never noticed. Wear your Bakelite baubles! Walking Tours with John Atkin: Explore the length of East 25th and King Edward Ave. from the edge of the city at Boundary Road to the forest of Pacific Spirit Park. Along its length the avenue transforms from ordinary street to formal boulevard while crossing an intriguing geography of former bogs, ravines and hills, revealing incredibly diverse neighbourhoods and fascinating residential architecture. Saturday May 2nd - At the Edge of the City (Renfrew-Collingwood) Saturday May 16th - A Stream and a Ravine (Kensington-Cedar Cottage) Saturday May 23rd - Former Farms and the Interurban (Kensington-Cedar Cottage) Sunday June 14th - The Wonky Grid (Kensington-Cedar Cottage) Saturday June 20th - Markets and Market Gardens (Little Mountain) Saturday July 4th - Hobbit and Other Houses (South Cambie) Saturday July 18th - The Edge of Shaughnessy (Shaughnessy) Saturday August 8th - Asthma Flats (Arbutus Ridge) Saturday October 3rd - On the Ridge (Dunbar-Southlands) Saturday October 10th - The City Ends (Dunbar-Southlands near Pacific Spirit Park)