Vancouver · GASTOWN WALKING TOURS
The oldest part of the city is six blocks of brick warehouses, a steam clock and a great deal of history nobody puts on a postcard. The 11 below run from food walks to the darker after-dark routes, priced by length, with a note on which involve a hill.
Walk about five to eight easy city blocks through Gastown with an English-speaking guide such as Sean, Rachel, Andrea, or Connor. Stop for roughly six to seven food tastings and three to four drinks, including karaage, pasta, poutine, waffles, beer, and wine. Come hungry, wear good shoes, and expect stairs.
“Delicious food and drink! Our tour guide Connor, was enthusiastic and shared so much of Vancouver’s history.”
Follow a costumed storyteller through Gastown’s alleys, cobblestones, and landmarks as real events become a gothic theater piece. Expect tales of the 1886 fire, smallpox, the Klondike, Madam Birdie Stewart, and an unsolved murder. Guides include Vanessa, Chris, Zoe, Joelle, and Colin.
“We learned some about the gastown. The stores where interesting. Our guide was very nice. Would recommend.”
Walk from Water Street through downtown and Gastown with guides such as Glenn, Rob, Lenard, and Rachel. Hear sharp stories about Prohibition, mobsters, corrupt politicians, showgirls, racism, and Vancouver’s railway boom, ending near Main and Alexander streets with a skyline view.
“Our tour guide Will was friendly and enthusiastic. We learned some interesting things about the history of Gastown. We would recommend it.”
Meet your costumed guide outside Monaco Cafe and follow a lamplight through Gastown’s cobbled lanes. Actors such as Stuart, Vanessa, Sarah, and Joelle have brought this one-person play to life with stories of the Great Fire, smallpox, murder, and the Woman in the Well.
“Very interesting history of Gas town. It was done with aplomb with most of it from archives and some imagination. We had a wonderful time as a family of three.”
Spend three hours tasting your way through Gastown with guides such as Bronson, Conor, Nolan, or Tracy. Expect a progressive dinner at three restaurants, three drink pairings, stories at the Steam Clock and Blood Alley, and a printed guide for later meals.
“We had a great time. The tour was interesting and informative The food and drink were great Our guide, Tracey was awesome.”
Start at Waterfront Station and walk into Gastown with a guide such as Arsham, Ali, Landon, or Nicole. Expect five substantial tastings, a cocktail for guests 19 and older, Vancouver history, and stops at Miku, Meat & Bread, Lee’s Donuts, Pourhouse, and Gringo.
“Landon took us to several local restaurants. The walk itself is not far, all within a couple city blocks. Our original guide had to cancel at the last moment and Landon, fortunately, was able to jump in.”
Start at Portside Pub at 8pm, then follow your guide to Funky Winker Beans, Lamplighter Public House, and The Pint. Buy a first drink at each bar to receive a free shot. Expect karaoke, DJs, group games, and a social mix of solo visitors and friends.
“The first 3 bars were great. The pint was not my vibe but the night was great regardless. The bingo was for sure a great icebreaker and they had about 40 people so was a pretty big group. The hosts were both awesome”
See Vancouver by bike on a three-hour ride through Gastown, Chinatown, Strathcona, Yaletown, Olympic Village, and Granville Island. Guide Jeremy Catherall is known for warm storytelling and local insight. Bikes, helmets, water, and a possible Aquabus crossing are included.
“We had a really good time. I wish we would of done it sooner on are vacation. It was a great way to see the city and parks. I would recommend everyone trying it.”
You’ll meet a detective near Waterfront Station, then work with a partner or small group to solve a murder while exploring Gastown. Expect 90 minutes to two hours of clues, walking, local landmarks, and time pressure. English instructions, mobile ticket, and outdoor play in all weather.
“Great way to see Gastown. Good for small groups visiting Vancouver for the first time or people wanting to get outside and play tourist in their own city”
Meet a costumed detective near Waterfront Station, form a team, and follow a 2 to 2.5 km route through Gastown. Your kit includes maps, evidence, clues, tools, and artifacts. The private game suits groups of 6 to 15, with larger bookings available.
“The game was exactly as advertised and was a mix of clues that were fairly easy to solve and some that were very tricky. Thanks for a fun couple of hours running around Gastown.”
Meet leopard-print-shirt guides at Portside Pub at 8 PM, then visit four Gastown bars from 8:45 PM into the night. Your $21 ticket includes venue cover, line skipping, shot perks, and an optional bingo game with boozy prizes. Expect a social, young-leaning party rather than a historic pub tour.
“we booked the tour thinking we might see some older pubs with a bit of history but we soon realised that wouldn't be the case. We were the oldest of the group, it was aimed at a much younger audience, however, we stuck it out and ended up having a fun night and made lots of new friends.”
Pick a shoreline, a mountain or a table.
