Cultural tours in Vancouver explore the art and entertainment scene, neighbourhoods and history, and Aboriginal culture. Vancouver was named a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2011 by the Government of Canada.
Guided cultural tours offer comprehensive insight and interpretive discussion. Take a neighbourhood tour to glimpse colourful homes, storefronts and parks; visit movie and television sets on a film tour; or join Aboriginal guides for authentic cultural experiences and activities.
Self-guided cultural tours allow for personalized itineraries and schedules. Stroll along beaches with mountain views to admire public art sculptures, visit artists’ studios for a behind-the-scenes look on a culture crawl, or imagine Vancouver more than one hundred years ago on a heritage walk.
Guided Art Tours
Gain insight into art at the Vancouver Art Gallery on a guided gallery tour or special exhibition tour. The Museum of Vancouver also has a rotating calendar of current exhibition tours.
Self-Guided Art Tours
On Vancouver's popular Eastside Culture Crawl (November), delve into the studios of more than 400 East Vancouver artists, from painters and weavers to potters and photographers. In October, investigate Mount Pleasant during The Drift, with more than 40 open artists’ studios and special events on Main Street.
The city is dotted with permanent public art and temporary sculptures and installations. Pose with giant sparrows perched near Science World in the former Olympic athletes' village, learn the story of the East Van Cross or bring a camera to English Bay to snap shots of Vancouver Biennale installations. Maps and information are available on the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Biennale websites.
Entertainment and Film Tours
Go behind the scenes of favourite movies and television shows on a guided film tour. Visit sets, filming locations, studios... and maybe even spot a star or two.
Interested in self-guided film tours? The BC Film Commission is a good resource for locations and projects currently in production in the Vancouver area.
Guided Heritage Tours
The Vancouver Heritage Foundation offers an ever-changing roster of guided walking tours – meander cobblestone streets in Gastown to learn the story of Gassy Jack or stand amongst Chinatown’s unique architecture and hear how Chinese citizens helped shape British Columbia. On a City of Vancouver cemetery tour, follow guides through Mountain View Cemetery to learn about its residents, or join the Vancouver Police Museum on a guided tour to uncover the “Sins of the City” walking tour.
Join Forbidden Vancouver's on one of their historical walking tours – ranked Vancouver's #1 tours on TripAdvisor – and uncover the darkest and most scandalous secrets of prohibition-era Gastown and Chinatown. Wander back alleys, listen to stories, and delve into the histories (and mysteries) of the the city's most notorious characters.
Guided Neighbourhood Tours
In summer, take a walking tour with the Architectural Institute of BC to soak in the architecture and culture of neighbourhoods such as the West End, Strathcona, Yaletown and False Creek. For an in-depth look at the Chinatown neighbourhood, take “A Wok Around Chinatown” with Robert Sung to sample Asian foods and peek into specialty shops, or trace the history of Chinatown’s early immigrants with the Chinese Cultural Centre (daily drop-in tours during the summer).
Self-Guided Neighbourhood Tours
Combine history and interpretive information on a self-guided neighbourhood tour. Visit the Vancouver Heritage Foundation website for brochures covering Japantown, the historic markets of Strathcona and even ubiquitous “Vancouver Specials” (a style of house unique to Vancouver). The City of Vancouver website also has maps that expand on topics such as historic mansions in Shaughnessy and the transformation of Yaletown.
Aboriginal Culture Tours
With Takaya Tours (North Vancouver), sail through the waters of Burrard Inlet in a Coast Salish canoe accompanied by singing and drumming, or hike coastal rainforests and learn about plant species and traditional uses.
In summer, Klahowya Village in Stanley Park offers daily cultural tours, legends, live performances and working artisans. Year-round, examine the extensive collection of Aboriginal art, carvings, and artifacts on a free guided gallery tour at the Museum of Anthropology.
Driving Routes
Vancouver is a great place to start a driving route. Take the Sea-to-Sky Highway for incredible views and The Cultural Journey, or hit the road on the Heritage Discovery Circle Route, which showcases British Columbia history and attractions.
Practical Points
- High season for most attractions is usually May to September and tours often run daily. During low season, tours can run infrequently. Most self-guided tours can be done year-round.
- Some tours may require a minimum number of participants or advance booking. It’s best to call ahead to check for schedules and availability.
- Visit local Visitor Centres or museums for walking tour brochures, maps and information on tour operators and help with trip planning.
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