Vancouver Coal Harbour and Historic Gastown Walking Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Our tour starts at Canada Place, one of Vancouver's most iconic buildings. We'll take a secret tunnel to the Convention Centre for the city's best Coal Harbour views including the Port of Vancouver, North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park, Lion's Gate Bridge, and the Big Yellow Sulphur Pile.
Another hidden route reveals the Convention Centre's grass roof and Olympic Cauldron. En route to Gastown, we'll see the Marine Building and Waterfront Station.
In Gastown, we'll explore Water Street, Vancouver's oldest street, learning about its decline and 1970s rejuvenation. We'll time our visit to see the Steam Clock's maximum performance at noon.
At Maple Tree Square, we'll visit where Gassy Jack opened his first bar, sparking the town that became Vancouver, and discuss why his statue was removed.
See some of Vancouver's oldest buildings and fascinating architecture in Blood Alley
We'll finish at Woodward's Building and Victory Square, centrally located near transit with many dining options.
Available options
Vancouver Coal Harbour and Historic Gastown Walking Tour
What's included
View of Vancouver landmarks
Knowledgeable and Friendly Local Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Our tour starts at one of the most unique buildings in the city, Canada Place.
2
Stop 2
We’ll take a secret tunnel to take us to another very important building, the Convention Centre. The views of Coal Harbour from the Convention Centre are the best in the city. We’ll see some stunning landmarks, including The Port of Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park, Deadman’s Island, the Lion’s Gate Bridge, The Lions Mountains, and most importantly, the Big Yellow Sulphur Pile.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Views of the greatest park in the world
4
Views of this unique and stunning urban water setting
5
See the torches we created for our 2010 Olympics
6
Stop 6
Pass by
See one of the world's foremost examples of Art Deco architecture.
7
Learn about the early history of Vancouver and how the completion of the railroad changed Canada and the world.
8
Stop 8
In Gastown, we’ll head down Water Street, Vancouver’s oldest and most interesting street. We’ll learn about the decline of Water St in the early 20th century and the historic rejuvenation of Gastown in the 1970s.
9
See the centerpiece of the Gastown rejuvenation, the Gastown Steam Clock. The tour is planned to be around the Steam Clock at noon. This gets the maximum steam performance from this unique landmark.
10
We’ll walk along Water St to Maple Tree Square, the most important intersection in early Vancouver history. We’ll see the spot where Gassy Jack started his first bar and kicked off the whole idea of a town called Vancouver. We’ll also learn why protesters tore down the Gassy Jack statue.
11
Maple Tree Square is also home to Blood Alley, home of some of the oldest buildings still standing in Vancouver. We’ll check out the cool architecture and learn about the early history of Vancouver.
12
Visit the epicentre of the current gentrification attempts in Gastown, and learn about why they haven't taken off the way people thought they would.
13
Victory Square is an very important location in Vancouver's history. It was the starting point of the great fire that burned down the whole town, as well as the starting point when they built it all over again. It was also the first terminus of the railroad and the location of our first courthouse.
What's not included
Meals
Snacks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Vancouver
Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and outdoor activities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and wilderness adventures.
Top Attractions
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 400-hectare public park that boasts stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and the city skyline. It is one of the largest urban parks in North America and offers a variety of recreational activities.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (Vancouver Aquarium has an admission fee)
Granville Island
Granville Island is a bustling hub of activity, known for its public market, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants. It is a great place to sample local food, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy live performances.
Market/Entertainment
Half day
Free to explore, costs vary for food and shopping
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a thrilling experience with its suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and cliffwalk. It provides a unique perspective of the lush rainforest and offers educational programs about the local ecosystem.
Adventure/Nature
2-3 hours
Moderate (around $55 CAD for adults)
Gastown
Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, known for its Victorian-era architecture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It is a great place to explore the city's history, shop for unique items, and enjoy a variety of dining options.
Historical/Shopping
Half day
Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining
MuseuM of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a world-renowned museum that showcases the art and culture of the First Nations peoples. It features an impressive collection of totem poles, carvings, and artifacts.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate (around $18 CAD for adults)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sushi
Vancouver is renowned for its high-quality sushi, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a large Japanese community. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are used to create delicious sushi rolls and sashimi.
Dinner
Contains fish, seafood, and sometimes raw ingredients
Poutine
A Canadian classic, poutine consists of crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Vancouver.
Snack
Contains dairy and often meat-based gravy
Japadog
A Vancouver street food staple, Japadog is a hot dog with Japanese-inspired toppings such as teriyaki sauce, seaweed, and bonito flakes. It's a unique and delicious snack to try while exploring the city.
Snack
Contains meat and sometimes seafood
Bubble Tea
Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea is a popular beverage in Vancouver. It consists of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, served either hot or cold. There are many flavors and variations to choose from.
Drink
Varies by flavor, often contains dairy and sugar
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Snowboarding
Rock climbing
Kayaking
Spa
Beach
Picnic
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's beaches and parks. It's also the peak tourist season with the most crowds.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Punjabi, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
PST (GMT-8) / PDT (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vancouver is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Vancouver International Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Pacific Central Station
By bus
Pacific Central Station, Greyhound Bus Depot
Getting around
Public transport
The SkyTrain is a fast, efficient, and affordable way to get around Vancouver. It consists of three lines: the Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
West End
Kitsilano
Gastown
Mount Pleasant
Day trips
Whistler
120 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight
Whistler is a world-renowned mountain resort known for its skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor activities. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering stunning mountain views and a variety of recreational opportunities.
Victoria
100 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, known for its historic architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Steveston Village
25 km from Vancouver • Half day to full day
Steveston Village is a historic fishing village located in Richmond, known for its waterfront views, fresh seafood, and charming shops. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a taste of coastal life and local flavors.
Festivals
Vancouver International Film Festival • Late September to mid-October
Celebration of Light • July to August
Vancouver Folk Music Festival • Mid-July
Pro tips
- Use the SkyTrain and other public transportation options to get around the city efficiently and affordably
- Visit Granville Island Public Market for a taste of local flavors and unique gifts
- Explore Stanley Park by bike or on foot to enjoy the stunning views and natural beauty
- Try local specialties, such as sushi, poutine, and Japadog, for an authentic Vancouver experience
- Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons and events
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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