Tours & experiences

Walk Like a Local thru Vancouver

About this experience

Explore the main parts of downtown Vancouver like a local, with a tour, tips and unique facts from a local! On our tour, we will walk amongst the famous landmarks and historic areas of Vancouver, explore world-class architecture, and at the same time discover a whole new angle from a local's perspective.

Walk in to the Vancouver's Waterfront, the Olympic Cauldron, the main parts of downtown such as Granville, Robson, and Burrard Streets. Discover some interesting history tidbits and architecture along the way, discover places to dine like a local, stroll through some neighborhoods like a local, where to sip your favorite coffees like a local or where to simply chow down and pair some good old local wine or craft beers that will excite your senses! Vancouver and area is dotted with amazing culinary experiences so bring your appetite!

Bring your cameras, your questions, and your curiosities!

At a glance

  • Duration: 3 hr–4 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Walk Like a Local thru Vancouver

Plan your experience

Time on the tour3 hr–4 hr
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Set aside 3 hr–4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Local guide

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Cruise ship terminal pick up and drop-off

Itinerary and highlights

The walking tour begins inside historic Waterfront Station, where many generations have passed through its doors since the early years of Vancouver. Your guide will greet you to begin in a setting befitting of an adventure!

After stopping by the historic Sinclair Centre, site of Vancouver's first commercial buildings, we arrive at Canada Place to discover the multiple connections into Vancouver's - and Canada's - history: the Pacific, culture, food, and the railroads.

We pass by the work of a Berlin-based artist who fell in love with Vancouver's rain, and the sculpture that became his "love letter" to Vancouver. "An homage to the power of nature" and represents "the relationship and outlook towards the water that surrounds us"

Upon entering the Olympic Cauldron, learn about the waterfront in greater detail, and how the 2010 Winter Olympics became catalyst to a permanent plaza, Cauldron, and many current events. Hear about a few surprising insider facts only your guide will know...

We weave by the Marine Building, Vancouver's first skyscraper in the Art-Deco style that once rivalled the Chrysler Building in New York. Learn why it is still today's most lavish and cherished heritage building.

West Hastings Street was once home to a thriving gentlemen's club scene and early entertainment scene for those who came to dress up and play. We stop by and learn how this Club helped shape Vancouverites tastes for socializing and entertaining - and still is to some degree a fancy place to have fun for all.

We do a quick stop at Caffe Artigiano, a local success story, of a second-generation coffee chain started by a local Italian-Canadian family for a coffee break.

Note: location may change without notice to Breka Bakery and Cafe two doors down.

We pass-by Sinclair Centre on West Hastings Street, where the guide shares a funny but quirky, personal story that happened inside the building. Learn about why Sinclair Centre is tied to Vancouver's early history, and a current Prime Minister of Canada.

We make way in to Granville Street, hear how it became Vancouver's premier entertainment district, fuelled by early interest in vaudeville and neon...

After hearing about Vancouver in its entertainment heydays, we emerge in Gastown, site of the founding of Vancouver and now home to many innovative bars, restaurants, local shops that can't be found elsewhere. We will find out how Gastown got its name - and find out why a business deal solidified it as the core settlement of Vancouver.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Meet inside Waterfront Station next to the newsstand by the windows.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Walk Like a Local thru Vancouver

Accessibility and practical details

  • 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
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Walking between locations does take some time and accounts varyingly from a few minutes to 10 minutes to get to each destination.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 3 hr–4 hr.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 8–13; Youth tickets: age 14–17; Adult tickets: age 18+; Senior tickets: age 60+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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