Vancouver Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour
5

Vancouver Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour

By Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
About
Step into Gastown’s wild history on a haunted walking tour exploring a forgotten plague, Vancouver’s great fire, and a gruesome murder that’s unsolved to this day. Leave the navigation to your guide, who uses storytelling and theater to bring real Vancouver history to life. It’s a unique way to engage with Gastown’s landmarks and top sites.
from
C$37.80
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 14-105, max of 25 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Historic walking tour of Gastown’s dark past
  • Follow the story of the city through one real life tragedy
  • Learn about the days of the Gold Rush
  • Get a unique perspective on Vancouver history

  • Local guide
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meet a storytelling guide in the atmospheric Gastown neighborhood, where you’ll discover the unsolved murder of John Bray, who wandered these very streets for two weeks after being shot three times in the head. Enjoy a colorful mix of theater and history that’s designed for adult audiences, and firmly rooted in real Vancouver history. Visit the city’s oldest hotel, learn the real story behind the Gastown steam clock, and get a glimpse of how the great fire transformed Vancouver. You’ll cover each of Gastown’s main landmarks, then end the walk with a dramatic finale in Maple Tree Square, close to top Gastown attractions.

Start:
  • Monaco Cafe, 356 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B6, Canada
    Meet outside Monaco Cafe at 356 Water St. in Gastown. Close to Waterfront Skytrain and Seabus Station.
End:
  • Maple Tree Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada
    The walking tour ends in Maple Tree Square, Gastown, in the heart of Vancouver's restaurant and bar scene. The start point is just an easy 10 minute walk back, and the guide can provide a map and directions if needed.

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12146P2

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time
  • Our tours are designed for adult audiences and do contain some references to adult themes. Our age recommendation is 14+ but certainly children aged 10+ can attend and enjoy our walking tours if parents are comfortable with their children hearing mature subject matter.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travellers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12146P2

Reserve your spot

Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • 356 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B6, Canada
    Meet outside Monaco Cafe at 356 Water St. in Gastown. Close to Waterfront Skytrain and Seabus Station.
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  • Maple Tree Square, Vancouver, BC, Canada
    The walking tour ends in Maple Tree Square, Gastown, in the heart of Vancouver's restaurant and bar scene. The start point is just an easy 10 minute walk back, and the guide can provide a map and directions if needed.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours
    2,599
    Canada
    Joined in March 2012
  • Shall777
    0 contributions
    If you love waking and history, bonus if you’re queer!
    Glenn is an amazing host and raconteur. He brought me to tears many times with his passion and knowledge. I learned way more than I expected and appreciate that much better those that struggled so that I can walk freely hand in hand with my girlfriend today.
    Written July 21, 2024
  • Lilly1034
    0 contributions
    SUPER great experience
    Yesterday, Saturday 13th July my husband and I were able to go on a Dark Secrets of Stanley Park tour with Cole, our guide. It was EXCELLENT! Even though we have lived in Port Moody for over 40 years and have visited Stanley Park many times, We learned lots of pieces of information, history, cultural etc. that we had not previously known. Cole arrived early, and politely went around people who were waiting near the aquarium statue finding out and checking off people in his group,. The pace of the tour was right for the range of people who attended and throughout the tour Cole was professional polite and used a slight touch of humour. It was obvious he knew a lot of relevant information which he provided in appropriate amounts while at the same time answering questions and taking comments. The time seemed to fly by with Cole. He made sure he was respectful of other park users and carefully guided his group around often making sure that there was shade for people to stand under while listening to his comments. It was a great afternoon for us, and we would highly recommend Cole and this walking tour.
    Written July 18, 2024
  • eligignc
    0 contributions
    An engaging tour for the whole family
    Ashlynn was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide! We loved hearing about the history of Vancouver while sampling local baked goods. I highly recommend this tour.
    Written July 16, 2024
  • 242selinac
    0 contributions
    Be a tourist in your own town
    Glenn is informative and professional. Very friendly and upbeat makes the two hours tour seems so short. I love the treats. They are to die for. I love that the tour only has 6 people. So easy to hear him and makes the tour so personal. He is open to any questions. Very knowledgeable. Good job Glenn. 👏 👍
    Written July 13, 2024
  • H2641PArichardw
    0 contributions
    Hidden History and Sweet Treats Tour was Brilliant
    We had a fabulous experience today with Ashlyn on the Hidden History and Sweet Treats tour. She was knowledgeable, fun, engaging and friendly all through our tour. We learned a lot and I would highly recommend anyone going on the tour .. oh and the sweet treats were good too. Well done and thanks for making our day so great 😀
    Written July 9, 2024
  • HMBearess
    0 contributions
    YOU NEED TO DO THIS TOUR (it is soooo much more than you might think it is)!
    It comes as no surprise that Glenn has a solid 5-star rating for this tour. If I could give him 10 stars ... I would. I have been on many walking tours around this city (I live here) and this has been my absolute favourite. The amount of time and effort that Glenn has put into researching facts and stories for this tour (poring over archives, reading police reports and court transcripts, interviewing key people, collecting historical photographs and newspaper articles etc.) is admirable ... and his passion for 2SLGBTQ+ history shines through in his poignant storytelling and detailed knowledge of this particular part of Vancouver's history. Add to that the fact that Glenn is super friendly and extremely generous with his time ... answering any and all questions along the way as well as making himself available after the tour for any further discussion as well as local restaurant recommendations. Glenn ... thank you so much for today! I learned so much from you and would have happily gone on for another hour or more. You are an absolute gem! :-) Hana
    Written July 9, 2024
  • joannasP8499EI
    0 contributions
    A totally enjoyable experience!
    This tour exceeded my already high expectations! Rob was an engaging storyteller and knew his stuff. Thoughtful and well organized tour. The treats are worth every calorie!
    Written July 7, 2024
  • laylm2023
    0 contributions
    Variety of Fascinating Stories
    Ashlyn was such a great story teller that really drew us in! We loved the whole experience! The range of stories that touched on sad history, shocking history and silly history were all handled with professionalism that made the tour very memorable.
    Written July 5, 2024
  • bobaks97
    0 contributions
    The best walking tour I've ever been on!
    This was the best walking tour I've ever been on. As a newcomer to Vancouver, I wasn't sure what to expect. Rob was such a great storyteller and clearly cared about his craft and storytelling. The histories were unique enough that I came away with lots of perspectives and stories to tell others - it wasn't just generic stuff you can find online. The stories were handled with care and enthusiasm and I was so impressed by how much thought had gone into the presentation, pacing and delivery of the tour. As a bonus, the treats were also delicious and had been carefully selected from local businesses - they also came with a story or two about the treat or business to help you place it in the wider context of Vancouver.
    Written July 4, 2024
  • LindaS1222
    0 contributions
    Amazing Experience!
    Glenn is such a gem and a beautiful storyteller. I highly recommend this experience to folks interested in learning more about the history of the LGBTQ2S+ community in Vancouver. A thoroughly educational and moving experience.
    Written July 2, 2024
  • walidb969
    0 contributions
    Vancouver off the beaten tracks
    As a newcomer in Vancouver, I learned a lot about the city's history and hidden past. This is an awesome tour if you want to look at Vancouver's history from a different angle. Rob was very knowledgeable and an excellent performer!
    Written June 25, 2024
  • Compass63673447773
    0 contributions
    Fantastic Experiential Tour w Friends
    We really enjoyed the information and history shared by Rob, our tour guide. We loved his enthusiasm and passion for sharing. The treats were excellent. We could not believe the history of the buildings we visited. We highly recommend Rob and this tour.
    Written June 24, 2024
  • jorinm
    0 contributions
    Loved Playing Tourist in my Own City
    As a local of Vancouver, I sometimes forget to look up, look around, and look further into the stories of my own city. Doing this tour was an enriching way to experience Vancouver and grow appreciation for the architecture and culture that makes up the city. It made me want to do similar tours in other destinations when I travel. Not only do you learn lots on the tour, but it's a great experience for meandering the city and stepping into locations you may otherwise have never gone. I'd highly recommend experiencing for locals or visitors.
    Written June 24, 2024
  • FunwithToddler
    0 contributions
    Compelling LGBTQ2S+ Narratives
    Great storytelling. I learned a lot despite living in the city for the past 30 years. Loved the stories about different aspects of queer experience, e.g. women, trans, gay men, the AIDS crisis, etc.
    Written June 20, 2024
  • 413luciew
    0 contributions
    Fun, deeply-moving and surprising historical tour… do not miss this!
    Glenn combines knowledge, passion and deep respect for his community in this incredible tour. As a local west-ender, I have walked away from this experience with a greater understanding and appreciation for the individuals who have fought to make it the vibrant, beautiful place it is. As an old tour guide myself, I would say Glenn’s storytelling telling abilities are really as good as they come. He uses warmth, humour and connection to make this one of the best tours I’ve ever been on! Do not miss this!!
    Written June 16, 2024
See all 2,599 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
656 reviews
Excellent
584
Very good
43
Average
17
Poor
7
Terrible
5

Connector19616197496
3 contributions
Emm Hanly our guide was just fantastic. Entertaining, informative and brought to life the stories and history of GASTOWN. This was the highlight of our Vancouver stay. Thanks for providing such an excellent tour.
Written July 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Wow! Thank you so much for such a superlative review! I'm over-the-moon to hear you had a fantastic time on the Lost Souls of Gastown tour with Emm, they really are the best! Thrilled this was a highlight of your time in Vancouver! We couldn't ask for more than that :) Hope you'll join us again next time you're in town!
Written July 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christurton
Wollongong, Australia7 contributions
Well presented and interesting stories and excellent story telling. Engaged well with everyone and left thoughtful insights into the human history of Gastown
Written July 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. So glad to hear you had a great time on the Lost Souls of Gastown, adventuring through Gastown history. I'm happy you walked away with some exciting and interesting insights :) Thrilled we could give you a five-star experience and hope to see you again soon!
Written July 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Natalie R
6 contributions
We had a great time going on this super informative tour! The guide was very knowledgeable about all of Vancouver and answered all of our questions. Highly recommend!
Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Natalie, Thanks so much for leaving a five-star review! We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience on the Lost Souls of Gastown Tour, and that you were able to learn some Vancouver history with a knowledgeable guide. Hopefully we'll see you again soon on another tour :)
Written July 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

bulekowski
Friendswood, TX57 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Emmett was wonderful at drawing the group into the past and history of Vancouver. Many of our group commented on how great an actor he is. The tour is great for families with teanager+. Great and memorable tour of the highlights of Gastown! Highly recommend.
Written June 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! I'm so glad you had a memorable time on the Lost Souls of Gastown journeying through the city's past! Thrilled it was a five-star experience for you and hope you'll join us again soon!
Written July 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maureen
California2 contributions
I recently took a walking tour of Gastown in Vancouver and had an absolutely fantastic experience! If you're looking to dive into the rich history of this vibrant neighborhood, I highly recommend signing up for this tour.

Our guide, Cole Breckell, was outstanding. His extensive knowledge of Gastown's history was impressive, but what truly made the tour special was his sense of humor. Cole's witty anecdotes and playful interactions kept us entertained throughout the entire tour. He has a knack for making history come alive in a way that's both educational and incredibly fun. The photos he shared really helped visualize what this place looked like during the 1800s.

We explored iconic landmarks, learned about Gastown's fascinating origins, and discovered hidden gems that I would have missed on my own. Cole's engaging storytelling and enthusiastic delivery made every stop along the tour memorable.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, this tour offers a unique and enjoyable way to experience Gastown. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn and laugh with Cole as your guide. It was the highlight of my business trip to Vancouver, and I'm sure you'll love it too!
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Z111412, Wow, thanks so much for your glowing five star review! We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Cole and we'll look forward to hosting you on tour with us again the next time you're back in town :)
Written June 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

J C
Salinas, CA39 contributions
Wonderfully told story with a character from historic Gastown as our guide. Great details with a marvelous reveal at the end. Rachel, our guide, acted out the part of Sarah Briarson with emotion and kept 20 of us engaged for 90 minutes.
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi JC, We couldn't agree more - Rachel is pretty awesome :) She'll be delighted to hear how much you enjoyed yourtour with her. Thanks so much for the lovey five star review!
Written June 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Polly0328
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
My husband and I enjoyed the theatrical retelling of the history of Gastown. The historic stories of the town are very interesting! Good tour
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Meand, Thanks so much for joining us and for taking the time to leave us a five star review, we appreciate it :)
Written June 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rob R
Allen, TX605 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Cole did a great job in his portrayal of George taking us through the great fire. If you listen and answer correctly you might even get a gold candy nugget ;)
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Heyrobi, We think Cole is pretty great too - we're delighted to hear that your Lost Souls fo Gastown tour with him was a five star experience. Thanks so much :)
Written June 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kathleen R
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
The gal was very informative about the history of the city and the characters she spoke of. The walk was a bit too long and I was thinking it was going to be more of a ghost tour - current hauntings experiences in some of the old buildings.
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kathleen and thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I'm glad you found your guide informative as she recounted tales of early Vancouver History. Our tours are all a moderate walk but we appreciate your feedback! The Lost Souls of Gastown is not a conventional ghost tour nor do we claim it to be such, but rather a gothic theatrical adventure through historic Gastown - but I appreciate that this isn't always everyone's cup of tea! I thank you for joining us and hope you'll join us on another one of our more conventional walking tours soon.
Written June 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sonja K
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Couples
I want to start by saying our guide was enigmatic and performance wise very good. She was captivating and animated about the stories she told, however they didn't really cover anything to do with ghost at all. None. Almost no reference to certain buildings or areas that were reportedly haunted. I have done these tours in a few cities now and there is also a history lesson that usually goes with why the ghost is haunting there etc. She gave no details regarding the events of the city except to make up stories to try and tell the historic event(s), which was more about the fictional characters and their personalities than events. She talked about the Gold Rush and Dawson City, but the reference to Vancouver was it was the port everyone stopped at before heading up north. In the end none of the people she referenced were actual people but she didn't tell you until the tour was over.
Very disappointed overall, except to say she would make a fantastic actress.
For future tours, perhaps research of the area and incorporating actual historic events of Vancouver (Not Yukon). The building of the railraod (this was glazed over with a lot of fiction thrown in), the immigration of migrant workers, what the indigenous of the area believed. Actual hauntings of the area would be nice, I think there may have been one reference to a lady burnt in a fire....again I think it may have been completely fictional person.
Written June 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sonja, this is Will Woods here. I'm the company owner and the creator of the Lost Souls of Gastown Tour. You are correct this is certainly not a ghost tour! And there are indeed fictional elements woven into the story, to create a narrative arc to the events that shaped our city's earliest years. As you say, we do mention the Klondike Goldrush, which had a huge impact on Vancouver, and the Great Fire, as well as the arrival of smallpox, and the strange death of John Bray in 1898. I researched all these events myself at the City Archives, and every story told is based on documented accounts and history. Overall, we get amazing feedback from our guests about this piece, which is more a roving one person play than a walking tour. But we appreciate it's not for everyone! Some people don't want the drama and suspense of this experience, and would prefer a more conventional walking tour, and that's OK! Thanks for taking the time to post a review and I'd love to host you on another of our walking tours -- I suspect they'd be more your thing! All the best Will
Written June 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Vancouver Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour provided by Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours

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