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Art and culture activities in Vancouver

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

Discover unique experiences hosted by inspiring locals.

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5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Walk the city's Black history with a local expert

Trace Black histories in British Columbia from the 1850s to the 1970s through historic sites and Vancouver's first Black neighbourhood, Hogan’s Alley. Meet at 209 Union Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 0J4 Begin with stories of Black migration and community origins. Learn the locale Probe former sites of churches, cafes, and meeting spaces. Reflect on erasure Remember how the viaduct displaced Hogan’s Alley residents. Stop at Benny Foods LTD. Benny Foods is an Italian grocery store that has been family owned and operated since 1919. All tickets receive a $5.00 spending voucher to the store. Look to the future End with an optimistic vision of restoration and activism.

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Explore Chinatown nightlife with a headline DJ

Soak in the local DJ hotspots and enjoy VIP access to Fortune Sound Club. Meet at DD Mau Meet the group and get a feel for the DJ's sound. Sip a shooter Order drinks and get tailored nightlife recommendations. Stroll to a club Walk down the block armed with tips on the city’s nightlife. Bypass the lines End our jaunt with free VIP entry at the Fortune Sound Club. Sip rum shooters Learn about the city's nightlife districts over a drink. Stroll in Chinatown Discover where locals go in historic, bustling Chinatown. Stop at a venue Visit Pizza Coming Soon and enjoy the vibes of the local DJ.

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Experience Commercial Drive Like a Local

Stroll East Vancouver’s most eclectic street, experience the culture, clothing, and tastes the neighborhood has to offer. Kick things off Meet up and discuss the focus of the tour. Walk and discover Stroll the Drive, take photos, shop, eat and learn about what makes east van so special. Grab a bite Stop for coffee or lunch from a neighborhood favorite. Tailor the route Plan the day based on your personal interests. Wrap with a portrait Take final photos and reflect on your walk together.

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Shopping tour of The Drive with queer icon Brandy Mars

Take a personalized tour of iconic LGBTQIA+ landmark businesses along Vancouver’s Commercial Drive with me, an artist and owner of the gayest lil’ gift shop in all the land. The Drive is a multicultural and bohemian street that hosts the annual Dyke March. • I’ll kick off by distributing the highly coveted and detailed Vancouver Gay Map before introducing you to the owners of Womyns’ Ware, a women-owned sex-positive shop. • Take a snack break at Elbo Jamaican Patties—which works with Black and queer communities in Vancouver—before migrating to the floral shop Studio Full Bloom. • Browse the deep selection at Mintage Commercial Drive, Vancouver’s largest vintage clothing store, and then JQ Clothing for fun gender-inclusive outfits. You’ll leave with insider tips on queer Vancouver’s hidden gems, and a secret map to guide your future adventures in the neighborhood.

Top-rated art and culture activities

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4.84 out of 5 average rating, 571 reviews

The lost souls of Gastown tour

Immerse yourself in the chilling dramas of historic Gastown as you venture into Vancouver's earliest and most gruesome history on this 90-minute walking tour. Follow the lamplight of your guide as you discover the terror of a Great Fire that ate up Gastown in minutes, the long forgotten plague of smallpox, and the unsolved murder of John Bray. Designed for adult audiences, the experience is both a walking tour and a theatre piece. Your guide is a professional actor, performing in character throughout. Every story is grounded in documented Vancouver history, taken from the city archives. The plot line is woven together as the tragic tale of one person's life, ending in a dramatic finale in Gastown's Maple Tree Square. Every one of Gastown's must-see sites and landmarks is visited on the walk, the oldest hotel, the Gastown Steam Clock, you’ll see how Vancouver looked before and after the Great Fire, explore notorious Gaoler's Mews, and walk down the back alleys of Water Street to famous Maple Tree Square. Do not expect a ghost tour or conventional walking tour – this is a performance experience that will pull you so deep into the swirling lamplight and darkened alleys of Gastown’s murky past, you may have a hard time finding your way back out…

5 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviews

Vancouver Private City Tour with Photo Shoot

Do you want to spend an unusual and memorable time in Vancouver? Welcome! I'm Inga - a local photographer and guide. • We'll visit the most interesting places in DT Vancouver and learn about their history and fun facts. • We’ll explore secret viewpoints and the lobbies of the buildings. • We’ll arrange mini photoshoots at every location! You’ll get 50+ pictures in 24 h! --------- Each photo walk is private, with a min price of 250CAD for 1-2 people GROUP DISCOUNT: • 3-4 people - 25% • Kids are free! --------- • Location: Downtown+Gastown. • Meeting point: in front of Vancouver Art Gallery --------- • It is ideal for a short visit to the city, dates, and family weekends. It is suitable for any weather. --------- • What’s included: city tour, photoshoot, 50+ photos --------- • All pictures will be taken with professional equipment. • You'll get 50+ photos in 24 hours* • I do minimal light and colour correction of all photos in Lightroom. *Some photos can be used to advertise my services (in my portfolio and social media). Please let me know in advance if you do not want your images to be used (for an additional fee) • Please note, it is not a regular photoshoot! Itinerary is fixed • If you are late, this time is deducted from the tour time ---------

5 out of 5 average rating, 72 reviews

Explore Vancouver's lgbtq history

It's time for Vancouver's secrets to come out of the closet. From drag kings and two spirit warriors, to queer church ministers and transgender crime fighters, this walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of Vancouver Meet your guide - the man in pink! - outside Trees Organic Coffee at 930 Burrard Street. You'll embark on a 2 hour adventure into the LGBTQ2+ history and culture of this West Coast metropolis. Start in the heart of Downtown Vancouver on Burrard Street, where you'll discover some of Vancouver's earliest LGBTQ+ pioneers. Weave a path through Imperial Court coronations, drag kings at the Quadra, gay ministers at the United Church, the myth of Patient Zero, the GRID crisis, and visit urban oasis Nelson Park, until you find yourself in the gaybourhood on Davie Street. The walking tour strolls the historic tree-lined West End as you discover the city's earliest Pride parade, Jim Deva Plaza, bookstore bombings, a transgender campaigner who blew the whistle on the biggest crime in Vancouver history. You’ll finish right in the middle of the action in the Davie St. village with its variety of bars and restaurants. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail as you reflect on your afternoon's adventure.

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 94 reviews

Portrait Photography in Vancouver

We will walk around some hidden gems of Vancouver and I will be taking your beautiful portrait photographs. You can either choose one of these adventures as an option or make it custom based according to your preferences. 1. For Cherry Blossom in April, Queen Elizabeth Park. 2. For a mix of city & waterfront experience, we can walk around Gastown and Canada Place. 3. If you love the arts, then we can walk around the colorful streets in Granville Island 4. We can go to the seawall around Science World and capture downtown Vancouver skyline. Special Location: 1.5 hour walk across Stanley Park Seawall from Third Beach to Lions Gate Bridge $250 per person. If you don't choose, Default is 2nd option. I will be sending you up to 15 edited photos which will be ready after 2 weeks from the day of the experience. These photos will be digital and are perfect for posting on social media & share with your family and friends. This will be a good way to have your travel memories You can also get all the unedited RAW photos for additional charge of 100 USD. I would love to meet you & not only offer you a service, but an experience & a new friend in Vancouver. I wish that you can fall more in love with my city and that my service makes you feel like you are in another home, even if you are far from home. Please contact me in case you don't see the dates and available timings.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 61 reviews

The Downtown Vancouver sinners and sweets tour

Stroll through the heart of Downtown Vancouver to discover the tales of glamour, scandal, and deceit behind the city’s most beautiful architecture. Your guide Glenn, Will, Rachel, Aislynn, Emm or Rob will share the remarkable story of each building you visit, including the tales of fame, scandal, and murder hidden within their elegant walls. Your walking tour also includes stops for three delectable delights from some of Vancouver's best bakeries and chocolatiers, the perfect complement to your adventure into the city’s early twentieth century history. This walking tour is a must-do for both those with a sweet tooth, and history buffs alike! Be prepared to walk, learn, look, laugh, and enjoy some of the best gourmet goodies Vancouver has to offer! Other things to note: - This experience lasts 2-2.5 hours. - There's an opportunity for a bathroom break around the halfway mark. - ALLERGIES AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Please note, the treats served on this tour may contain gluten, eggs, dairy, and nuts, and are prepared in kitchens where these and other common allergens are present. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, attend at your own discretion. Get a taste of Vancouver history storytelling (without the treats) on any of our other walking tours!

5 out of 5 average rating, 60 reviews

Craft Brewery & Neighborhood Culture Crawl

Soak up the local vibe with a craft beer tasting tour and neighborhood culture crawl—perfect before dinner, a concert, event, or sports game. We'll explore Mount Pleasant, aka Brewery Creek, one of Vancouver's trendiest neighborhoods, just 10 minutes from downtown. Along the way, we'll visit three beloved local breweries. First, we'll stop by a historic brewery where craft beer brewing began in Vancouver. You'll get to sample rare, old-style cask ale and new-age beer styles, learning how Canada impacted the global craft beer movement. Plus, as local cicerone server (think wine sommelier for beer), I'll help you discover new beer styles and pick up some beer-tasting skills. Next, we'll take a short walk through Mount Pleasant's colorful streets and alleyways, where I'll point out some favorite street art, restaurants, bars, and local hotspots. If you're interested, I'll share my top picks for food, drink, and activities to enjoy during your trip. The last two breweries will introduce you to unique, small-batch beers you won't find anywhere else in the city. Each has its own story, atmosphere, and flavors. Make the most of your day in Vancouver: • Fits perfectly before your evening plans • Just 10 minutes from downtown • Walking distance is less than 1km (0.6 miles) • Packed with local tips and hidden gems • Enjoy seasonal beers and experimental brews

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Photography & Walk at Night

This one hour private tour (2 hrs for 2+ guests) is a great way to see Gastown at night, while learning photography. I'll take you to popular spots as well as hidden gems tourists are not familiar with. For photos, we'll cover techniques ranging from long exposure for DSLR cameras to night portrait shots with camera phones. You'll receive complimentary photos after the tour, although this is not a photoshoot (please check other experiences for that).

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 64 reviews

Photography & Walk in Stanley Park

We'll spend two hours (3 hours for 2+ guests) walking through Stanley Park and its old-growth forests and catch sunset on the Vancouver's most popular beach. The 'walk-in-the-park' is easy, fun and safe for anyone, regardless of age. I will customize the tour based on your physical ability, venturing deep into the forest or just visiting the main spots. Your tour is a picture-perfect way to experience Canada’s nature, while learning the basics of landscape photography. With plenty of one-on-one instruction, we'll cover smartphone tips and tricks, composition and DSLR settings like aperture, shutter speed and ISO. You'll receive complimentary photos after the tour. Stanley Park, a 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest, is a Vancouver icon located in downtown. The scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall look even more stunning during the golden and blue hours. English Bay, Vancouver's most popular beach, showcases amazing sunsets and is right next to the city's finest eateries.

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 54 reviews

Coffee tour & tastings on a street art adventure - Vancouver

Come and experience Vancouver as a local—wander through the artsy streets of Mount Pleasant with me, your guide, to uncover the hidden treasures of this vibrant neighborhood. We’ll proceed at a leisurely pace, strolling through tree-lined avenues, and immerse ourselves in the colorful murals that define its character. Along our journey, we'll pause at some of my favorite cafés to savor exceptional, locally roasted coffee, each with its unique flavor profile, while I share insights into the evolution of Vancouver's coffee culture. As we explore, I'll narrate tales of the neighborhood and its thriving street art scene. You’ll encounter murals that convey stories, both grand and intimate, and I'll guide you to hidden corners where the most compelling art often remains unseen. This experience is about slowing down, viewing the city from a fresh angle, and embracing Mount Pleasant's creative spirit. I'll lead you off the typical tourist routes, giving you an authentic sense of the local atmosphere. I’ll provide personal recommendations for dining, finding tranquil spots, or simply soaking in the relaxed vibe of the area. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just wishing to explore Vancouver beyond the usual paths, this tour offers an opportunity to engage with the city through the lens of someone who truly knows and loves it. Join me for an afternoon of quality coffee, engaging

5 out of 5 average rating, 40 reviews

Photography, Hiking & Ferry to Bowen Island

We'll take a breathtaking ocean ferry ride to an island and explore Bowen Island, a hidden gem not even the locals know about. The 3 hour (4 hours for 2+ guests) 'walk-in-the-park' is easy, fun and safe for anyone, regardless of age. We'll explore old-growth forests, waterfalls, and wildlife and take a short tour of the village. The highlight is of course the fall colors and fallen leaves at this time of year. Your tour is a picture-perfect way to experience Canada’s nature, while learning the basics of landscape photography. With plenty of one-on-one instruction, you will learn to take amazing photos whether you’re packing the latest DSLR or a camera phone. You'll receive complimentary photos after the tour. Bowen Island, a 20 min ferry ride from Vancouver - is home to a variety of wildlife, galleries and shops. The ferry ride alone is breathtaking, with gorgeous views of Howe Sound and islands. Tour includes 45 minutes public transportation from downtown and back. Other things to note Bring your own camera phone or DSLR (otherwise DSLR can be provided), water and snacks, good walking shoes and layered clothing. Optional lunch otherwise we'll grab from a local shop on the island.

Art and culture activities in Vancouver

Art and culture activities led by local experts

Top-rated art and culture activities

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