Vancouver Gastown Tour: Murder, Revenge, Victorian History
4.8
922 Ratings
Vancouver
Step into the dark past of Vancouver's Gastown with a thrilling performance-theatre experience. Uncover stories of murder, revenge, and Victorian history, from deadly fires to smallpox outbreaks.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 356 Water St - The walking tour begins at the entrance into Historic Gastown, outside of Buro Coffee at the intersection of Cordova and Water St. A suitable setting for an adventure deep into Gastown’s Gothic history!
  • Victorian Hotel - After venturing down a long forgotten alleyway we arrive at the historic Hotel Victorian to discover how our character’s life took shape…and what really happened to them in the Klondike.
  • Gastown - We enter the cobblestone streets of Vancouver’s famous Gastown district…
  • Gastown Steam Clock - We weave a path into Gastown, discovering back streets and alleyways, to arrive in the heart of Gastown at the famous steam clock. Along the way you’ll hear the tragic stories of the woman in the well and the Great Vancouver Fire, and discover Gastown in the 1800s.
  • Gassy Jack - Old Gassy Jack stands on top of a barrel of whiskey and surveys Maple Tree Square. Discover how much of a rogue he really was!
  • Gaoler’s Mews - You’ll follow the lamplight of your storyteller into Gaoler’s Mews as the shocking finale is revealed…
  • Maple Tree Square - After hearing tales of smallpox, George Vancouver’s journey to the end of the earth, and the infamous bawdy house run by Madam Birdie Stewart, you’ll emerge in iconic Maple Tree Square - one of Vancouver’s most photographed and loved locations.
What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Enter a realm of homicide, vengeance, and unyielding courage, immersing yourself in the vibrant past of Victorian Gastown. Encounter stories of fatal fire and devastating smallpox as you traverse the stone-laid pathways in this one-of-a-kind theatre performance. Guided by the glow of your guide’s lamp, uncover the tales of the Great Fire, smallpox epidemics, and the unresolved homicide of John Bray.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • 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.
Location
Monaco Cafe
Water Street
Meet outside Monaco Cafe at 356 Water St. in Gastown. Close to Waterfront Skytrain and Seabus Station.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(922 Ratings)
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Karen_l
Apr 23, 2024
The history through... - The history through storytelling was excellent. Theatrical tour guide was on point. Very knowledgeable about area and history.
Review provided by Viator
Randy_s
Apr 21, 2024
Very pleased to have done the tour - We went with family members on this little tour. We had a great time, the host was in character and did a good job bringing us along for the adventure
Review provided by Viator
Margaretle2018
Apr 21, 2024
Entertaining history of old Vancouver - It was educational and entertaining. Our tour guide Emmett delivered a great performance and made a rainy walk fun. We learned things we never knew.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alice_f
Apr 15, 2024
Great tour - What a lovely way to spend 90 minutes in Vancouver. Our guide Emmett Hanly was a great story teller. Made the tour a lot of fun and very interesting. The weather was lovely which really helped make the experience enjoyable.
Review provided by Viator
Stacey_n
Apr 13, 2024
A few hills, but worth the walk - Alison was the star of the show. Always in character, making sure the group stays together and her singing voice captivates you like nothing you've ever heard. If you want to learn about the dark side from this wonderful city then this is highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Rikki_h
Apr 13, 2024
Rowan guided us through a... - Rowan guided us through a fascinating journey detailing some of the rich history of Gastown. He was such a charismatic storyteller, providing us with photos and stories that helped our imaginations transport us back in time! It was a pleasure to join him along our walk through the city, and the rainy evening added to the spooky feel of the evening!
Review provided by Viator
Matt_s
Apr 11, 2024
Fantastic Walking Tour - Emmett Hanley did an amazing job of sharing the history of Vancouver in a highly enjoyable walking tour of Gastown. He was in character the entire time, was very engaging. We loved hearing the stories, while seeing the sites of Gastown. Highly recommend this tour!!
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_r
Apr 3, 2024
Great tour guide - The tour guide was in character and very entertaining. We loved learning about early Vancouver. I’m now curious to go research more stories about this time period and location.
Review provided by Viator
Jan_and_ham
Mar 25, 2024
Something different and very enjoyable! - Found this adventure on TripAdvisor whilst looking for something new to do in Vancouver and being someone who enjoys history thought it would be fun to try. We thought we were quite early, but Janet (our guide) was already waiting in costume and character, ticking our names off in an old notebook which I thought was a nice touch! She led us and our group around Gastown telling us stories of places, people and events from the past and pointing out things that we had not seen/noticed on our previous trips to Vancouver. It really was fascinating and brought to life through Janet's characters life story. I can perhaps best describe it as a theatrical history tour. After the tour we received an email that checked up on our experience but also included vouchers for other Vancouver activities and in my opinion the icing on the cake was the e-book. The book had short histories about certain events in Vancouver, which I found fascinating and read a couple of times. We both had a very good time and look forward to trying another one of their tours next time we find ourselves in Vancouver.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea_t
Mar 25, 2024
Thoroughly Enjoyed! - Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. Amy was delightfully animated and transported us back to the 1800s. Appreciated her thoughtfulness with the group as well. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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