VHF advances the appreciation and conservation of our city’s diverse heritage places and their stories. We raise awareness of the vital contribution that heritage makes to a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community.
We host informative events and workshops, create resources about Vancouver’s history and heritage places, and provide financial and practical support for the successful conservation of historic buildings and sites.
Take a walk through some of Vancouver's historic neighbourhoods this summer. Available here to download and print or to use on a desktop or mobile device, each map guide provides a walkable route to follow and learn about local history and heritage places.
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Heritage Discovery Day offers a chance to take a peek inside a selection of heritage properties to learn about their diverse history, architecture, and design. Running as a fundraiser since 2003, it is a wonderful way to explore Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods, discover the stories of each site, past and present, as well as connect with local businesses and community organizations.
From 1891 to 1954, the BC Electric interurban Central Park Line ran between New Westminster and Vancouver. It served the populations of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster as they moved from place to Place. At its peak the Central Park Line operated with 16 Stations. Following some of those stations from west to east, this set of walks will be exploring the history, heritage and legacy of BC Electric interurban Central Park line. This tour will explore the area around the Cedar Cottage Station.
As the hill steepens, the neighbourhood lore deepens. Join native South Vancouverite Rob Howatson for a stroll around Lower Sunset, where quiet residential streets meet the noisy bustle of the city’s largest industrial area. See where South Van’s first school once stood and walk among the site’s current structures: Sunset’s first condo towers. Up the hill, the school’s successor, Walter Moberly Elementary, shows its checkered history through a mish mash of renovations and extensions. Hear about the struggles to create early neighbourhood halls, walk the old stream paths and follow Khalsa Diwan Road down to the Gurdwara that helped transform the slope into an Indo-Canadian settlement.
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An interactive map of places listed on Vancouver's Heritage Register.
Places That Matter sites recognize some of the people, places and events that tell the story of Vancouver’s history.
Defines, details and illustrates local house styles, their architectural elements and social context.
As a charitable organization, we are grateful for all donations. Your support means we can promote appreciation of Vancouver's unique history and heritage places, as well as support conservation projects with education, information and grants. Donors are known as Friends of VHF and are acknowledged on our website.
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Explore all resources & guides
A heritage study guide, grants for field trips and professional development support
Guidance and support for heritage property owners and stewards.
Learn about the relationship between community, sustainability and heritage
Explore all grants
Support for heritage places.
Grants to assist with researching and sharing Vancouver's heritage.
To support local field trip costs for Vancouver history and heritage experiences.