Heritage 101 is the core required course for the Heritage Conservation Certificate. The course covers the basics of heritage conservation in Canada, with topics ranging from intangible cultural heritage values to writing conservation plans for historic sites. It is available on demand, so you can work through all 7 modules and the final assignment at your own pace.
The building that houses the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) was designed by award-winning architect Alfred Waugh (Formline Architecture), the first Indigenous graduate of UBC’s architecture program. Designed with the intention of unifying themes of memory and social dialogue, the building also reflects the diversity of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Join Shannon Robinson for an online session to discover some of the unique design features and symbolic architectural elements as well as stories from the creation of this two-story, 6,500 square-foot space.
Bricks and Brews is back for 2026! Come celebrate the kickoff to this year’s Heritage Discovery Day with a heritage talk and tasting at Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions and discover the story of two little houses that could. Join heritage consultant, Elana Zysblat as she walks you through the story of two turn-of-the-century homes that had survived on what had become an industrial-zoned block and were temporary neighbours on the shores of False Creek as they sat in storage while their properties were adapted for mixed-commercial uses. Both have transformed for contemporary new uses while helping to make heritage buildings cool again for younger demographics.
Despite the various threads in the narrative about Vancouver’s architects and architecture, there has been a lack of research focusing on the collective experiences of Chinese-Canadian architects within the city’s architectural and social history. In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, this talk traces the legacy of Chinese-Canadian architects in shaping Vancouver’s urban landscape, exploring how architecture serves as both an artistic expression and a social function.
Learn how to repair common issues and perform proper maintenance with Ryan Bahris. Windows are one of the key character defining elements of buildings, and with proper maintenance, they can have a life cycle of a hundred years before needing replacement. This in-person workshop will discuss the design and construction of wood windows, and practical considerations for their conservation and maintenance.
From a 1910 Craftsman home with original floors, stained glass, and a clawfoot tub, to a distinctive Riley Park residence that blends Mid-Century Modernist roots with the layout and design that later defined the Vancouver Special, join us for Vancouver Heritage Foundation's Heritage Discovery Day where you can tour a curated selection of nine unique heritage properties and learn about the diverse history, architecture and culture that has shaped Mount Pleasant and Riley Park over the years.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Wales Street in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Commercial Street in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood.
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 chequered 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. This walk is a one way route and will end approximately 1.0 km from its starting point.
Trace the footsteps of the influential figures who shaped our province—from pioneering medical professionals and war heroes to world-class athletes on this tour that explores the historic West End, a neighborhood that served as the original heart of Vancouver’s high society. Beyond the grand architecture, guide Rob Olson will delve into the darker side of the past, including the site of a chilling historical crime. This walk is a one-way route and will end approximately 1.0 km from its starting point.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Culloden Street in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and the east side of Fraser Street in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood.
A visible and yet commonly overlooked fabric that lines the streets of Chinatown and their surrounding neighbourhoods are Chinese Societies and Vancouver is home to one of the largest concentrations of them. Join Larry Chin as he guides you on a journey from their origins to present day as he shares his insights on their purpose and relevance in today's Vancouver. The two hour tour will begin with an hour-long walking tour with community expert Larry Chin exploring the community connections in Chinatown. A portion of the tour will be spent in the Chin Wing Chun Tong Society building located at 158-160 E Pender St.
Characterized by the large, illuminated clock tower set atop its fifteen-storey height, the Vancouver Block, which slightly predated the adjacent Birks Building by Somervell & Putnam, helped establish Georgia and Granville as the commercial core of early Vancouver and serves as a symbol of the rapid growth in Vancouver’s economy and urban fabric in the early twentieth century. The tour will begin with an hour-long walking tour with heritage consultant Donald Luxton exploring the economic growth of Vancouver. The second half of the tour will end with a guided tour of the Vancouver Block building (736 Granville Street), including the clock tower and viewing platform.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Ash Street in the South Cambie neighbourhood.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Hudson Street in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Pine Crescent, just north of the Kerrisdale neighbourhood.
Stroll from the historic Canadian Memorial United Church into the heart of First Shaughnessy, where Vancouver’s grandest estates reveal layers of local lore. Along the way, discover Chief Bingham’s house, famous for once housing Winston Churchill’s preserved cigar, and the regal Greencroft estate, former home of Eric Hamber. The journey with guide Rob Olson highlights the architectural splendor of the twin-towered Glen Brae Manor before winding past the storied mansions of the CPR elite toward the classic brick gates of Shaughnessy Elementary. It is a walk through West Shaughnessy that perfectly captures the prestige and eccentricity of the city’s most exclusive heritage enclave.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Elm Street in the Arbutus Ridge neighbourhood.
37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Mary’s Church in Kerrisdale, Queen Elizabeth Park and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring how 37th Avenue has been developed and how it has changed, as well as looking closely at the landscape and cartography along the way. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Balaclava Street in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood.
SOLD OUT! 37th Avenue runs through various neighbourhoods across what was the district of South Vancouver and Point Grey. Running by and through major city landmarks and parks such as Mountain View Cemetery, Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Norquay Park, St Marys Kerrisdale Church, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Kensington Park. Following 37th Avenue from East to West, John Atkin will be “Walking the Ridge” and exploring 37th Avenue, how its been developed, how it has changed, and the landscape and cartography. This walk will focus on the area around 37th Avenue and Wallace Street in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood.
wait list = Event is currently at capacity. There is a wait list for the scheduled event in case of cancellations. Please email mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org to be added to the waitlist.
notification list = Event and wait list are currently at capacity. People on this list will only be notified if future dates are confirmed.
Please be aware that designated VHF photographers will take photographs and/or live recordings at events. These materials are the sole property of Vancouver Heritage Foundation and will not be sold or otherwise redistributed, however they may be utilized without notification in Vancouver Heritage Foundation communications including, but not limited to, print materials and social media. If you have concerns about how your likeness may be utilized, please speak with Vancouver Heritage Foundation staff.
Details on how to join the Zoom events will be sent to registered participants in their confirmation receipts and reminder emails. Please ensure you enter a valid email address when registering. If you have not received the Zoom link before the event day, please check your spam folder or contact us at mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
Those wishing to purchase tickets for multiple events can do so by calling our office during business hours at 604 264 9642 ext. 1.
In-person event registration entitles the participant(s) named on the ticket(s) access to the event. Please bring a copy (paper or digital) of your ticket(s) and a piece of ID with you to check in with VHF staff. Registration is required in advance for all paid events, either online or by phone. VHF staff are unable to reserve tickets or purchase tickets for participants. If you require additional assistance, please contact us to arrange a time to come to our office. Tickets will not be sold at the event.
If you are not able to attend, an unregistered replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted. Please contact mail@vancouverheritagefoundation.org no later than 48 hours prior to the event if you are unable to attend and would like to request that someone else attend in your place.
Virtual event registration entitles a participant to access to the live event, as well as access to the virtual event recording for a limited period of time following the event (if the virtual event is being recorded). Sharing of links for virtual events and recordings is strictly prohibited.
Please note that by donation events (such as our virtual Heritage Lunch and Learn series) do not qualify for charitable tax receipts.
For in-person events, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than four (4) weeks prior to the event. For virtual events we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than two (2) weeks prior to the event.
We cannot provide refunds or credits for non-attendance, including for illness. We appreciate your cooperation to keep our staff and community safe by not attending an in-person event if you are feeling unwell.
We reserve the right to cancel or modify an event due to insufficient enrollment, extreme weather or extenuating circumstances. If an event is cancelled for any reason, VHF’s liability is limited to a refund of the event fee or a credit note.
For virtual events we are unable to provide refunds or credits for cancellations received less than two (2) weeks prior to the event.
NOTE: External organizations that offer events in partnership with VHF reserve the right to set their own cancellation policy and may differ from VHF’s standard policy stated above.
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VHF is currently offering events and workshops in a virtual format, as well as in-person events. Please be sure to check which type of event you are registering for when you sign up.
Please note that VHF staff are not always in the office so please call ahead to confirm if you do not already have a scheduled appointment. You can contact us by email or phone for inquiries about upcoming events, for support registrering for programs or to set up an office appointment.