HOLIDAY HISTORY & HOT CHOCOLATE TOUR
DISCOVER HOLIDAY LIGHTS & SCANDALOUS HISTORY
THE HOLIDAY HISTORY & HOT CHOCOLATE TOUR
DISCOVER HOLIDAY LIGHTS & SCANDALOUS HISTORY
This holiday season, step inside downtown’s most iconic heritage buildings and hear the tales of intrigue, jealousy, and sin that lurk inside their walls. With your rich, warming cocoa in hand, delight in holiday displays in our city’s grandest hotels and finish off with a magical private viewing inside the Marine Building.
What better way to celebrate the holidays in Vancouver?
BOOK YOUR TOUR
ON THIS HOLIDAY TOUR YOU’LL DISCOVER…
The magnificent Marine Building
Beautiful holiday displays
Secrets of the Hotel Vancouver
“Moral turpitude”… then and now
Rise of the city’s wealthiest families
Vaudeville dancers – and Fred Astaire!
Vancouver’s longest running (and most corrupt!) mayor
The jealous murder of the city’s most prominent architect
Rich local hot chocolate from Trees (dairy or non-dairy option available)
And more!
BOOK YOUR TOUR
This experience is a winter twist on our popular Hidden History & Sweet Treats Tour.
Every stop is indoors or undercover, to keep you warm and dry!
KEY INFORMATION
NOV 15 TO JAN 10 ONLY
DAILY, CHECK BOOKING CALENDAR FOR TIMES
TOUR RUNS ~1 HOUR 45 MINS
AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE TOURS
$49 ADULTS
$45 YOUTH AND SENIORS
MEET OUTSIDE 738 GRANVILLE NEAR W. GEORGIA
*IMPORTANT*
This tour only runs over the Holiday season and has a limited capacity. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend you book as soon as possible.
FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION POLICY
You can cancel your experience for a full refund up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, you can receive a full credit for future use. No questions asked! Prices exclude fees and taxes.
WATCH OUR CBC INTERVIEW
TESTIMONIALS FROM GOOGLE
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
“The Holiday History and Hot Chocolate tour delved into the underbelly of Vancouver’s past. Our charismatic guide turned the streets into a red carpet, leading us through Vancouver’s hidden gems. And with a free hot chocolate, definitely recommend!”
– ADRIAN MANDY, GOOGLE
MURDER, JEALOUSY, SCANDAL AND HOT CHOCOLATE!?
“Glenn did an amazing job weaving the stories together into a compelling narrative that kept the group intrigued and engaged from start to finish. The stunning holiday displays and delightful hot chocolate at the end were the proverbial icing on the cake. Indeed, this isn’t exactly a Hallmark story . . . it’s a million times better!”
– POOKYCAKE, TRIPADVISOR
OUR AWARDS
WINNER TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2012 – 2024
WINNER LONELY PLANET “TOP CHOICE” 2024
WINNER CITY OF VANCOUVER HERITAGE MEDAL OF HONOUR
WINNER MUST DO CANADA FEATURED EXPERIENCES 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to bring?
Every stop on this walking tour takes place inside or under cover, but do dress warm and wear sturdy footwear. A rain jacket usually works better than an umbrella since you’ll be going in and out of heritage buildings.
You’ll definitely want your smartphone charged so you can take photos of the incredible sites and views!
Is it suitable for children?
We carefully crafted this experience to suit the interests and preferences of adults, making it an ideal choice for teenagers seeking engaging and thought-provoking content. In fact, children as young as ten can really enjoy the tour. We don’t recommend the tour for children younger than 10.
Is there a bathroom break?
Yes, there’s an opportunity for a bathroom break at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver about halfway through the tour.
Can I park near the start point?
There are several parking lots near the start point. The closest ones are at 800 Robson St. at Robson Square, and 840 Howe St. at Robson Court.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is a leisurely stroll through downtown Vancouver on flat, paved ground. Total distance covered is about 1.5 km, or 1 mile.
Does my guide accept gratuities?
Absolutely! Our guides accept cash or cards (via a portable Square device). If you enjoyed your guide’s performance then a tip is greatly appreciated.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts outside Trees Cafe at 738 Granville St., near the intersection with West Georgia St. It ends at the Marine Building at 355 Burrard St.
Can I get to the start point on transit?
You can! The start point is very close to both Granville Skytrain Station and Vancouver City Centre Station. Exit onto Granville Street and walk southeast 1-2 blocks towards Robson St. to arrive at Old Navy.
You can also take any bus that goes down Granville St., and get off at Robson St.
Hot tip: Use Translink’s online trip planner for options.
Is the cost of the hot chocolate included?
Yes. Your ticket price includes the cost of the hot chocolate.
Do I qualify for a senior or youth ticket?
Anyone aged 65 or older qualifies for a seniors ticket.
If you’re 18 or younger, or a full-time student of any age with valid photo ID, you qualify for a youth ticket.
Is there a non-dairy hot chocolate option?
Yes! When you place your order, be sure to choose either with dairy or non-dairy option for all guests.
Can I buy my ticket cheaper on another site?
We guarantee our website has the lowest prices for our walking tours. Beware reseller sites that display their prices in $USD to appear cheaper than they really are.
Can't I just wander around Vancouver by myself?
You sure could, and Vancouver is a very walkable city! But you’d miss out on hearing all the scandalous history behind our city’s most famous buildings.
Is this tour different to the Hidden History & Sweet Treats Tour?
Much of the content of this tour is taken from our popular Hidden History & Sweet Treats Tour, but with holiday displays and hot chocolate included!
MEET OUR HOLIDAY HISTORY & HOT CHOCOLATE WALKING TOUR GUIDES
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
When you buy a ticket for this walking tour, two percent of the ticket cost goes to support the Pacific Association of First Nations Women. The PAFNW advocates for systems change and provides learning and holistic supports to uplift Indigenous women and strengthen families.
AS FEATURED ON
HOLIDAY TOUR DESCRIPTION
VANCOUVER HOLIDAYS WITH A BIG SPLASH OF SCANDAL?
On this holiday walking tour, you’ll visit the city’s most beautiful and famous heritage buildings. From the Vancouver Art Gallery and Hotel Vancouver to the Sinclair Centre and Hotel Georgia. You’ll even visit Art Deco masterpiece, the Marine Building. Marvel at some of Vancouver’s best holiday displays.
You’ll uncover a world of jealous lovers, scandalous dancers, and powerful criminals…. And learn how they helped form the Vancouver of shining hotels and opera houses that lured the likes of Winston Churchill, Louis Armstrong, and King George VI, and became the city we love today. Top it all off with a rich, velvety hot chocolate from Trees for an unforgettable holiday experience!
