SPECIAL EVENT: The Vancouver Vice Walking Tour
THE VANCOUVER VICE TOUR
UNCOVER THE CRIMINAL HISTORY OF THE WEST END
VANCOUVER VICE TOUR
UNCOVER THE CRIMINAL HISTORY OF THE WEST END
Delve into the gritty history of Vancouver’s West End in the 1970s and ’80s. You’ll discover how its tree-lined streets and low-rise apartment buildings were once a cauldron of social and cultural upheaval. Guided by award-winning author and historian Aaron Chapman, you’ll step inside a world of deceit, vigilante vice cops, sex worker turf wars, gambling dens, and wiretapped hustlers – where Vancouver’s vices ruled… but at what cost?
AUG 9 & 30
Book Your Tour
VANCOUVER VICE WALKING TOUR KEY INFO
AUG 9 & 30 – 5 PM
90-120 MINUTES
$33 PER PERSON
WEST END, VANCOUVER
MEET AT JIM DEVA PLAZA ON DAVIE STREET
You’ll discover…
The case of the West End Sniper
Where vice cops waged their secret battles
Notorious murders STILL unsolved to this day
Exclusive insights from author Aaron Chapman
Secret alliances that kept the underground thriving
The truth about underground tunnels in the West End
The cultural upheaval that reshaped the neighborhood
The strange West End death of Hollywood star Errol Flynn
Tales of rigged gambling nights once held in West End hotels
The dramatic turf wars among sex workers and local residents
And more!
BOOK YOUR TOUR
*IMPORTANT*
We’re only running two dates this season, with limited capacity. Book your ticket now to reserve your spot. Note, sales are final.
MEET YOUR GUIDE, AARON CHAPMAN
Aaron Chapman is a writer, historian, and musician with a special interest in Vancouver’s entertainment and crime history. This walking tour is inspired by his book Vancouver Vice. He’s also the author of Vancouver after Dark: The Wild History of a City’s Nightlife, winner of the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award (BC Book Prizes) in 2020; The Last Gang in Town, the story of Vancouver’s Clark Park Gang; Liquor, Lust, and the Law, the story of Vancouver’s legendary Penthouse Nightclub, and Live at the Commodore, a history of the Commodore Ballroom that won the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award (BC Book Prizes) in 2015. Aaron also speaks at our popular Secrets of the Penthouse, Last Gang In Town, and Backstage at the Commodore special events.
Vancouver Vice Review
“This enjoyable and informative book adds to Chapman’s already impressive canon of recent award-winning Vancouveriana social history. This is one helluva book.” — British Columbia Review
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
A portion of your purchase supports the Friends of the Vancouver City Archives Society. Since 1993, their work raises awareness about the Vancouver City Archives and its essential resources. Through fundraising, they have helped fund important preservation projects, like building a cold storage facility to safeguard the city’s historical photographs for future generations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I park?
Parking can be hard to find in the West End. We recommend taking transit to the start point. If you do need to drive, we recommend setting off early and leaving enough time to find parking and still make the start time.
What do I need to bring?
We advise dressing for the weather. Layers are always a good bet, and you’ll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is recommended. And you’ll want your smartphone to capture memories!
Is it suitable for children?
The tour does speak about some mature content. We recommend ages 14+ if the parent is comfortable with the content of the tour.
Is there a bathroom break?
While there is no official bathroom break, there are many cafes, bars, and restaurants along the route to take an impromptu break.
Is this a queer history tour?
This is primarily a West End crime tour circa 1970s & ’80s. While some of the characters are queer, this isn’t a queer history tour. Check out our Really Gay History Tour for a celebration of Vancouver’s queer heroes.
How much walking is involved?
Be prepared to be on your feet for the entire tour, or up to 2 hours. The tour will be a mix of walking and standing.
What is the cancellation policy?
Sales are final. We’re unable to offer refunds or data exchanges.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
This tour is wheelchair accessible and held mostly on paved sidewalks in the West End of Vancouver.
What are the Terms and Conditions?
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
We do not permit guests on the tour who are, or appear to be, intoxicated. Guests who are intoxicated or disorderly will be asked to leave the tour and no refund will be issued.
You and your party knowingly and freely assume all the risks with participating in this experience. We are not responsible for illness or injury of guests during a tour. By participating in this experience you release and hold harmless Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours with respect to any injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property whether caused by the negligence of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours or otherwise.
What is the start and end point of the tour?
The start point is Jim Deva Plaza on Davie Street at the corner with Bute. The tour ends at the Sylvia Hotel 1154 Gilford St.
Can I buy my tickets cheaper on another site?
Tickets for this event are only available on our website.
How often does this event run and when is the next date?
This is a one off event, although we do hope to stage this walking tour again in the future! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our special events.
MEETING PLACE
Jim Deva Plaza, 1200 Bute St at Davie St