4.8 (1.5 k) · Vancouver · By Forbidden Vancouver Free cancellation
Immerse yourself in a world of murder, revenge, and raw courage through the dramatic history of Victorian Gastown. This unique, traveling one-person play is brought to life by a professional actor in character.
As you explore the cobblestone streets, tales of devastating fires and smallpox outbreaks emerge from the shadows, leading to a shocking conclusion in this one-of-a-kind performance-theatre experience.
✓ Live theatrical performance / Roving one-person play✓ Professional actor in character✓ Dramatic historical storytelling✓ Walk the oldest backstreets and passageways in Gastown✕ Gratuities✕ Hotel pickup and drop-off1 Meet your guide at the entrance into Historic Gastown, outside of Monaco Coffee at the intersection of Cordova and Water St.
10 min
· 10 min
2 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.
10 min
· 10 min
3 Gastown
We enter the cobblestone streets of Vancouver's famous Gastown district...
30 min
· 30 min
4 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.
10 min
· 10 min
5 Gaoler's Mews
You'll follow the lamplight of your storyteller into Gaoler's Mews as the shocking finale is revealed...
10 min
· 10 min
6 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.
10 min
· 10 min
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Meet outside Monaco Cafe at 356 Water St. in Gastown. Close to Waterfront Skytrain and Seabus Station.
The walking tour ends in Maple Tree Square, Gastown, in the heart of Vancouver's restaurant and bar scene. The start point is just an easy 10 minute walk back, and the guide can provide a map and directions if needed.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour start time so you can be checked in. Our tours depart on time and we don't want you to miss it!
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to guests who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is cancelled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness 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. The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour A gothic theatre adventure through the alleyways, passages and secret spaces of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on cobblestone streets. Arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure a timely start. Dress appropriately for all weather conditions. This tour is recommended for ages 14 and up due to mature themes. Public transport is easily accessible from the end point. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 12146P2
Activity offered by Forbidden Vancouver via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adult audiences History enthusiasts Fans of theatre and storytelling Visitors interested in Vancouver's past Unique theatrical walking tour Explore historic Gastown Professional actor in character Discover dark historical tales Visit iconic landmarks like the Steam Clock
Population 662,248 (2021)
Elevation 2 m
Currency Canadian dollar
Official languages English, French
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Ottawa Average temperatures -1° Jan -1° Feb 2° Mar 5° Apr 10° May 13° Jun 16° Jul 16° Aug 13° Sept 8° Oct 2° Nov -1° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the age recommendation for this tour? + 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.
What should I wear? + Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather or insufficient participants? + The tour will be cancelled if the weather is bad or if there are not enough participants. You will be notified and offered a refund or alternative date.
Can I bring a stroller? + Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
Are service animals allowed? + Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent and informative trip
E1471WDchristinat, October 2026
The Lost Souls of Gastown walking tour was fantastic! The storytelling, Sarah was captivating, and the recital was excellent. A unique and memorable way to experience Gastown’s history. Highly recommend!
★★★★★ Viator review
I was expecting more ghost-related stories and historical details of Gastown, would have made it more interesting for m
Angela_M, October 2026
Finding out at the end of the tour that some of the stories we were told were made up - was kind of disappointing. I would have preferred more real history mixed with the spooky tales.
Response from the operator · ForbiddenVan Hi Angela and thanks for your review. Sorry to hear that you weren't into the Lost Souls of Gastown.
I'm the writer and creator of the experience, and my intention was to build an experience that weaves together historical record and fact, with compelling theatre and drama. But it's not for everyone!
Every story you heard is indeed based on historical accounts that I researched personally. The difference to a conventional walking tour is that each story is turned into a first person account by a fictional character who lived through Gastown's early, harrowing years.
So rather than hearing, "the great fire swept down Water Street faster than a sprinting man," you hear, "I was the man, running for my life as Water Street exploded around me."
So rest assured the tour you saw was packed with real history! It was also packed with drama and tension, but it sounds like that part of the experience wasn't your thing.
Hope the rest of your stay in Vancouver went well and all the best.
Will
★★★★★ Viator review
Fun times in Vancouver..
DARLENE_D, October 2026
This tour took us around the Gastown Area. Sarah was a great presenter of this tour. We really enjoyed her!!
Response from the operator · ForbiddenVan Hi Darlene,
Thank you for your review! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your time on the Lost Souls of Gastown with us :)
★★★★★ Viator review
Fun and spooky history! Vanessa rocks
Patricia_M, October 2026
Vanessa was so fun, engaging and sweet. Interesting stories and fun to learn about the area's history in such a theatrical way!
Response from the operator · ForbiddenVan Hi Patricia,
Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad you found the Lost Souls of Gastown so engaging :) Thanks for joining!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Older streets of Vancouver
Safari51740128209, October 2026
Vanessa was our guide. She was a brilliant story teller her voice was clear and loud enough for all to hear in the group. I wonder some gold for holding her lamp for awhile.
Excellent tour to do throughly enjoyable.
Response from the operator · ForbiddenVan Hi there,
Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your tour with us and that Vanessa was such a wonderful guide. Glad you got some gold :)
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