Week 2 of my birthday month

For a few years now, I have enjoyed taking a tour of my hometown city with Forbidden Vancouver Tours. This was the 3rd year now that I have thoroughly enjoyed being a tourist in my own city. I really truly highly encourage locals to indulge in these tours, not only does it support local businesses but it is also a COVID friendly social activity. The tours are all outside, you get fresh air and exercise and enrich your knowledge of local history.Ā  Win Win!

The first tour I took was the “The Lost Souls of Gastown” tour.Ā  Stroll cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in the dramatic sagas of historic Gastownā€™s sordid past. A unique performance theatre experience by your guide who is dressed in costume for the time period. As you follow the lamplight of your guide into Vancouverā€™s earliest and most gruesome history. Youā€™ll step inside a world of murder, revenge, and true grit in a dramatic retelling of Victorian Gastownā€™s earliest stories. Tales of deadly fire and smallpox emerge from the shadows as you venture through cobblestone streets to the shocking finale in this unique performance-theatre experience.

The second tour I did was a mashup tour as I booked a couple guides to do a private tour in celebration of my birthday coupled with my great friend Danielle, whose birthday is just two days apart from mine. We booked a private tour, with two groups of people (approx. 30 people). The tour was essentially the “Forbidden Walking Tour” with a Jackelyn twist. We (they) created a series of quiz questions based on the newly acquired local knowledge and if the guests answers the questions incorrect, they had to do a jello shot.Ā  On this tour we explored Vancouverā€™s dirtiest Prohibition-era secrets. From mobsters and rum-runners to corrupt politicians and rioters, this historical walking tour winds through Gastown and Victory Squareā€™s most historic streets and alleyways ā€“ and most illicit stories.

Today, I took my third tour with Forbidden Vancouver Tour company. This was an afternoon spent exploring Vancouver’s prestigious Stanley Park in the “Dark Secrets of Stanley Park” tour. WOW, I had no idea the history of this park, the injustice of this park and the greed and capitalism that created this world renowned majestic 405-hectare masterpiece in the middle of Vancouver.

I highly recommend this company, their tour guides are much much more than just knowledge transfer professionals, they are trained in the arts and are true theatrical artists and storytellers. It’s a must do when you are in Vancouver, BC…whether you are a local and are looking for a great night with friends, a date night or an afternoon tour.Ā  And when the borders open again, if you are a tourist in this beautiful city, make sure you make time for one of these tours.

Must Do Vancouver

Jackelyn approved…and It Was Worth It.

Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion.Ā  There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.