Fraser and 41st was the hub of the sprawling-yet-humble municipality of South Vancouver. Amalgamation demolished its city hall, but the stories live on through its biggest park, South Memorial; its first high school, John Oliver; and its eternal graveyard, Mountain View.
đź“Ť Meeting location: The tour will begin the cenotaph inside South Memorial Park. The park is located at 5955 Ross St. Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to tour departure to check in with the VHF staff member. This tour will follow a circular route and will conclude approximately in the same spot.
Please note:
- 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 additional information on VHF’s policies, please visit our Policies page.
- Registration is required for all walking tours, and ID must match. If you are not able to attend the day of your tour, a replacement showing up in your place will not be accepted.
- This tour is a 2 hour +/- outdoor activity that will require participants to navigate a variety of terrain!
- There is a maximum capacity of 20 people per tour. We ask that you please do not seek out the group on tour day in hopes of joining, as this will disrupt the tour.
- Out of consideration for all walking tour participants, we ask that you please leave all canine companions at home, apart from certified service dogs.
About Your Guide
Rob Howatson is a writer, local history buff and lifelong South Van’er. He caught the heritage bug in 2007 when he discovered a time capsule hidden in the old Sunset Community Centre. (It contained rare Bing Crosby footage!) Rob also works for the City of Richmond at Steveston’s heritage sites.
