Powell Street Walking Tours - Explore Japanese Canadian History

Tour Outline: Each tour comprises of a 30-minute history presentation at VJLS-JH, followed by a 1-1.5 hour walk around the neighbourhood to explore key historic sites. Please wear appropriate clothing - tours will run in rain or shine!

Language: Tours are typically conducted in English unless noted or pre-arranged. Please contact [email protected] to arrange a tour in Japanese. Printed pamphlets are available in both English and Japanese.

Getting here by transit:

• 1 min walk from 004, 007, and 209 bus stops at Powell St & Jackson Ave (WB); 5 min walk from Cordova St & Dunlevy Ave (EB)
• 5 min walk from 014, 016, 020 bus stop at Hastings St & Jackson Ave (EB & WB)

Getting here by car:

• Paid and free street parking is available within close walking distance.

Population growth, labour tensions, and economic booms and busts have shaped life throughout Vancouver’s history. At the heart of the changes in the early 1900’s were first- and second-generation Japanese Canadians, who built a thriving community of 8,000 people in the Powell Street neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood changed completely following the internment of Japanese Canadians, but there are still many clues which, once we see them and understand what they are, help us connect to the rich history of a displaced community.

Please note that the Powell Street Walking Tour contains sensitive, adult subject matter related to Japanese Canadian discrimination and internment. Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall believes in sharing this history to educate visitors and provide a critical opportunity for reflection.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Vancouver Japanese Language School - Japanese Hall