Local walking tour company Forbidden Vancouver is staging the Lost Souls of Gastown every night this Halloween season. Part walking tour, part roving gothic theatre adventure, the experience takes guests on a journey deep into the heart of Victorian Gastown.
Following their guide along cobblestone streets and down brick walled alleyways, guests will discover the tragic story of the "woman in the well," the true story of Gassy Jack Deighton, and the notorious murder of gold prospector John Bray. The Lost Souls of Gastown finishes with a dramatic finale in historic Maple Tree Square.
Based on documented accounts from the city archives, the Lost Souls of Gastown shares Vancouver's earliest and most shocking histories. But it comes with a twist. The tales are woven into the tragic story of a fictional character, Sarah Briars or George Turle. As the piece unfolds, the audience hears first hand what it was like to live through the Great Fire, smallpox outbreaks, and the Klondike Gold Rush -- events that remain part of the city's folklore today.
The Lost Souls of Gastown doesn't frighten guests with cheap scares and it's not a ghost tour or a paranormal tour. It's a gothic theatre adventure designed to take guests back in time to Gastown's earliest years.
Each experience is led by one of Forbidden Vancouver’s cast of professional actors. This Halloween season, George Turle is played by one of Rowan Jang or company founder Will Woods. Sarah Briars is played by one of Nevada Yates-Robart, Janet Glassford, Tracy Jennissen, or Erikka Griffiths-Keam.
The experience takes place nightly between October 16 and 31, with multiple tour times to choose from. Adult tickets cost $28 and $25 for students and seniors. For more details and to book, click here. Watch the 90 second promo video here.
Quick Facts
Who: Forbidden Vancouver
What: The Lost Souls of Gastown
Where: The backstreets, alleyways and lanes of Victorian Gastown
Why: To discover Vancouver's dark and gruesome early history
When: Tours run from October 16 until October 31, with 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. timeslots available depending on the date. Check online for specific times.
Price: $28 per adult; $25 for a senior or student. Prices do not include GST or booking fees.
Book: Online at www.ForbiddenVancouver.ca
Start Point: Tours meet at Cathedral Square, across from the Holy Rosary Cathedral at the intersection of Dunsmuir and Richards streets.
End Point: Maple Tree Square in Gastown
Duration: 90 minutes
Ages: Suitable for ages 16+