Well, as you've probably gathered from our information about English Bay so far, we are rather fond of the area, and think that we have a right to be. As you'll find out from this 'walking tour' (whether you're using it just for information or to actually do the walk), there is a great deal of history all bundled up in this part of town. Being as it is one of the oldest residential areas in Vancouver, it presents itself as having the most personality and greater sense of community than many other districts.

Key to the englishbay.com Walking Tour:
 

Photo moment

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Historical building

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We'll start our stroll from one of the most 'preservation-conscious' parts of the West End, Barclay Heritage Square, as it represents some of the earliest days of Vancouver's existence. If you are starting our tour from here, consult the map for the best way of getting here. There is a reasonable amount of parking around (beware the 'Permit Only' areas), with some meters over on Denman or Robson Streets. This walk can take a leisurely couple of hours or the better part of your afternoon, depending on how many coffee breaks you take or how engrossed you become with the delightful scenery. Sometimes the best way to learn about the area is just to plant yourself on a seat at a café or on the beach, and watch the world go by!

Barclay Heritage Square Bounded by Haro, Broughton, Barclay and Nicola streets, this unique parksite was developed by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. Included are nine historic houses dating from 1890 to 1908, retained in their original settings and even come with period landscaping and pleasant gardens. In keeping with this "old West End" theme, the Haro and Broughton streetscapes been kept consistent as well, with a further six heritage houses rehabilitated for family accommodation. On Barclay Street though, a true feeling of the original neighbourhood character and scale is maintained, flagshipped by 'Barclay Manor' which is now looked after by the West End Community Centre as a venue for senior citizens' events. On either side there is 'The Roedde House Museum,' the City of Vancouver's first "house" museum, and the 'Weeks House,' occupied by 'Friends For Life,' an organisation that provides support for individuals with life-threatening illnesses.

Roedde House Museum The Roedde House Museum is the uppermost of the three houses featured on Barclay Street. The house was built in 1893 for Gustav Roedde, Vancouver's first bookbinder. For thirty years, Roedde and his family lived in the house during a period of astonishing development which saw the West End grow from a pioneer settlement to an established residential neighbourhood. The design of Roedde House is attributed to the early B.C. architect, Francis M. Rattenbury, notable for such prestigious creations as the Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel in Victoria, and for Vancouver's Courthouse, which is now the Art Gallery. TRIVIA! Roedde House architect, Francis M. Rattenbury, is also infamous for his murder in 1935 by his wife and her teenaged lover! His wife committed suicide soon after and the young man did a little prison time. The house is now owned by the City of Vancouver and is operated by the non-profit 'Roedde House Preservation Society,' who have restored and authentically furnished the house with all the accoutrements of middle class life in the 1890s. (Roedde House is open for public viewing with guided tours and afternoon tea recreating the ambience of the old West End. For more information please call 684-7040.) Barclay Manor Next door is Barclay Manor, home to the 'West End Seniors Network ' and the 'Parks and Recreation Board,' which was originally built in 1905 for Gastown businessman Francis Baynes. In 1909, an addition of three storeys to the rear of the house was completed at a cost of $10,000 which quickly was followed by its sale by Baynes. From then until 1919, it was "Miss Clermont's West End Hospital". TRIVIA! It has been said that Mrs. Roedde crossed the lawns to this hospital to have her babies. Around 1926, the building became known as 'Barclay Manor,' a boarding house which served as a place for officers from naval ships to use when in port, subsequently housing thousands of young individuals over the years. Rent included 2 meals a day and maid service from $23 a week. In 1970, the City of Vancouver bought it, and in 1988 the three storey addition was demolished, the rear of the house was reconstructed to an Edwardian design and the remainder fully restored to its pre-1909 condition. TRIVIA! Barclay Square and the houses are often locations for movie and television productions. Departing this particularly interesting part of the West End, we take a brief jaunt to the corner of Barclay and Nicola, make a left turn and cross to the other side of Nicola. There's a few interesting old shops here, especially the 'Barclay Grocery' on the corner with its cool old neon sign. This place looks like it hasn't seen much of that Barclay Square restoration money...

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