Irving House Vancouver
Step back in time at Irving House, Vancouver's oldest intact historic home, offering a glimpse into Victorian life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Irving House Vancouver
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Irving House, Vancouver's oldest intact historic home, offering a glimpse into Victorian life.
"A truly enjoyable experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in the late 1800s."
🎯 Weekend Visits Only
Irving House is exclusively open on weekends. Plan your trip accordingly!
🗣️ Don't Miss the Tour
The guided tours are fantastic and offer deep historical insights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Furnishings
Throughout the house
Experience authentic colonial-style decor that transports you to the late 1800s.
Knowledgeable Guided Tours
Starts at the entrance
Engaging guides share rich history and personal stories, bringing the house to life.
The Oldest House on the Mainland
Exterior and interior
Marvel at the oldest intact house in the Lower Mainland, built in 1865.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
A Glimpse into the Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekend Visits Only
Irving House is exclusively open on weekends. Plan your trip accordingly!
🗣️ Don't Miss the Tour
The guided tours are fantastic and offer deep historical insights. +1
💰 Donation Welcome
While entry is free, donations are accepted to help with upkeep.
📸 Capture the Charm
The interior is beautifully preserved, but avoid spoiling the surprise for others!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekend Visits Only
Irving House is exclusively open on weekends. Plan your trip accordingly!
🗣️ Don't Miss the Tour
The guided tours are fantastic and offer deep historical insights. +1
💰 Donation Welcome
While entry is free, donations are accepted to help with upkeep.
📸 Capture the Charm
The interior is beautifully preserved, but avoid spoiling the surprise for others!
👻 Potential Ghostly Encounters
Some visitors report hearing unexplained sounds, adding a spooky element.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Irving House for its exceptional historical preservation and the knowledgeable, engaging guided tours. Many appreciate the opportunity to step back in time and experience authentic Victorian-era life. While entry is free, donations are encouraged and well worth the contribution for such a well-maintained and informative experience. +2
"Such a wonderful historic experience. The tour guides were knowledgeable, and ready and willing to answer questions. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting Irving House, a step into the past."
Shawntel Lane
"I recently had the pleasure of visiting Irving House, and it was a truly enjoyable experience. The historic home is beautifully preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in the late 1800s. Walking through the rooms felt like stepping back in time, with authentic furnishings and intricate details that tell the story of the Irving family and the era they lived in.
Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, sharing rich historical facts, personal stories, and insights that brought the house and its history to life. His passion for the subject made the tour engaging from start to finish, and I left with a much deeper appreciation for this important piece of local heritage.
I highly recommend a visit to Irving House for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a well told story in a beautiful setting."
Salah Ayoob
"I found this site using ChatGPT when I asked for interesting sites that is less traveled. I'm really happy I saw it.
The volunteer guides are amazing and give a really in-depth account of what life was for the Irving family. It was also really great to be in a house that is completely intact and older than Canada itself. It's a free visit, but will accept donations to help with the upkeep. It is well worth the time to see."
Adam Frisch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Irving House is located in New Westminster, a short transit ride from Vancouver. You can take the SkyTrain to the New Westminster station and it's a pleasant walk from there.
Street parking is available in the vicinity of Irving House, but it can be limited, especially on weekends. Public transit is a convenient alternative.
Taking the SkyTrain (Expo Line) to New Westminster Station is a popular and efficient option. From the station, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the house.
Yes, Irving House is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest SkyTrain station is New Westminster, and several bus routes also serve the area.
The SkyTrain journey from downtown Vancouver to New Westminster typically takes around 25-30 minutes, plus a short walk to the house.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Irving House is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to help with the preservation and upkeep of this historic site.
Irving House is typically open only on weekends. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours before your visit.
No, Irving House is generally only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.
There is no mandatory admission fee; however, donations are highly encouraged to support the ongoing maintenance of the historic house.
Tours are usually available on a drop-in basis during opening hours. The knowledgeable guides are ready to share the history of the house.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see 14 rooms furnished in original colonial style, offering a detailed look into Victorian-era life and the history of the Irving family.
Yes, knowledgeable volunteer guides offer in-depth tours that bring the history of the house and the Irving family to life. +1
Some visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds, leading to its reputation as a potentially haunted location.
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, allowing ample time for the guided tour and exploring the historic rooms.
While children can visit, the experience is more geared towards adults interested in history. The house contains many delicate artifacts.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Irving House, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions. Some visitors prefer not to spoil the surprise for others.
While generally permitted, it's best to be respectful of the historic artifacts and other visitors. Avoid flash photography if it's not explicitly allowed.
The beautifully preserved rooms, the intricate architectural details, and the period furnishings offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in residential areas and around historic sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Yes, the exterior of Irving House is also quite charming and offers a good backdrop for photos, especially with its historic architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations regarding child-friendliness. The house is not designed for active play, and children will need to be supervised closely to ensure they don't touch or damage the exhibits. The limited opening hours (weekends only) also require careful planning for family outings.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
The guided tours are particularly valuable for history buffs, as the guides offer in-depth accounts and personal stories that bring the past to life. You'll gain a deep appreciation for the Irving family's life and the broader historical context of British Columbia during that period. The opportunity to see a house so completely preserved is a rare treat.
👻 Paranormal Investigators & Curious Minds
If you're drawn to the mystery and allure of haunted locations, a visit to Irving House might offer a unique experience. While the primary focus is historical preservation, the whispers of the supernatural add an extra element of fascination. Remember to approach such experiences with an open mind and respect for the history of the place.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Victorian Life
+1The guided tours are a highlight of any visit. Led by knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, these tours go beyond mere facts and figures. They weave compelling narratives, sharing personal anecdotes and historical context that truly bring the house and its inhabitants to life. This immersive storytelling makes the experience deeply engaging and provides a profound appreciation for this significant piece of local heritage.
Beyond its historical significance, Irving House is also known for its unique atmosphere. Some visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to the visit. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about bygone eras, Irving House offers a memorable and enriching experience.
Navigating Your Visit to Irving House
Getting to Irving House is convenient, especially if you're using public transportation. Located in New Westminster, it's easily accessible via the SkyTrain. From downtown Vancouver, take the Expo Line to New Westminster Station, followed by a short, pleasant walk to the house. While street parking is available, it can be limited, making public transit a reliable option.
Upon arrival, you'll find that entry to Irving House is free, though donations are warmly welcomed to support its preservation. The guided tours are a must-do, offering rich historical insights that truly enrich the visit. Remember to be respectful of the delicate artifacts and other visitors, and consider capturing the charm without spoiling the experience for those who follow.
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