2026 Update
Jan 08, 2026
In January 2026, the VanWalks smartphone experience launched a big set of updates! The event that started all the changes was the passing of Raymond Saunders, the creator of the Gastown Steam Clock. Since the app specifically mentioned that he was still alive, which was accurate at the time, I needed to update that. Once I started getting into it, there were a bunch of things I wanted to update.
Content Updates:
Added an interview with Raymond from the 90s, and added some info about the last project he got to help with, which was changing the clock to play Shake It Off by Taylor SWift, to honor the mega star visiting Vancouver.
Added the Pot Block, the series of cannabis themed businesses near Victory Square, who are arguably the whole reason we have legalized marijuana in Canada at all.
Upgraded John Fluevog Shoes from just a featured business near the route to a full blown stop. I decided that the combination of the amazing footwear and the unique building it is located in is worth checking out. Plus I want them to be the official footwear sponsor of the app!
Shortened the route overall. After the Maple Tree Square, the official route now loops back to Woodward's building instead of continuing on to Gore Street. It was a lot of extra walking and the three stops along the way were not as interesting as the stop that had led up to it, so they got the axe.
Also removed the loop around Harbour Centre. It added a lot walking and intersection crossing, without even really providing a good view of the tower (can't see it from below). I moved the Harbour Center stop to Victory Square, where there is a great view of the tower, and it's only a couple blocks away if anyone wants to go there after.
Since some of the stops needed new audio, I actually redid all the audio for Gastown. It was easier than finding and making all the edits needed, plus the sound quality will be consistent.
Added a quick note in Stanley Park that the Seawall is sometimes closed from storms and added a few alternatives for the Seawall route.
App Updates:
I added a review stop to all the premium tours: Gastown and both Stanley Park tours. These stops ask the user for reviews and link to the review links of the most common booking providers. I also added TrustPilot as one of the places to leave a review. As a business without a proper address, it's hard to have Google Reviews, but TrustPilot is a great alternative.