Our Services

Experience Canada's Architectural Wonders

Discover Our Architectural Experiences

Heritage Archways offers a comprehensive range of services designed to connect Canadians and visitors with our country's rich architectural heritage. From engaging guided tours to in-depth workshops and professional consultation, our expert team brings buildings and their stories to life.

Each of our services can be customized to suit your specific interests, needs, and schedule. Whether you're an individual traveler, a school group, a professional organization, or a property owner, we're here to share our passion and expertise.

Guided architectural tours

Guided Tours

Our signature guided walking tours take you through Canada's most fascinating architectural landscapes. Led by expert guides with deep knowledge of local history and design, these tours reveal the stories behind facades and help you see familiar streets with new appreciation.

Walking Tours: Explore historic districts across major Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Quebec City, Halifax, and Ottawa.
Photographic Tours: Specialized routes and timing for optimal photography of architectural details and perspectives.
Interior Access Tours: Exclusive access to selected historic interiors not typically open to the public.
Private Tours: Customized experiences for families, small groups, or special occasions.
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Educational architectural workshops

Educational Workshops

Our interactive workshops offer hands-on learning experiences for all ages and knowledge levels. From appreciating architectural styles to understanding preservation techniques, these sessions deepen your connection to Canada's built heritage.

School Programs: Curriculum-aligned activities for elementary and secondary students, introducing architectural concepts through interactive learning.
Drawing & Sketching: Architectural drawing workshops for beginners through advanced, focusing on observation and documentation skills.
Restoration Techniques: Practical workshops on traditional building crafts and conservation approaches for homeowners and professionals.
Model Building: Create scale models of historic structures while learning about proportion, materials, and structural principles.
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Custom group architecture tours

Custom Group Tours

We specialize in creating tailored architectural experiences for groups with specific interests or requirements. Our custom tours combine in-depth knowledge with logistical expertise to create memorable and educational experiences for your organization.

Academic Groups: Specialized content for architecture and design students, with technical details and theoretical context.
Professional Organizations: Custom itineraries for architects, engineers, planners, and preservation organizations focusing on specific periods or technical aspects.
International Visitors: Multilingual tours highlighting Canadian architectural heritage for international delegations and travel groups.
Corporate Events: Team-building activities and architectural scavenger hunts that combine education with engagement.
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Architectural consultation services

Architectural Consultation

Our team of architectural historians and preservation specialists provides expert advice on heritage properties. Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or municipality, we offer insights to help you maintain, restore, and adapt historic structures.

Historical Research: Documenting the history and evolution of buildings through archival research and physical investigation.
Heritage Assessments: Evaluating the architectural and historical significance of properties for designation or planning purposes.
Restoration Advice: Guidance for homeowners on appropriate materials, techniques, and approaches for heritage property maintenance.
Adaptive Reuse Planning: Strategies for giving historic buildings new life while respecting their heritage value.
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Tour Pricing

Explore our range of architectural tours at competitive rates

Heritage Walk

$35/person
Perfect for first-time explorers
  • 2-hour guided walking tour
  • Major architectural landmarks
  • Groups of up to 15 people
  • Available in English and French
  • Digital information package

Private Experience

$250/group
Exclusive tour for your party
  • 2.5-hour customized tour
  • Private guide for your group (up to 6)
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Personalized focus on your interests
  • Additional participants: $40 each

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our architectural services

Do I need to have architectural knowledge to enjoy your tours?

Not at all! Our tours are designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of your knowledge level. Our guides explain architectural concepts in clear, relatable terms, connecting buildings to history and culture in ways that resonate with all visitors. We welcome both architecture enthusiasts and those who are simply curious about the stories behind the buildings in our cities.

How physically demanding are your walking tours?

Most of our standard tours cover approximately 1.5-2 kilometers (about 1 mile) at a leisurely pace over 2 hours, with several stops along the way. We strive to make our tours accessible, but some historic districts do have uneven surfaces, steps, or slight inclines. We're happy to discuss any mobility concerns before booking and can often modify routes to accommodate various needs. We also offer specialized tours with minimal walking for those who prefer a less physically demanding experience.

What happens if it rains during a scheduled tour?

Tours generally proceed in light rain (we recommend bringing umbrellas and appropriate footwear), but in cases of severe weather, we offer several options: rescheduling to another date at no additional cost, converting to an indoor-focused tour where possible, or providing a full refund if the tour needs to be cancelled and no alternative arrangements work for your schedule. We monitor weather conditions closely and will contact you at least 2 hours before the tour if weather is likely to impact your experience.

Can you create custom architectural tours for specific interests?

Absolutely! We specialize in creating customized architectural experiences based on your specific interests. Whether you're fascinated by a particular style (Victorian, Art Deco, Modernist), building type (churches, industrial heritage, residential), or theme (sustainable design, adaptive reuse, cultural influences), we can develop a tour that focuses on your areas of interest. Our team includes specialists in various architectural periods and types, allowing us to create truly personalized experiences.

Do you offer architectural services for homeowners of heritage properties?

While we don't provide architectural design or contracting services, we do offer specialized consultation for heritage homeowners. Our services include historical research to document your property's evolution, identification of significant features worth preserving, guidance on appropriate restoration approaches, and referrals to qualified preservation contractors and suppliers of period-appropriate materials. We can also assist with heritage designation applications and help you understand the benefits and responsibilities of owning a heritage property.

Are your tours suitable for children and school groups?

We offer age-appropriate architectural experiences for young people of all ages. For families, our "Young Architects" tours engage children with interactive elements, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities. For school groups, we provide curriculum-aligned programs that connect to subjects including history, art, mathematics, and social studies. These educational experiences are led by guides with teaching experience who know how to make architecture accessible and exciting for young minds. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs for children's programming.

What Clients Say About Our Services

Feedback from architects, history enthusiasts, and visitors

As the coordinator for our university's architectural program, I've arranged Heritage Archways tours for our students for three consecutive years. Their ability to communicate complex architectural concepts while keeping students engaged is remarkable. The custom itineraries they create perfectly complement our curriculum, and students consistently rate these field experiences as highlights of their education.

Professor David Chen

University of British Columbia

The consultation Heritage Archways provided for our 1890s Victorian home was invaluable. They conducted thorough historical research, uncovering original architectural drawings that informed our restoration decisions. Their practical advice helped us balance authentic preservation with modern living needs, and they connected us with specialized craftspeople who could recreate period details. Worth every penny!

Andrea & Thomas Fraser

Halifax, NS

Ready to Explore Canada's Architectural Heritage?

Contact us today to book a tour, workshop, or consultation