2 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ community on this half-day walking tour. Follow a guide on a curated itinerary designed to show the history of the movement in the Canadian city, with stops at Granville Street, the Imperial Court coronations site, locations of police raids and bookstore bombings. On the way from downtown to the historic gay neighborhood of Davie Street, you'll have plenty of time to ask questions and snap photos.
Operated by
Forbidden Vancouver
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
5
/ 5
352 traveller ratings
5
351
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
5
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
1
A wonderful experience of queer history in Vancouver
royy934, Sept 2025
This was such an eye-opening and meaningful (essential really) experience. Glenn is such a wonderful story-teller and amazing guide. He accommodated for everyone’s needs in our group and was so kind and considerate. I can’t even begin to image the amount of research and preparation that went into making this tour happen, and I am so grateful that Glenn is telling these stories that are from communities that have been historically marginalized and silenced, especially the not so pleasant ones. They remind us of how far we have come and encourage us to keep the spirits of the unsung heroes of our communities alive. I hope that many people can have to opportunity to join this tour and help preserve queer history in whatever way as much as possible.
Moving, enjoyable, and informative tour of some of Vancouver's queer story
alastairm531, Sept 2025
Glenn is a passionate, engaged, and engaging storyteller who gives a fantastic, informative, and moving account of the broad sweep of Queer history around Downtown Vancouver and the West End. He is entertaining with a wide and deep knowledge of Vancouver's, and North America's, 2SLGBTQ+ history. This tour was uncomfortable (in a good way) in places as Glenn shares unvarnished accounts of the persecution of the Queer community over centuries and the honest accounts of lateral hostility and violence within the rainbow communities. Highly recommended, and the walking part was not at strenuous and at a comfortable pace, all in all about 2 1/2 km.
Response from Host, Sept 2025
Hi Alastair, Wow, thank you so much for your lovely review! I am over-the-moon to hear you had such a wonderful time on the Really Gay History Tour with Glenn. I'm so happy you relished in the joys and complexities of Vancouver's Queer history. Sounds like a deeply moving and memorable experience. Thrilled you could join us for it and hope to see you again soon!
Do this tour!!!
johnfyvr, Aug 2025
POWERFUL!!! Glenn delivered the most amazing gay history tour of Vancouver/West End. His story telling transports you to the time and place of each of the events as he guides you through the early days of the queer community of Vancouver right up to present day. I have lived in the area for more than 10 years, but I truely felt like a tourist, learning all about the gay history that I never knew about. Cannot recommend this enough. It was moving. Thanks Glenn. We loved this experience sooooo much
Response from Host, Sept 2025
Hi John, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I am so happy to hear you had such a fantastic time on the Really Gay History Tour with Glenn as your guide. Sounds like it was a very memorable and moving experience. Delighted you could join us for such a special afternoon! Thrilled we could give you a five-star experience and hope to see you again soon!
amazing and brutal and beautiful and joyous
73brenty, Jul 2025
Glenn is amazing, and one of the best storytellers and historians I have ever toured with. My trans kid described the tour as “amazing and brutal and beautiful and joyous.” They say it was “life-changing.” Glenn mixes stories that are inspirational, challenging, and painful—as is true of LGBTQ+ history. Thank you for an experience our family will never forget.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Brent, Wow, what a beautiful review! I am over-the-moon to hear what a great time you had with Glenn on the Really Gay History Tour. We'll be sure to pass along your glowing remarks. I'm delighted to hear it was such a resonant and life-changing experience for your whole family. Thrilled you were all able to join us and hope to see you again soon :)
Itinerary
Vancouver Downtown
Meet your guide – the man in pink! – outside Trees Organic Coffee Shop at 930 Burrard Street. You'll soon embark on a 2 hour long adventure into the LGBTQ2+ history and culture of this West Coast metropolis.
You'll weave a path through Imperial Court coronations, drag kings at the Quadra, gay ministers at the United Church, Patient Zero, the GRID crisis, and visit urban oasis Nelson Park, until you find yourself in the gaybourhood on Davie Street.
The walking tour strolls the historic tree-lined West End as you discover the city's earliest Pride parade, Jim Deva Plaza, bookstore bombings, a transgender campaigner who blew the whistle on the biggest crime in Vancouver history, Vancouver’s secret gay village, and the remarkable story of two-spirited warrior Gone to the Spirits.
You’ll finish right in the middle of the action in the Davie Street village with its fantastic variety of bars and restaurants.
2 hours
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Professional guide
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Wear sensible shoes.
- Bring sunscreen if it's warm out.
- This walking tour contains explicit language.
- The walking tour happens rain or shine, but many of the stops are under cover.
- Not recommended for guests under the age of 14.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour start time so we can check you in. Our tours depart on time and we don't want you to miss it!
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.