CELEBRATE QUEER HISTORY AT WORK
STROLL THE HISTORIC WEST END AS YOU EXPLORE VANCOUVER’S REMARKABLE LGBTQ2+ HERITAGE
CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH AT WORK
STROLL THE HISTORIC WEST END AS YOU EXPLORE VANCOUVER’S REMARKABLE LGBTQ2+ HERITAGE
Discover Vancouver’s rich LGBTQ2+ heritage with the Really Gay History Tour. Led by queer historian and storyteller Glenn Tkach, this walking tour is the perfect activity for teams looking to explore the vibrant history, culture, and landmarks of our city’s queer community.
From drag kings and two spirit warriors, to queer church ministers and transgender crime fighters, this walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city. Walking the city’s bustling West End, you’ll laugh, cry, and walk away inspired.
So celebrate diversity and inclusion at work, and give your team the gift of an unforgettable experience.
RESERVE YOUR PRIVATE WALKING TOUR
Email us: [email protected]
Include your group size, date, and time. We’ll respond within one business day. Every tour is led by tour creator Glenn Tkach, so capacity is limited. Move fast to secure your spot!
WHO WE’VE WORKED WITH
KEY INFORMATION
CHOOSE YOUR START TIME
TOUR RUNS ~2 HOURS
FROM $30 PER PERSON
9 person minimum, or equivalent cost
MEET OUTSIDE TREES ORGANIC COFFEE – 930 BURRARD
AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND
ON THIS WALKING TOUR YOU’LL DISCOVER…
A historic gay village
The gayest beer parlour in town
Drag queens who made a difference
How a gay church clergy made history
The site of an infamous bookstore bombing
The bravest pioneers of the LGBTQ2+ community
How a community defied police brutality….and won
Seriously funny gay humour – and its political bent
And more!
RESERVE YOUR PRIVATE WALKING TOUR
Email us: [email protected]
OUR AWARDS
WINNER TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2012 – 2024
WINNER LONELY PLANET “TOP CHOICE” 2024
WINNER CITY OF VANCOUVER HERITAGE MEDAL OF HONOUR
WINNER MUST DO CANADA FEATURED EXPERIENCES 2024
TESTIMONIALS FROM TRIPADVISOR
MOVING, THOUGHTFUL, AND INSPIRING
“I feel so privileged to have taken this tour, especially during pride week. Glenn is so engaging and speaks so incredibly thoughtfully. It was a truly special and moving tour.”
– MIC F, VIA TRIPADVISOR
EXCELLENT QUEER HISTORY
“Glenn is not only knowledgeable about LGBTQIA and two-spirited history in Vancouver, he is fervently passionate about it. His storytelling is engaging and entertaining and you will find yourself laughing with him as well as shedding tears with him.”
– JOHN M, VIA TRIPADVISOR
MEET YOUR GUIDE GLENN TKACH
WHAT TO EXPECT ON A PRIVATE REALLY GAY HISTORY TOUR
This isn’t a history lesson, it’s storytelling. Expect to laugh, learn, and be entertained.
Engage your team’s empathy & teamwork with real stories of Vancouver’s queer heroes.
This shared experience will ignite conversation and create stronger bonds among your team.
Our tours are a low-barrier activity for those who may be shy to participate, and those more engaged can ask questions.
*This tour is accessible and held at your group’s pace.
AS FEATURED ON
TOUR DESCRIPTION
DISCOVER UNSUNG HEROES
Vancouver is home to Davie Street, one of North America’s most vibrant gay villages. Our city’s annual PRIDE parade draws crowds in the tens of thousands. Our city has openly gay politicians and monuments to gay activists. But it wasn’t always this way…
Meet the unsung heroes of Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ community who forever changed the social fabric of our country. From the drag queen who fought for federal decriminalization to North America’s first openly gay church minister, Vancouver has played a larger-than-life role in the queer liberation movement.
Researched, designed, and guided by Forbidden Vancouver storyteller Glenn Tkach, the Really Gay History Tour weaves a colourful history of people and events that sets the stage for the inclusive society we all now enjoy. For members of the LGBTQ2+ community and allies alike this is a must-do experience. So join Glenn as you laugh, cry, celebrate and feel true PRIDE on the Really Gay History Tour.
THE WALKING TOUR
Meet your guide Glenn Tkach outside Trees Organic Coffee on Burrard Street. You’ll quickly bust the myth of Patient Zero, hear tales of gay struggle at the United Church, and learn about drag kings at the Quadra. You’ll discover the history of the city’s very first PRIDE parade at Nelson Park before arriving in the gaybourhood on Davie Street.
The walking tour then strolls the historic West End as you discover protests, bookstore bombings, Jim Deva Plaza, Vancouver’s secret gay village, and the transgender campaigner who blew the whistle on the biggest crime in Vancouver history. You’ll finish in the heart of the historic Davie Street village with its wonderful array of bars and restaurants. The perfect place to enjoy a post-tour cocktail!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do we need to bring?
We recommend you bring sunscreen, sun hat, and a bottle of water on warmer days. A rain jacket and sturdy footwear are valuable on wetter days.
You’ll definitely want your smartphone charged so you can take photos of the incredible sites and views!
How much walking is involved?
The tour is a leisurely stroll through the Davie Village on even, paved ground. Total distance covered is about 2 km, or 1.5 miles.
Does my group need to tip the guide?
For private tours, we charge an automatic 18% gratuity on top of the cost of your walking tour. Your group doesn’t need to tip your guide on the day.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts outside the Robert Lee YMCA at 955 Burrard St. It ends at the intersection of Davie Street and Bute Street, nearby plenty of restaurant options to take your team afterwards!
Can we get to the start point on transit?
You can! The closest skytrain station is Burrard Station, and the start point is about a 5-10 minute / 6 block walk. From Burrard Station, turn right at the exit and head south down Burrard Street.
Hot tip: Use Translink’s online trip planner for options.
Can't we just wander around the Davie Village by ourselves?
You can, and it’s a wonderful, vibrant neighbourhood. But you’ll miss out on hearing about the people and events that made the Davie Village even possible!
What are the Terms and Conditions?
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
We do not permit guests on the tour who are, or appear to be, intoxicated. Guests who are intoxicated or disorderly will be asked to leave the tour and no refund will be issued.
While the tour is not strenuous, walking is involved and guests will be on their feet for the duration of the tour. Guests are responsible for making sure they are able to complete the tour.
You and your party knowingly and freely assume all the risks with participating in this experience. We are not responsible for illness or injury of guests during a tour. By participating in this experience you release and hold harmless Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours with respect to any injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property whether cause by the negligence of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours or otherwise.
Can we finish at a bar or restaurant?
This tour ends near plenty of places to wine and dine after your tour. If you’re looking for recommendations, please drop us an email at [email protected].
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible!
Can I park near the start point?
The closest parking lot to the start point is at 909 Burrard Street in Vancouver Tower. The next closest is at 900 Burrard Street at Paramount Place.
Is there a bathroom break?
There isn’t an official bathroom break on the tour, so we recommend you go before you arrive at the start point. However, if you need to go during the tour, just let your guide Glenn know and he will direct you to a suitable cafe or restaurant nearby.
MEETING PLACE
Tours start outside Trees Organic Coffee – 930 Burrard
Email us at [email protected] to reserve your private Really Gay History Tour.
Looking to book tickets to a public walking tour? Book your Really Gay History Tour today
BOOK YOUR TOUR