BOOK AN ENGAGING RETIREMENT HOME COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
Lively Storytelling | Rich History | Meaningful Connections
YOUR RESIDENTS’ NEW FAVOURITE ACTIVITY
Transport your residents to Vancouver’s colourful past with Forbidden Vancouver founder Will Woods. It’s a chance to reawaken memories of the city as it was, from tales of old Stanley Park to the bright lights of Granville Street’s “Theatre Row.” In each talk, Will promises to get your residents thinking, laughing and connecting! Scroll down to find out more information on the talks Will offers.
CHOOSE YOUR START TIME
~ 1HR INCLUDING Q&A
AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND
$300
WE COME TO YOU!
EMAIL US TO GET STARTED
Email us: [email protected]
Include your name, location, preferred talk, and requested date & time. We’ll respond within one business day. And you can cancel your experience for a full refund up to 48 hours before your tour start time. No questions asked!
Email us: [email protected]
Include your name, location, preferred talk, and requested date & time. We’ll respond within one business day. And you can cancel your experience for a full refund up to 48 hours before your tour start time. No questions asked!
WHAT TO EXPECT
This isn’t a history lesson, it’s storytelling. Expect to laugh, learn, and be entertained.
A charming presenter armed with tales of Vancouver’s past and extensive history knowledge.
An accompanying slideshow of historic photos that fascinate and spark nostalgia and conversation.
Our talks are a low-barrier activity for those who may be shy to participate, and those more engaged can ask questions.
CHOOSE YOUR VANCOUVER HISTORY TALK
SCANDALS OF OLD VANCOUVER
FAME | CORRUPTION | MURDER
Peel back the polished veneer of Downtown Vancouver to discover its most scandalous tales and salacious secrets. You’ll hear the tale of the famous architect murdered in a fit of jealous rage, the police chief who liked his bribes stuffed in brown paper bags, the local dancer who became “the most beautiful woman in the world,” and the mayor who smoked cigars with the city’s most notorious villain.
PROHIBITION IN VANCOUVER
MOBSTERS | BOOTLEGGING | RIOTS
Discover the clandestine history of Prohibition era Vancouver. Your speaker Will unveils a city gripped by mobsters, illicit drinking dens, and rampant rum-running. Experience the thrill of stepping into the shoes of the city’s most infamous underworld figures and its toughest Dry Squad detectives as you navigate the shadowy world of a city on the edge of lawlessness.
STANLEY PARK’S SECRETS
FORCED EVICTIONS | BURIED TREASURE | MAJESTIC FORESTS
From buried treasure hidden deep within the forest, to eerie crime scenes shrouded in mystery, to the macabre secrets of Deadman’s Island, Stanley Park is a trove of untold stories. Will explores the vibrant history of the First Nations communities that have made the land home for thousands of years. Along the way he’ll share tales of some of our city’s most courageous and fascinating early residents, from Squamish leader Chief Joe Capilano, to activist and poet E. Pauline Johnson. This talk also includes some of the city’s most shocking true crime stories, like the tale of the Babes in the Woods.
ART DECO IN VANCOUVER
STUNNING ARCHITECTURE | GLAMOUR | INTRIGUE
Discover Downtown Vancouver of the 1920s and ’30s on a virtual stroll that explores the city’s finest Art Deco masterpieces, including the fabulous Marine Building (pictured above), City Hall, Lions Gate Bridge, and Vogue Theatre. You’ll be transported back in time to an early vaudeville show at the old Orpheum, backroom scandal at the Hotel Vancouver, and even peek into a prohibition supper club. Along the way, Will shares examples of the architectural flourishes that make Art Deco so special and describes the political winds and social changes that led the movement to take the world by storm.
MEET YOUR SPEAKER, WILL WOODS
Will (he/him) founded Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours in 2012. He recalls the early days of the company “with just me, out on the streets, telling stories about prohibition in Vancouver.” Since then the company has grown and flourished, with Will now managing a company of 18 talented guides.
Will is a published author on Vancouver history, contributing in 2014 to Vancouver Confidential, by Anvil Press. He’s written for the Daily Hive, Westender, and Courier Newspaper, and appeared on both CBC television and radio speaking about Vancouver history and his company’s tours and experiences.
Will’s day to day focus is managing the company, but he still loves to get outside and lead walking tours whenever possible. “When I was asked to speak for the first time at a retirement community I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I loved every minute of it!” he says. “I love sharing the city’s history, and getting to do that with a group of people who’ve in many cases lived here for decades, just turns the whole experience into a celebration of the city and its past.”
Will decided to make retirement home history talks an official part of the business. “There’s nothing better than bringing joy to a room full of people for an hour. It’s an honour to bring so many memories to life,” he says.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY HISTORY TALK REVIEWS
WILL’S TALK WAS AMAZING
“Thank you so much for coming out, the residents absolutely adore you!”
– Paige Farquharson, Tapestry at UBC
FANTASTIC!
“I just wanted to say that the folks really enjoyed your presentation. I also thought it was fantastic!”
– Diane James, Bria Communities
TEN STARS OUT OF FIVE STARS!
“Our residents loved your content, and they loved you even more. Word got around about you very quickly. You were so captivating and interesting they have been begging us incessantly to bring your back for more Forbidden Vancouver and more Will Woods.”
– Aysha Dhala, SummerhillParc