SPECIAL EVENT: The Curious Tales Of Stanley Park Manor
THE CURIOUS TALES OF STANLEY PARK MANOR
AS TOLD BY THE MAN WHO WROTE THE BOOK
THE CURIOUS TALES OF STANLEY PARK MANOR
AS TOLD BY THE MAN WHO WROTE THE BOOK
I bet you didn’t even know this building existed, nestled in Vancouver’s West End since 1931, a stone’s throw from Stanley Park. Yet, it’s been home to artists, journalists, sexual libertarians, literary giants, activists, dreamworkers, and thieves.
Join author, poet, and long-time building resident Kevin Spenst on a walking tour in and around the Stanley Park Manor. You’ll stroll its corridors, hear the whispers behind its walls, and discover the characters who’ve made it home ever since its Depression-era beginnings.
BOOK YOUR TOUR
THE CURIOUS TALES OF STANLEY PARK MANOR KEY INFO
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2026 | 10AM & 2 PM
120 MINUTES
$35 PER PERSON
MEET OUTSIDE THE STANLEY PARK MANOR, 1915 HARO STREET
BOOK YOUR TOUR
*IMPORTANT*
This walking tour is happening one day only, with limited capacity. Book your ticket now to reserve your spot. Note, sales are final.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
KEVIN SPENST
With a multidisciplinary practice that includes performance, writing, and music, Kevin Spenst (he/him) is the author of four full-length books of poetry and 19 chapbooks. An assortment of his lyric essays, interviews with his neighbours, and personal accounts from others make up the collection Stanley Park Manor: a Collective History, out with Anvil Press in the fall of 2026.
Kevin teaches in the School of Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia and is one of the Poetry Mentors at The Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver on unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territory where he cohabitates with the one and only Cheryl Rossi.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I park?
We recommend taking transit to the start point if you can. Parking is hard to find in the West End!
If you do need to drive, please set off early and leave enough time to find parking. One option is to park in Stanley Park and walk to the start point from there.
What do I need to bring?
We advise dressing for the weather. You’ll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Is it suitable for children?
This walking tour is suitable for ages 12+.
Is there a bathroom break?
There isn’t an unofficial bathroom break, but Robson Street is nearby, with plenty of cafes and restaurants.
Do we go inside the building?
You do! This walking tour is a mixture of stops inside the building and outside in the local neighbourhood.
How much walking is involved?
Be prepared to be on your feet for the entire tour, or up to 2 hours. The tour will be a mix of walking and standing.
What is the cancellation policy?
Sales are final. We’re unable to offer refunds or date exchanges.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
This tour is for the most part wheelchair accessible, although there are steps up into the Stanley Park Manor. If you have a motorized wheelchair, unfortunately this experience isn’t accessible.
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.
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 caused by the negligence of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours or otherwise.
What is the start and end point of the tour?
The start and end point of the tour is outside the Stanley Park Manor, at 1915 Haro Street, Vancouver.
Can I buy my tickets cheaper on another site?
Tickets for this event are only available on our website.
How often does this event run and when is the next date?
We’re only running this event on one day in 2026!
Can I buy a copy of "Stanley Park Manor: A Collective History" on the day?
You can! Kevin will have copies on hand for purchase at $26 each. And he’ll be happy to sign your copy too!
MEETING PLACE
Outside the Stanley Park Manor, 1915 Haro Street, Vancouver.