Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ History

Visit iconic landmarks like Hotel Vancouver, St. Andrew's Wesley United Church and more as you explore the West End and downtown areas while learning about the history of Vancouver's LGBTQ+ culture on this cultural tour. This tour is ideal for culture connoisseurs looking to learn about Vancouver's LGBTQ+ culture and history. Your two-hour walking tour includes an expert guide dressed in pink who will share the stories of Vancouver's past that impacted the LGBTQ+ community like the bombings of the former Little Sister's Bookstore. You'll also explore the Davie Street gay-friendly neighborhood, Nelson Park, and more attractions Vancouver has to offer. Start off your journey into Vancouver's LGBTQ+ culture by meeting up with your expert guide on West George Street in front of the Vancouver City Centre Skytrain Station. Your guide will be easy to spot as he's the man dressed in pink and ready to take you on a journey to discover the past and culture of the city's LGBTQ+ community starting with a stop at Hotel Vancouver. This majestic hotel boasts French Renaissance-inspired architecture and was once a secret location legendary for gay meetups. View the iconic neoclassical architecture of the Vancouver Art Gallery across the street, a space where the first LGBTQ+ demonstration against discrimination was held in the 1970s and the former courthouse along Robson Street as the man in pink shares the unsolved 1915 case of Rex vs. Singh that resulted in a hung jury. Next, you'll visit the Quadra Club, a location where drag kings and queens gather and the Imperial Court coronations were conducted at the Commodore Ballroom. You'll also travel by the landmark chapel and St. Paul's Hospital, then take a short break to explore the lovely and lush surroundings of Nelson Park and learn about the GRID epidemic, Patient Zero, and the gay ministers of St. Andrew's Wesley United Church. Head to Davie Street, a former secret gay village that has evolved into an iconic "gayborhood" that is home to a variety of popular gay bars like the Junction and Numbers. Learn about the Vancouver's first Pride Parade and the bookstore bombings of the former Little Sister's bookstore as you pass the tree-lined streets of the historic West End area. Your tour guide will also take you through Jim Deva Plaza and share stories about Davie Street's history, Gone to the Spirits, and the transgender campaign that unearthed Vancouver's biggest crime.Finish the tour at Davie Street Village, where you can enjoy a drink on your own and explore the neighborhood pubs before heading back to the port. This walking tour combines the best of both worlds, providing the opportunity to learn about Vancouver's LGBTQ+ culture and to see some of its most famous gay-friendly districts. For a memorable cultural experience, reserve your spot on this guided tour today!