The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Canada

The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada

Outty Ranking 88 5.0 · 369 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $28
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Outty Ranking

88/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 369 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada worth booking?

The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada is a 2-hour experience in Vancouver, Canada, from $28 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 369 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
88 / 100
Rating
5/5 (369)
Duration
2 hours
From
$28 per person

It's time for Vancouver's secrets to come out of the closet. The wild, untold history of Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ community comes alive through stories of struggle, unity, and celebration on a 2 hour adventure through Downtown and the West End. You'll meet a history of outrageous drag queens, book store bombings and the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city.

What you get

    About this experience

    It's time for Vancouver's secrets to come out of the closet. The wild, untold history of Vancouver's LGBTQ2+ community comes alive through stories of struggle, unity, and celebration on a 2 hour adventure through Downtown and the West End. You'll meet a history of outrageous drag queens, book store bombings and the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Vancouver

    Meet outside the Trees Organic Coffee Shop at 930 Burrard St.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Sun
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Forbidden Vancouver

    Know before you go

    • 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!

    Photos

    The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada, photo 2The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada, photo 3The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada, photo 4The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada, photo 5The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada, photo 6The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 369 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    369 verified traveler reviews for The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    368
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    92ellisp · October 2026

    Engaging storyteller and guide brings Vancouver’s queer history to life

    This was such a wonderful tour! Glenn is an excellent storyteller and guide. His historical accounts of Vancouver’s queer community were well-researched and informative while still allowing for the vibrant humanity of each person we learned about to shine through. We learned so much in a relatively short time—the two hours flew by!—and we really appreciated both the research that he does and the respect and care with which he approaches his work, especially for the more painful parts of our queer histories. Absolutely recommend this tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    nathanhJ3266UN · September 2026

    Inspiring. Amazing. Best Tour Ever!

    This was the best tour I’ve ever been on. Glenn is so informative and passionate, and I learned stories about Vancouver and Canadian LGBTQ+ history that I would never be able to learn elsewhere. I teared up twice. I was so inspired by this tour. Highly recommend!!

    Response from the operator: Hi Nathan, Thanks so much for your review! We are so delighted to hear The Really Gay History Tour was such a beautiful experience for you and was so resonant! Glad you could join us :)

    via Tripadvisor

    Morgan_D · August 2026

    Best Tour Ever!

    The tour guide was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I learned so much and had a great time! Do tour

    Response from the operator: Hi Morgan, Thanks so much for the review! We're so glad you enjoyed Glenn's tour so much, he's an amazing storyteller. Hope to see you back for another tour someday soon :)

    via Viator

    curiosityseeker19 · August 2026

    Absolute must for Vancouver and Canadian GAY history, A barrel of fun and info!

    Another find walking tour from Forbidden Vancouver agency. They have the best tour guides. A portion of the ticket admissions goes to charity so they give back to the community. The tour guide Glenn in pink, is simply the best, it's his picture in the advertisement so can easily find him at the starting point. Don't bother coming early. Knowledgable, humourus mixing pre-colonialization history of the First Nation, westward expansion, railroad construction uniting east to west and its development of Vancouver, scandals, pop culture, AIDS history and impact, gay civil rights pertaining to the federal government, local courts, human rights charter, city hall, religion and medical care, memorials and the gayborhood. From discreet anonymous hookup to the development of identity codes in public places to eventually speakeasies. Glenn will poise for pictures and answer any questions, even if overtime. One can ask for recommendations. Lecture includes gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, two spirit and transgender, drag kings and queens and sex workers. Talks of racism, feminism but fails to address the handicap. Glenn is the best, great personality and did his own research. This walking tour and Jack the Ripper in London are the best walking tours I've ever taken and I travelled around the world. Dont forget to tip him so he can buy more pink clothing ans accessories. Great way to be come familiar with Davie gayborhood. Wheelchair/walker accessible. Glenn will adjust pace if needed.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, Wow! Thanks so much for writing us such an in-depth glowing review! Sounds like you had a fantastic time with Glenn exploring the Davie Village, he's an amazing storyteller with a big heart. Thanks for the 5 stars and we hope to see you on another tour next time you're in Vancouver :)

    via Tripadvisor

    398mimid · June 2026

    Amazingly moving and very worthwhile tour

    Glenn is an amazing gem . We had two hours of a well paced walking tour , thoroughly researched, well presented, passionate , caring ,… amazing ! Thanks 🌈

    Response from the operator: Hi there, Thanks for the review! Thrilled you enjoyed Glenn's tour so much. Hope to see you on another tour someday soon :)

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sun
    Price range
    $28 to $39
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    129
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Forbidden Vancouver, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 84.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Forbidden Vancouver runs

    Why this scores 88

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)99
    Review evidence (18% weight)78
    Booking momentum (14% weight)75
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)68
    Local standing (8% weight)81
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver.

    How much does The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada cost?

    +

    Prices start at $28 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vancouver usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Vancouver is not rushed.

    Is The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 369 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Vancouver, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada?

    +

    Around 129 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Vancouver can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Vancouver and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Vancouver within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Vancouver?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Vancouver experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Grand Bicycle Tour of Vancouver, The Stanley Park Bicycle Tour, Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Vancouver?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Vancouver?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada?

    +

    Included: Professional guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada?

    +

    Meet outside the Trees Organic Coffee Shop at 930 Burrard St. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Vancouver. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada?

    +

    Across 369 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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