• Pacific Central Station - The tour begins at Pacific Central Station, completed in 1919. This historic site was a workplace for Black men from Hogan’s Alley, many of whom worked as porters, assisting passengers with navigating the railways and carrying their luggage with pride. As the station is explored, participants will learn about their significant contributions to Vancouver’s growth and hear stories of resilience, community, and excellence during a time of limited opportunities.
• Trillium Park Playground - At Trillium Park Playground, the history of the first Black migration to British Columbia is explored. Through historic archival photos, documents, and newspaper clippings, the formation of Vancouver’s Black community, including Hogan’s Alley, is examined. While learning these powerful stories of resilience and community, participants will also enjoy stunning views of the city skyline framed by the mountains—a perfect backdrop for reflection and photos.
• Vancouver Downtown - The tour continues through what remains of Hogan’s Alley, the historic heart of Vancouver’s Black community. Its stories of resistance, resilience, and joy endure. A pause is taken at the Fountain Chapel building, founded in 1918 by Nora Hendrix, grandmother of Jimi Hendrix. Although it no longer functions as a church, it stands as a testament to the community’s spirit and cultural life. Along the alley, tales of everyday life, struggles, triumphs, and even the early life of Jimi Hendrix are shared, connecting the past to the present in this poetic and powerful space.
• Vancouver Downtown - As the tour continues through Hogan’s Alley, some of the original houses that remain are seen, quiet witnesses to the vibrant community that once thrived here. These structures allow a connection with the lives and stories of the Black residents who built their lives in this neighborhood. The walk leads to the Georgia Dunsmuir Viaduct, a stark reminder of urban development’s impact: its construction led to the destruction of most of Hogan’s Alley and the displacement of countless residents. Here, reflection on the resilience of the community is encouraged, honoring the lives disrupted and the legacy that endures through memory, storytelling, and surviving architecture.
• Vancouver Downtown - The tour concludes in the colorful Strathcona neighborhood, walking down Union Street to witness what remains of Hogan’s Alley’s legacy. Along the way, a stop is made at the site of one of the last Black-owned businesses in the alley, which closed following the displacement of the community. The final stop is the Jimi Hendrix Shrine, located at the former site of Vie’s Chicken and Steakhouse: a cultural hot spot where Black musicians from the early to mid-1900s, including Diana Ross, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Sammy Davis Jr., would gather when visiting Vancouver. Here, stories of music, culture, and community life that once thrived at the heart of Hogan’s Alley are shared, leaving an indelible mark on Vancouver’s history.
• Vancouver Downtown - Finally, a few steps across the street are taken, beneath the viaducts, to reflect on how these concrete structures were built and to understand in depth how their construction destroyed most of Hogan’s Alley and displaced its residents. This closing moment invites participants to stand in the shadow of the viaducts and consider the lasting impact of erasure, memory, and the ongoing work to honor and reclaim this vital piece of Black history in Vancouver.

• Government fees

Vancouver was once home to a vibrant Black community, and it’s important to learn about it. This engaging walking tour through Strathcona and the former Hogan’s Alley reveals the hidden stories of British Columbia’s pioneering Black settlers, highlighting their journey, resilience, and enduring cultural influence.
This tour integrates archival materials, primary documents, and personal experiences to vividly animate history. Participants gain access to a digital archive of photographs and historical articles, meticulously curated from extensive research in British Columbia’s archives.
Participants will contemplate how these histories relate to the current realities for Black Canadians and our collective humanity.
This is more than just a tour; it is a visionary exploration of remembrance and understanding, presented with warmth, professionalism, and a dedication to truth. Each step provides a unique combination of scholarly insight, emotional storytelling, and exceptional hospitality, ensuring a profound and memorable experience for both visitors and locals.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.