Thank you for volunteering your time! We’re excited to have you part of this annual event, now running for 20+ years.
Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Heritage House Tour has taken place on the first weekend in June since 2003. Now reimagined as Heritage Discovery Day, this event activates a neighbourhood and offers a chance to explore a selection of Vancouver’s heritage homes and community sites, each with its own story, past and present, from early architects, builders and residents to more recent restorations and adaptations. It is a wonderful way to explore Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods, local businesses, community spaces, artisans, as well as discover architectural styles, design ideas, and garden landscapes.
Thank you to our 2025 Team Lead Volunteers!
Anne M.
Ausra V.
Debbie A.
Ellen H.
Favour M.
Florentina R.
Hillary T.
Jack A.
John O.
Marlene C.
Mary Lou S.
Peter M.
Rob O.
Roel S.
Yasmine S.
Interested in a leadership position at Heritage Discovery Day? Contact the volunteer manager
Event Overview
If you are a new volunteer (or need to refresh your memory), please review this short video for an overview of the Heritage Discovery Day event and guidelines. Volunteers are expected to be familiar with, follow, and be comfortable enforcing guidelines to tour attendees.
Heritage Discovery Day 2026:
Welcome to Mount Pleasant and Riley Park!
We have an exciting lineup of 9 houses and sites to explore on Saturday June 6th. Spread from W 5th Avenue to E 35th Avenue and Columbia Street to Fraser Street there will be something for everyone to love. Here is a sneak peak of the sites on the tour:
- A 1912 family home with a hidden time capsule
- A converted church with stunning contemporary art collection
- A mid-century modern precursor to the Vancouver Special
- A 1908 and 1910 Edwardian with original finishings
- And more…
Neighbourhood Resources
- View VHF’s Mount Pleasant self guided walking tour map guides
- Find Places That Matter in Mount Pleasant and Riley Park
- Find other heritage places in Mount Pleasant and Riley Park with our Heritage Site Finder
- Learn about Vancouver House Styles
- City of Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant and Riley Park
Our Host Nations are xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)
Important Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
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Details I submitted on my sign-up form have changed – what do I do?
Reach out by phone or email to let the volunteer manager know. Majority of the time we can accommodate changes to schedules or other things. We are just as passionate about making sure you’re able to volunteer as you are to volunteer.
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My friend wants to volunteer but only at the site I will be at.
No problem, make sure to note that on your sign up form! Please note we will require a sign-up form from both of you.
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Is the in-person training meeting mandatory?
We acknowledge volunteers have busy schedules, may live outside of Vancouver and may not me able to attend in-person meetings. When you are scheduled into your volunteer team, you will have the opportunity to ‘vote’ on several date options for the 1-hour pre-event meeting. The meeting will be scheduled on the date the most number of volunteers are available for.
Attending the training meeting is strongly encouraged for new volunteers but is not mandatory in order to volunteer. If you are not able to attend the meeting, you will be expected to communicate with the volunteer manager to coordinate picking-up your volunteering materials (t-shirt, notes package, and complementary ticket) and read over all of the materials provided to you (Volunteer Handbook, HDD for Volunteers document, site notes package) in order to be prepared ahead of your shift.
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Will there be training on site at the event?
No, volunteers are expected to arrive at their site ready to go. There will be a short time to get oriented and familiar with the space but all formal training takes place in advance of the event.
Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to reach out to the volunteer manager with any questions or if they would like additional one-on-one training.
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My schedule has changed and I have to cancel my volunteer shift - what do I do?
Reach out by phone or email to let the volunteer manager know. We understand that things change and higher priorities can unexpectedly materialize. We would rather you give us as much notification as possible so we can prepare.
Please make sure to review our volunteer manual for our policies regarding cancellations of volunteers shifts and no-show without notification.
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Can I use my phone while volunteering?
No. Volunteers should be attentive to ticket-holders and always alert to answer questions and ensure security of the site. You are welcome to keep your phone on you but it should always be stowed in your pocket or bag. You will have the opportunity for a short break in a private space and can use your phone at that time.
Remember, ticket-holders are not allowed to have their phones out on tour so neither should you.
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I wont be able to stand for my entire shift - am I able to sit down while volunteering?
Yes, please let the volunteer manager know in advance of volunteering (you do not need to tell us why) and we will make a chair available for you. Either one that we receive permission for already at the site or one provided by VHF.
Volunteers should never recline on furniture such as couches or beds. If a site owner gives you permission to use a dining chair or stool, you may do so.