Saturday June 7th | Heritage Discovery Day 2025
Heritage Discovery Day offers a chance to take a peek inside a selection of heritage sites to learn about their diverse history, architecture, and design. Running since 2003, it is a wonderful way to explore Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods, discover the stories of each site, past and present, as well as connect with local businesses and community organizations.
To learn more about the event and volunteer’s roles, please view our introduction video here.
- Where: Kitsilano neighbourhood
- Time Commitment: 9am – 1:30pm or 1:00pm – 5:30pm
- Training: 1 hour session in May
There are three main volunteer roles detailed below. Training orientations’ will be scheduled in May according to the best availability of volunteers.
Roles Available:
- Site Team – two roles are part of the site team, which you can be rotated through during your shift. You will also be rotated through the rooms of the site so you get to see everything!
- Ticket Checker – stationed at the site/property entrance. Responsible for checking tickets, enforcing tour rules for entry, and managing capacity.
- Room Attendant – stationed within a room(s). Responsible for guiding participants through the room at a reasonable pace, answering questions, and ensuring the safety of participants and security of the site.
- Team Lead – Responsible for managing the Site Team throughout the day, including set-up or take-down, facilitating role/room rotation and breaks, and dealing with issues that arise. Best suited for those that have previously volunteered for a Tour and/or have experience supervising and directing a team. Additional training provided (required for new Leads).
- Event Team | Information Table and Ticket Pick-up – stationed outdoors. Responsible for answering questions, helping with wayfinding, sharing VHF materials, and facilitating ticket pick-up. This year, our Event Team will also be assisting with checking tickets at a tour site as our information table will be set up right beside it!
Team Building Opportunity: Are you part of an established group looking for a team-building opportunity that gives back to your community? Heritage Discovery Day is not only a great educational event but also a significant revenue generator for Vancouver Heritage Foundation. The event even aims to spotlight local businesses and stories of underrepresented communities. If you are a group of 8 to 12 people, we’d love to hear from you. You can commit half a day or a full day, nominate your own Team Lead or have an experienced VHF Volunteer Lead join your group. Please contact Caroline to see if this event is the right fit for your group.
Qualifications:
- 16+ years of age
- Positive and friendly attitude with great inter-personal skills and eager to connect with diverse audiences
- Able to take direction and manage tasks independently
- Willing and comfortable to enforce rules to the public
- Knowledge of heritage, architecture or history is not necessary, but those skills are very welcome
Support: Volunteers report to the Volunteer Manager and will be supported on-site by a lead volunteer and other VHF staff members. Volunteers will be provided with pre-event training, and a t-shirt/nametag. Questions can be directed to caroline@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
Perks:
- A ticket to attend the tour when off-shift (non-transferrable, minimum 4 volunteer hours committed). Volunteer shifts will be for half a day and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the tour before/after their shift.
- Snacks and beverages.
- Volunteer hours validation for school credit and reference letters upon request.
- Be part of a team!
- An invite to our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on June 22nd!
Learn more about our past House Tours.