"He went to Hollywood, he did such amazing job, changing people's lives, talking to people, encouraging people to do better, and he himself went and did better things for himself too," said 16-year-old Karleigh Walker, who organized the vigil.
Monteith, who was born in Calgary and raised in Victoria, was found dead by hotel staff on Saturday afternoon when he failed to check out as expected.
On Tuesday, the B.C. Coroners service confirmed Monteith died from a mix of heroin and alcohol in his body.
Monteith had been candid about his struggles with addiction, which included a rehab stint several months before his death.
Actor Cory Monteith, 31, was found dead in Vancouver, B.C. last weekend
Earlier today, Fox said the show's fall return, scheduled for September 19, has been moved to September 26 "in light of the tragic passing" of the beloved cast member. No further information was available, the show's producers said.
Monteith played high school quarterback and glee club member Finn Hudson, who had graduated and moved on to college but was an adviser to his old club and remained part of the show.
Finn also had an off-and-on romance with fellow student and singer Rachel, played by his real-life girlfriend Lea Michele.
Before the star's sudden death, the
network had provided some hints about what viewers could expect in the
new season, but there was no mention of what might happen with Finn's
character.