The Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour

Meet a guide in Cathedral Square, then set out on foot through some of Vancouver’s most shocking history. Find out how Prohibition closed Vancouver saloons and created an underground world of bootleggers, mob bosses, and shady power brokers. Hear the story of Vancouver mayor L.D. Taylor, known for his wild parties, and how Vancouver rum-runners learned to keep American bars stocked with illegal booze.

In Chinatown, find out the real meaning of a back alley “blind pig” while walking through a neighborhood whose opium dens once thrived. As you walk, see key Vancouver landmarks as well, including Sun Tower, the ornate Dominion Building, and the cobblestone streets of Maple Tree Square, where you finish the tour close to top attractions and restaurants.

• Visit two fascinating historic neighborhoods
• Get a glimpse of the city’s Prohibition-era mayhem
• Hear stories of corrupt politicians and cops
• Fun alternative to traditional history tours

Discover the scandalous side of Vancouver history on a walking tour that explores the former speakeasies, back alleys, and opium dens of Victory Square and Gastown. See some of the Vancouver’s key landmarks while learning how the Prohibition era brought an underworld of crime and gambling to the frontier city.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers