The Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour

Highlights

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

Summary

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.

Tour info

Duration

1 hours

Why take this tour?

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.

What’s included?

Professional guide
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 1h 30m
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours

About operator:

Peek beneath Vancouver’s sparkling surface to uncover a hidden history of dark crime, outrageous intrigue, and filthy scandal. Roam the city with our expert guides in these one-of-a-kind walking tours, and hear the scintillating stories of Vancouver’s secret past. Now staging the Forbidden Vancouver Tour, the Lost Souls of Gastown Tour, the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour, and the Really Gay History Tour.