Forbidden Vancouver

Tour Details

Uncover Vancouver's dirtiest secrets on this fascinating walking tour, delving into the city's most scandalous prohibition-era history. From blind pigs to opium dens, you’ll see a side of Vancouver you never knew existed!

Your journey begins outside Monaco cafe on Water St, when prohibition arrived in British Columbia. As saloon doors swung shut, Vancouver transformed into a haven of illicit booze, crime, and vice. Your guide will regale you with tales of villains, crooked politicians, and mobsters who ruled the city during the roaring twenties, including Vancouver’s very own “Al Capone,” Joe Celona.

As you stroll past ornate heritage buildings, wander down narrow alleyways unchanged for over a century, and walk along historic streets once teeming with bawdy houses, saloons, and blind pigs, you’ll gain a unique perspective on Vancouver’s colorful past. As former mayor LD Taylor famously said, “This is a port city, we ain’t no Sunday School town!”

The tour concludes on the cobblestone streets of Maple Tree Square, surrounded by Gastown's most talked-about bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to share your newfound knowledge and stories with friends and family over a post-tour dinner or drinks.

This walking tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Vancouver's scandalous secrets through thrilling tales of mobsters and crime during the Prohibition era and visits to the locations where these crimes occurred. Reserve a spot on this amazing walking tour, and get ready to explore Vancouver's dark history!