Vancouver: Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour

Vancouver’s Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s Prohibition-era past. Exploring the historic Gastown district, the 2-hour tour uncovers tales of bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption that shaped the dark underbelly of vice and crime during the Roaring Twenties. As the tour guides share these fascinating stories, participants gain a deeper appreciation for Vancouver’s colorful history. With wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation, this engaging experience is sure to leave you intrigued and wanting more.

About Your Stay

• A 2-hour guided tour exploring Vancouver’s Prohibition-era history, including bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption during the roaring twenties.
• Discover the dark underbelly of vice and crime through engaging storytelling at landmarks like Maple Tree Square and the former Woodward’s department store.
• Gain a deeper appreciation for Gastown’s colorful past and the prevalence of speakeasies, gambling dens, brothels, and illegal casinos during this period.
• Suitable for adult audiences and those aged 10 and up with parental discretion, with comfortable attire and no pets allowed.
• Gratuities not included but a 15-20% tip is appreciated for good service on this informative and engaging tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour offers a captivating 2-hour journey through the city’s Prohibition-era history. Priced from $26.28 per person, this guided tour explores the landmarks tied to tales of bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption.

Conducted in English, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Participants meet outside 356 Water Street in the historic Gastown district, wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

The tour is designed for adult audiences, with parental discretion advised for ages 10 and up. Gratuities aren’t included, but a 15-20% tip is appreciated.

Exploring Vancouver’s Prohibition-era History

When visitors embark on the Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour, they uncover the city’s captivating Prohibition-era history.

The tour takes guests through the historic Gastown district, sharing tales of bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption that characterized the roaring twenties.

The historic Gastown district comes alive with tales of bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption that characterized the roaring twenties.

Landmarks are brought to life through the guide’s engaging storytelling, shedding light on the dark underbelly of vice and crime that flourished during this time.

From speakeasies to underground tunnels, the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Vancouver’s past, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the city’s resilient and colorful history.

Gastown District and Landmarks

Visitors on the Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour explore the historic Gastown district, where they encounter landmarks tied to the city’s Prohibition-era past.

They visit the Maple Tree Square, once the hub of Vancouver’s seedy underworld, surrounded by popular bars and restaurants.

The tour also takes them to the former Woodward’s department store, a notorious front for bootlegging operations.

Along the way, guides share captivating stories of mobsters, corruption, and vice that thrived during the Roaring Twenties, bringing the past to life.

Guests leave with a newfound appreciation for Gastown’s colorful history.

Tales of Bootlegging, Mobsters, and Corruption

Though the Gastown district today bustles with shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, its past was far more sordid.

During Prohibition, Vancouver became a haven for bootleggers, mobsters, and corrupt officials. Speakeasies and gambling dens thrived, funded by the illicit alcohol trade. Notorious gangsters like Joe Celona and Louis Becker ruled the underworld, engaging in turf wars and gunfights.

Bribery and payoffs were rampant, as bootleggers greased the palms of police and politicians. The district’s seedy underbelly included brothels, opium dens, and illegal casinos.

This dark chapter in Gastown’s history provides a fascinating glimpse into Vancouver’s past.

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The Roaring Twenties: Crime and Vice

The Roaring Twenties witnessed a surge of illicit activities in the Gastown district, as Vancouver became a hub for vice and criminality.

Speakeasies, brothels, and gambling dens thrived, fueling a culture of lawlessness and corruption.

Visitors on the Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour can explore the remnants of this era, including:

• Hidden underground tunnels used for bootlegging and evading police

• Abandoned buildings that once housed notorious criminal operations

• Notorious alleyways where shady deals and illicit encounters took place

• Iconic landmarks linked to infamous figures and their daring exploits

• Legendary watering holes that drew a colorful cast of characters.

Meeting Point and Arrival Time

Participants of the Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour will meet at the intersection of Water and Cordova Street in the historic Gastown district. Guests should arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled tour start time to check in. The meeting point is located outside 356 Water Street.

| What to Bring | What Not to Bring |

| — | — |

| Comfortable shoes | Pets |

| Weather-appropriate clothing | – |

| – | – |

Upon arrival, guests will meet their knowledgeable guide and begin their journey through Vancouver’s Prohibition-era history, exploring landmarks tied to bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption.

Participant Guidelines

The Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour is designed for adult audiences, though it may be suitable for ages 10 and up with parental discretion.

Guests are encouraged to wear:

• Comfortable shoes for walking

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• No pets are allowed on the tour

Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price, but a 15-20% tip is appreciated for good service.

The tour explores the city’s Prohibition-era history, visiting landmarks tied to tales of bootlegging, mobsters, and corruption.

With knowledgeable and engaging guides, the experience is both fun and informative for a diverse range of travelers, from couples to solo guests.

Customer Reviews

According to the information provided, the Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 59 reviews.

Many customers praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides, such as Tila and Lenard, who were noted for their captivating storytelling and humor.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, found the experience fun and informative.

The tour’s Prohibition-era history, tales of bootlegging and corruption, and the vibrant Gastown setting were all highlighted as highlights by satisfied customers.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

The tour participants can bring their own snacks, but it’s not recommended as the tour finishes at Maple Tree Square, surrounded by popular bars and restaurants where participants can enjoy food and drinks.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but participants are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the guide or other guests. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?

The tour is designed for adult audiences, but children as young as 10 are allowed to join with parental discretion. There are no strict age restrictions, but the content may not be suitable for younger children.

Will There Be Breaks During the 2-Hour Tour?

The tour is 2 hours long, but there are no specific breaks planned. However, the guides allow time for participants to rest or use restrooms as needed during the tour. The pace is designed to be comfortable for all guests.

Can I Purchase Alcohol at the End of the Tour?

The tour does not include purchasing alcohol. However, the tour ends at Maple Tree Square, which is surrounded by popular bars and restaurants where participants can choose to purchase alcoholic beverages after the tour concludes.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Forbidden Vancouver Guided Tour offers a captivating dive into the city’s vibrant and sometimes seedy past. Participants can explore Gastown’s historic landmarks, uncover tales of bootlegging and corruption, and gain a deeper appreciation for Vancouver’s colorful Prohibition-era history. With its wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation policy, the tour is a must-do for anyone interested in the city’s darker, more intriguing story.

You can check availability for your dates here: