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Vancouver Prohibition Secrets: Gastown Walking Tour
4.9
484 Ratings
Vancouver
Delve into the darkest tales of Prohibition-era Vancouver. This historical walking tour unveils the city’s hidden narratives, from gangsters and bootleggers to dishonest policymakers. The route trails through Gastown’s oldest roads and lanes, recounting its most forbidden histories.
Delve into the darkest tales of Prohibition-era Vancouver. This historical walking tour unveils the city’s hidden narratives, from gangsters and bootleggers to dishonest policymakers. The route trails through Gastown’s oldest roads and lanes, recounting its most forbidden histories.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cambie Bar & Grill - A staple of Vancouver, this vibrant local bar, hostel, and restaurant has roots tracing back to the Gold Rush era!
- The Dominion Building - Discover the story of the tallest building in the city as of 1910!
- Woodward’s 43 - Uncover the history of the iconic Woodward’s building in Gastown and its significance to the…
- Cambie Bar & Grill - A staple of Vancouver, this vibrant local bar, hostel, and restaurant has roots tracing back to the Gold Rush era!
- The Dominion Building - Discover the story of the tallest building in the city as of 1910!
- Woodward’s 43 - Uncover the history of the iconic Woodward’s building in Gastown and its significance to the city over the past century.
- Gastown - Conclude the tour on the charming cobblestone streets of Gastown, the historic heart of Vancouver.
- Water Street - Stroll along Gastown’s main street and learn about the Prohibition Commissioner, Walter Findlay.
- Hotel Europe - Located in Gastown’s historic Maple Tree Square, this site once housed a near beer parlour.

What's Included
- Professional guide
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time
Location
356 Water St
Water Street
Meet outside 356 Water street at the entrance to historic Gastown at Water and Cordova Streets.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(484 Ratings)
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Lasoerensen
May 24, 2026
Highly recommended! - Very enthusiastic guide. We can highly recommend this tour. Our guides name was Rob
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donnah1772
May 19, 2026
Very Enjoyable Tour - Halmon was very personable and knowledgeable. His voice was loud enough so everyone could hear him. His walking pace was good. He knew the answers to questions and he kept it fun because he has a good sense of humour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helenfrancesg
May 10, 2026
Glenn in Gastown - I have tagged along with my daughter to business trips to Vancouver on 2 occasions. Each time I book a walking trip with this group and they have yet to disappoint.
This Gastown tour with Glenn was so well done. He truly loves and is part of the history of this community and he is a lover of history and storytelling. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
281celian
May 8, 2026
Amazing Aishlynn! - Aishlynn was an incredible guide for the Forbidden Tour! She is a fantastic storyteller who brings the history of the city to life with the perfect balance of intrigue and wit. Her energy made the entire experience engaging from start to finish. If you're looking for a tour that is as educational as it is entertaining, definitely ask for Aishlynn!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Holly12328
May 5, 2026
Great tour! - Great tour with Zoe, so worth the money and learnt so much more than expected about the town and its cool history! Well worth it. Was about an hour and a half and the walk was comfortable for all ages and abilities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Groovymm
Apr 25, 2026
History of Gastown, prohibition. - I am part of the Tourism challenge. I volunteer at the Vancouver Aquarium and when guests ask me what to do, I shall definitely recommend the Gastown Forbidden Vancouver tour. Glenn our walking tour guide was amazing!! I shall definitely take advantage and go on other tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ithinkimjesus28
Apr 19, 2026
Great way to spend a couple of hours - Aman, the tour guide, was incredibly insightful and engaging. Our group had about 12 people in it, and he handled the group well, keeping us entertained and engaged. Aman mentioned he was educated in History and this came across in spades - it was evident he knew his facts and this was presented in layman's terms. Overall, a great way to spend a couple of hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrick_c
Apr 5, 2026
Wonderful insight to the... - Wonderful insight to the beginnings/history of Gastown. Guide was very informative and great storyteller.
Review provided by Viator
Alanpv6049gg
Dec 16, 2025
Rob was great! - Rob was full of energy and his jokes were funny! Even though it was raining he made the tour very enjoyable, and I learned a lot from it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Escape12954521618
Nov 29, 2025
Third Forbidden Tour! - Marina gave us an excellent tour of Gastown, Prohibition and the colourful characters who made up this era. Thank you !!
Review provided by Tripadvisor