The Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour

The Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Vancouver’s bootlegging, rum-running, and prohibition history. Priced at just $28.03 per person and lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, this guided walk explores key sites in Victory Square and Gastown. The tour is highly recommended by 98% of the 470 reviews, making it clear that many visitors find it both engaging and informative. The tour starts at 356 Water St in Vancouver and ends at a scenic point on Main Street & Alexander Street, providing excellent views of the Vancouver skyline.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on Vancouver’s dark side, with stories of mob bosses, corrupt politicians, and showgirls who played roles in shaping the city’s past. The professional guide leads you through landmarks like Cambie Bar & Grill, The Dominion Building, and Woodward’s 43, revealing the history behind each site. The tour’s popularity is reflected in the fact that it has been booked over five times just last week, indicating its appeal for those interested in local history and a lively storytelling experience.

While this tour emphasizes history and storytelling, it is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through cobblestone streets and historical neighborhoods. Public transportation options are nearby, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised. Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to meet at the designated start point.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $28.03, with a duration of around 90 minutes.
• Focus on Vancouver’s Prohibition era, exploring its dark side with stories of mobsters and corrupt officials.
• Guided walking tour through Victory Square and Gastown, visiting notable landmarks.
• Highlights include Cambie Bar & Grill, The Dominion Building, and Woodward’s 43.
• Highly rated with a 5.0/5 from 470 reviews and 98% recommendation rate.
• Tour starts at 4:00 pm, perfect for an early evening exploration.

Discover Vancouver’s Prohibition Past in Victory Square

The tour kicks off at Cambie Bar & Grill, a well-known Vancouver institution dating back to the Gold Rush period. Today, it’s a lively bar, but its history as a significant site during the city’s bootlegging days makes it a fitting starting point. The guide shares stories of the Gold Rush era and the early days of Vancouver’s development, setting the stage for the prohibition tales to follow.

Next, the walk takes you past The Dominion Building, which was the tallest in Vancouver in 1910. Here, the focus is on the city’s architectural history and how buildings like this played roles in the social and political landscape during the early 20th century. The short visit offers insights into Vancouver’s rapid growth and the corruption that often accompanied it.

Exploring the Historic Significance of Woodward’s 43

A key stop is Woodward’s 43, an important site with over a century of history. The guide discusses the building’s role over the last 100 years, emphasizing its influence on the city’s development. Visitors learn about the department store’s storied past and its connection to Vancouver’s social fabric, bridging the old with the more recent urban landscape.

The walk through Gastown is where stories of mobsters, showgirls, and crooked politicians come alive. The cobblestone streets and historic ambiance provide a vivid backdrop for tales of Vancouver’s underworld. The area’s speakeasies and gambling dens have now been replaced by trendy restaurants and hip bars, illustrating Vancouver’s transformation over the years.

Main Street and Walter Findlay’s Role in Prohibition

On Water Street, the guide highlights Walter Findlay, Vancouver’s Prohibition Commissioner. This part of the tour emphasizes his influence and the enforcement of prohibition laws that led to bootlegging and rum-running. The stories reveal how illegal activities flourished despite efforts to curb them, giving visitors a vivid sense of Vancouver’s clandestine nightlife during the early 20th century.

The walk continues to Hotel Europe, located in Maple Tree Square, a site with its own history tied to Vancouver’s liquor laws. Once, a near beer parlour stood here, adding another layer to the city’s colorful prohibition story. The guide shares anecdotes about the daring entrepreneurs who operated in defiance of the law.

The Role of Guides and Storytelling Style

Many reviewers praise guides like Glenn, Lenard, and Rob for their entertaining and knowledgeable narration. They bring Vancouver’s prohibition stories to life through fun anecdotes and detailed character stories. The guides’ passion and ability to make history engaging leave visitors with a memorable experience, often prompting reviews that mention the guides’ storytelling skills and enthusiasm.

Glenn, in particular, receives high praise for his great storytelling and engaging delivery. Whether it’s his depth of knowledge or his entertaining style, he helps make the history of Gastown feel vivid and real.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at 356 Water St at 4:00 pm. It is designed for groups of up to 20 people, making it intimate enough to ask questions and interact with the guide. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because the tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and some moderate physical activity.

The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making access simple. Weather conditions do not halt the tour, so dressing appropriately for rain or shine is advised. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, visitors should plan to meet at the start location or organize their own transportation afterward.

The Route and Walking Pacing

The tour covers several key sites in Vancouver’s historic district, with the longest stop being Gastown itself, lasting about 30 minutes. The walk between stops is well-paced, with light to moderate walking involved. The total walk offers a balance of storytelling and sightseeing, allowing visitors to absorb the stories without feeling rushed.

Reviewers note that the tour duration is around 1 hour 30 minutes, with some saying it can be a little long if moving at a slow pace, especially if walking in hot or rainy weather. However, the engaging narration and interesting stops make the time feel worthwhile.

The Experience in Different Weather Conditions

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so rain or shine, visitors can expect to enjoy the stories and landmarks. It’s advisable to dress appropriately, especially if rain is forecast, as the cobblestone streets can be slick. The outdoor nature of the tour means that weather can impact the comfort level, but not the overall experience.

Comparing Similar Tours and Additional Options

This walking tour stands out for its specific focus on Vancouver’s prohibition era and underworld stories. Visitors interested in history, architecture, and lively storytelling will find this tour more compelling than general city walks. For those wanting more haunted history, the Lost Souls of Gastown tour runs at night; however, this tour offers a daytime or early evening experience with a more historical focus.

Other nearby tours include Vancouver’s Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours or a Vancouver Lookout visit, but none match the unique prohibition storytelling of this walk. The price point also makes it an accessible and valuable option for a short, engaging experience.

Final Thoughts on the Forbidden Vancouver Tour

This tour provides a captivating look at Vancouver’s less-glamorous past, with stories of mobsters and illegal activities woven into the city’s architecture. The expert guides and well-chosen landmarks deliver a memorable, educational experience that’s perfect for history buffs or anyone curious about Vancouver’s hidden stories.

The value for money is high, with positive reviews highlighting the engaging narration and interesting sites. While the walking pace and weather considerations are factors to keep in mind, the overall experience remains well worth the cost and time. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy storytelling, urban exploration, and local lore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The Forbidden Vancouver Tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, covering several key landmarks in Victory Square and Gastown.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 356 Water St in Vancouver and ends at Main Street & Alexander Street, offering great views of the city skyline.

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, but dressing appropriately for rain or shine is recommended.

Are hotel pickups included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Participants are asked to meet at the designated start point.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on Vancouver’s Prohibition era, engaging storytelling, and notable landmarks like Woodward’s 43 and the Dominion Building make it a unique way to explore Vancouver’s dark history.

The Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour offers an affordable, engaging way to uncover Vancouver’s carved-in-time stories, perfect for history enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.