Vancouver: Gastown Walking Tour of Prohibition Secrets

Summary

Walk Gastown’s cobblestones, hear Prohibition stories, meet Vancouver’s past

You’ll follow a local guide through Gastown’s tangled streets, hear wild Prohibition stories, touch century-old bricks outside legendary bars, and stand where rum runners once made their moves. Expect laughter, odd facts you’ll retell later, and that feeling of being part of Vancouver’s layered past—even if just for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the city smells like after rain, right before you duck into an old bar? That’s how our Gastown walking tour started—wet cobblestones, a faint whiff of beer from somewhere nearby, and our guide, Sam, waving us over by the Cambie. He looked like he belonged there, honestly. We’d barely made it two blocks before he started spinning stories about rum runners and politicians who apparently weren’t much better than the mobsters back then. I tried picturing Vancouver in the Gold Rush days—hard to do with all the traffic now, but Sam had this way of making you see it anyway.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. There was this bit about Walter Findlay—the Prohibition Commissioner—who sounded more like a character from a noir film than real life. Sam pointed out the Woodward’s building, which I’d walked past a dozen times but never really noticed. The old bricks felt rough under my hand (I touched them when no one was looking), and for a second I could almost hear jazz leaking out from some hidden upstairs window. It was weirdly moving.

The tour wound through Maple Tree Square where Sam stopped us by what used to be a near-beer parlour—never knew those existed. Someone in our group asked if any of these places were haunted; Sam just grinned and said “only by bad decisions.” By the end, we were standing in Gastown proper with its uneven stones and that salty air drifting up from the harbor. I still think about that last stretch—everyone quiet for once, maybe just soaking up how old everything felt beneath all the neon signs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Gastown's Prohibition history

• Visit The Cambie bar and restaurant
• Hear about 1910 tallest building
• Learn about Historic Woodward's building
• Explore Gastown's main street and Prohibition Commissioner
• See near beer parlour at Maple Tree Square
• Walk cobblestone streets of Gastown

Top questions

Is this Gastown walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

How long is the walk during the Forbidden Downtown & Gastown tour?

The exact distance isn’t listed but expect several stops within central Gastown; moderate fitness is recommended.

Does the tour include a local guide?

Yes, a professional local guide leads every group on this walking tour.

Are children allowed on this Gastown Prohibition tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the tour.

What happens if it rains during my Vancouver walking tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or shine.

Where does the Gastown walking tour start?

The starting point is near The Cambie—a historic spot dating back to Vancouver’s Gold Rush era.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point in downtown Vancouver.

What’s included

Your experience includes a professional local guide leading you through Gastown’s historic streets and alleyways. The route is fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers or service animals too; just arrive ten minutes early so you don’t miss any stories or laughs along the way.