The Forbidden Downtown and Gastown Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Explore Vancouver’s dirtiest Prohibition-era secrets. From mobsters and rum runners to corrupt politicians, this historical walking tour winds through Gastown’s most historic streets and alleyways – and most illicit stories.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
What To Expect
Cambie Bar & Grill
A Vancouver institution, now a lively local bar, hostel and restaurant. The Cambie has history dating back to the Gold Rush!
Hear about the tallest building in town in 1910!
Options
The Forbidden Vancouver Tour
The Forbidden Vancouver Tour is an interactive walking tour through Vancouver's prohibition history. You'll hear tales of mobsters, opium, and vice as you explore historic Victory Sq. and Chinatown.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
487 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Marina 5 Stars
Nancy M,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marina is knowledgeable, engaging and friendly. It was a pleasure to be in her tour group. Would highly recommend.
Great tour for those looking to learn about more colorful parts of Vancouver history
562vikir,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I wanted a tour that would give us a quick and interesting history of Vancouver, and this 1.75 hour one was it (it certainly didn’t cover the entire history, but definitely the most colorful parts). Tour guide Lenard kept things informative and humorous with his easy, tongue in cheek delivery - he should do standup! At less than $30pp, the tour was a great value. It also didn’t involve a ton of walking and provided opportunities to sit later during the tour. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who likes to explore places or topics that are a little off the beaten path.
Wonderful and Fun
Martin O,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We are local Vancouverites and learned much from this interesting walk tour. Our guide AISLYNN MEDE was animated and a great storyteller. Highly recommended 2 hour tour
Great Tour
Cynthia B,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you have a Great Tour Guide, as we did, be prepared for it to take a little longer than advertised. She was full of information, and a joy to walk with. We even had someone on our tour that had been on the tour several years ago, and was (I felt like interupting her) and she handled it very well. Very well mannered, and did not make the individual fill like she was a burden.
Highly recommended!
Lasoerensen,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very enthusiastic guide. We can highly recommend this tour. Our guides name was Rob
Very Enjoyable Tour
DonnaH1772,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Halmon 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.
Glenn in Gastown
helenfrancesg,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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.
Amazing Aishlynn!
281celian,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aishlynn 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!
Great tour!
Holly12328,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 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.
History of Gastown, prohibition.
Groovymm,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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.
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