The Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour

The Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through Toronto’s past. Exploring the Gooderham and Worts distillery, participants uncover the complexities of the temperance movement and the rise of notorious gangsters like Harry Hatch. With tasting experiences featuring three distinct spirits, this 1.5-hour tour provides an engaging glimpse into the rich heritage of the Distillery District. Whether you’re a history buff or a spirits enthusiast, this unique experience promises to transport you back in time and leave you intrigued to learn more.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Walking Tours In Canada.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour walking tour explores the history of the Gooderham and Worts distillery during the prohibition era, including its legal challenges and links to gangsters.
• Participants can sample three distinct spirits, including a gin, whisky, and liqueur, while learning about the distillery’s innovative marketing and adaptation to social and legal changes.
• The tour is conducted in English, wheelchair accessible, and limited to 10 participants for an intimate experience.
• Booking can be made online with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and proof of drinking age is required for the spirit tasting.
• The tour provides a contextual understanding of the social and moral implications of alcohol consumption during the prohibition era.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour offers a unique experience in the Distillery District of Toronto.

Priced from €32.69 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is limited to just 10 participants and is conducted in English.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with the meeting point at 11 Gristmill Lane.

Highlights include learning about the rise of the Gooderham and Worts distillery during the temperance movement, discovering stories of gangsters and the infamous Harry Hatch, and sampling three spirits at the end of the tour.

Booking allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and reserving without payment provides flexible travel plans.

Prohibition History

Tracing its origins to the temperance movement of the 19th century, the Gooderham and Worts distillery rose to prominence during the prohibition era in Canada.

As the country grappled with the social and moral implications of alcohol consumption, this distillery became a symbol of the era’s complexities.

Visitors will learn how the distillery navigated the legal landscape, engaging in a cat-and-mouse game with authorities.

Stories of gangsters and the infamous Harry Hatch, a key figure during prohibition, offer a glimpse into the era’s illicit activities.

Distillery’s Rise

How did the Gooderham and Worts distillery rise to prominence during the prohibition era in Canada?

As temperance movements gained steam in the 1800s and early 1900s, the Gooderham and Worts distillery capitalized on the increased demand for spirits. They became the world’s largest distillery, producing millions of gallons annually.

The distillery’s strategic location in Toronto’s Distillery District allowed them to efficiently distribute their products. Plus, the company’s savvy business practices and innovative marketing tactics further solidified their dominance in the industry during this tumultuous time.

The distillery’s success is a testament to their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of significant social and legal challenges.

The highlights of the distillery’s rise include:

1. Becoming the world’s largest distillery
2. Capitalizing on increased demand for spirits
3. Leveraging strategic location and business acumen

Gangsters and Harry Hatch

During the prohibition era, the Gooderham and Worts distillery found itself at the center of a web of illicit activity involving infamous gangsters. Chief among them was Harry Hatch, a notorious bootlegger who used the distillery’s vast underground tunnels to smuggle illegal liquor. The tunnels became a hotbed of criminal activity, with Hatch and his associates engaging in high-stakes deals and narrow escapes from law enforcement.

Notorious Gangster	Illicit Activities	Smuggling Routes
Harry Hatch	Bootlegging	Gooderham and Worts Tunnels
Lucky Luciano	Racketeering	Railway Cars
Al Capone	Extortion	Lake Ontario Shipments
Bugs Moran	Robbery	Rural Roadways
Dutch Schultz	Money Laundering	Speakeasies

The distillery’s proximity to the brewing criminal underworld during prohibition made it a prime target for gangsters seeking to capitalize on the lucrative black market for alcohol.

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Tasting Experiences

The tour concludes with a tasting of three distinct spirits, offering participants an opportunity to sample the distillery’s signature offerings.

Guests will indulge in:

1. A robust and aromatic gin, showcasing the distillery’s historic craftsmanship.
2. A smooth and complex whisky, aged to perfection in oak barrels.
3. A distinctive liqueur, infused with local botanicals and a touch of sweetness.

These carefully curated samples provide a delightful sensory experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the depth and nuance of the distillery’s exceptional spirits.

The tasting serves as a fitting finale to the captivating journey through the Distillery District’s storied past.

Booking Information

Interested visitors can easily reserve their spot on the Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour through the online booking platform.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible travel plans. Guests can reserve their place without payment, making it convenient to secure their spot.

Once booked, you will receive detailed information about the meeting point and tour schedule. The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Proof of drinking age is required, as the tour includes three spirit samples at the end. Clients should check availability for starting times to ensure the tour fits their schedule.

Inclusions and Exclusions

What does the Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour include?

The tour provides a guided historical exploration of the Distillery District, along with 3 spirit samples for tasting.

The tour’s inclusions are:

1. Guided historical tour of the Distillery District.
2. 3 spirit samples for tasting.
3. Note that food and transportation aren’t included.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 19 years of age, and participants must bring proof of drinking age (ID required) to enjoy the spirit samples.

Important Details

It is important to note that the Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour is not suitable for individuals under 19 years of age. Participants must bring valid proof of legal drinking age (ID) to participate in the tour. This is a strict requirement, as the tour includes samples of spirits at the end.

Detail	Requirement
Age	19 years or older
Identification	Valid ID showing legal drinking age
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible

Be sure to check availability for tour start times when booking your spot. The Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the Distillery District while tasting local spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, participants should be respectful of the tour guide’s instructions and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific photography policies.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, participants cannot bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour only includes three spirit samples for tasting. Any other food or drinks are not provided or allowed during the walking tour.

Is the Tour Guide Open to Answer Additional Questions?

The tour guide is typically open to answering additional questions from participants. They are knowledgeable about the tour’s content and can provide more context or details upon request to enhance the overall experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour takes place outdoors in the Distillery District.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Beyond Wheelchair Access?

The tour provider offers wheelchair accessibility, but there may be additional accommodations available upon request. Guests with other mobility or sensory needs should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss their requirements.

Recap

The Prohibition & Spirits History Walking Tour is a captivating exploration of Toronto’s Distillery District during the prohibition era. Participants will uncover the distillery’s rise to prominence, learn about notorious gangsters like Harry Hatch, and enjoy sampling three distinct spirits, all while seeing the rich heritage of this fascinating period. This engaging 1.5-hour tour is limited to 10 participants, making it an exclusive and intimate experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: