By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | October 30, 2025
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The allure of the speakeasy has captivated cocktail enthusiasts for over a century, and Vancouver's modern hidden bar scene pays homage to this fascinating chapter in North American history. Today's speakeasies, with their unmarked doors and password-protected entrances, echo an era when drinking went underground—not just in the United States, but right here in Canada.

Canada's Prohibition Era

Canada experienced prohibition on a provincial basis, with Prince Edward Island enacting it first in 1901, and other provinces following during the First World War. Unlike the sweeping federal prohibition that gripped the United States from 1920 to 1933, Canada's prohibition was enacted province-by-province and was relatively short-lived, with most provinces repealing their laws throughout the 1920s.

Vancouver itself saw prohibition enforcement as early as 1917, with illegal liquor stills seized by authorities. The Canadian experience with prohibition was uniquely complex—while provinces banned the sale and consumption of alcohol, the federal government still allowed it to be manufactured and exported. This legal loophole made Canada a major supplier to thirsty Americans during their stricter prohibition years. Speakeasies in Canada were also known as "blind pigs," "grogshops," and "booze cans," serving watered-down liquor in backrooms and basements.

Modern Vancouver's Speakeasy Revival

Today's Vancouver speakeasy scene celebrates this rebellious history while offering legal, craft cocktails in atmospheres of mystery and sophistication. Each establishment brings its own theatrical twist to the prohibition-era aesthetic.

Bagheera stands out as a particularly inventive concept, hiding behind a fake bedding shop at 518 Main Street. Once inside, guests discover an interior designed to resemble a luxury train car, complete with a South Asian-inspired menu that elevates the experience beyond mere drinks. Similarly, The Narrow Lounge lives up to its name, tucked down a narrow alley off Main Street.

In Gastown, Arcana Spirit Lounge takes concealment to theatrical heights, masquerading as a "Pet Psychic" storefront while serving up cocktails in an occult-themed environment. Guilt & Co has established itself as a speakeasy-style destination known for its live music performances, combining the secretive ambiance with Vancouver's vibrant arts scene.

Chinatown's Laowai offers one of the city's most interactive entry experiences—patrons must visit BLND TGER dumpling restaurant and request "the number 7" to gain access to this concealed cocktail lounge, a modern nod to the password systems of the 1920s.

The newest addition to Vancouver's hidden bar landscape arrived in April 2025, when Lion's Pub unveiled a speakeasy accessible through a London-inspired telephone booth, proving that the city's appetite for these clandestine experiences continues to grow.

These establishments represent more than trendy watering holes—they're living tributes to an era when the simple act of enjoying a drink required courage, connections, and a sense of adventure. Whether seeking craft cocktails in a train car setting or mystical drinks in an occult den, Vancouver's speakeasy scene rewards the curious with unforgettable evenings wrapped in intrigue and exceptional libations.

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TAGS: #Vancouver Speakeasies #Hidden Bars Vancouver #Prohibition History #YVR Nightlife #Canadian History #Vancouver Cocktails #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

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