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What a Notorious City! The Secrets of Moose Jaw’s Underground Tunnels
Posted on 18 July 2025 by Nerissa McNaughton
Did you know that Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, holds secrets that rival the drama of a Hollywood gangster movie? This unsuspecting prairie city has a scandalous past tied to smuggling, underground hideouts, and even Al Capone himself. Yes, the Al Capone. Moose Jaw’s ties to prohibition and organized crime are just one part of the story, with fascinating layers of history buried beneath its streets.
Today, you can explore this exciting past through one of Canada’s most unique historical attractions, the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. More than just a walk through history, these underground tours are an adventure filled with mysteries, interactive storytelling, and plenty of “wow” moments!
Intrigued? Good. Grab your fedora and get ready to uncover Moose Jaw’s secrets!
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw: Canada’s Hidden History
On the surface, Moose Jaw might seem like just another picturesque Canadian town but beneath its streets lies an extensive network of tunnels built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These passageways, hidden from plain view, tell the story of a city that was more than meets the eye. Originally constructed for practical purposes like housing boiler systems, these tunnels gradually became the backdrop for riveting chapters of Canadian history. Immigrants, bootleggers, and spies all left their mark in this subterranean world, turning what might have been forgotten utility shafts into living history.
Today, Tunnels of Moose Jaw offers guided tours that transport visitors into the past.
Tour 1: Chicago Connection
Prohibition-era Moose Jaw was no stranger to scandal, and gangsters like Al Capone knew this prairie city had something special to offer. The tunnels became hotspots for smuggling liquor across the border into the United States, shielding illegal operations from the watchful eyes of law enforcement.
The Chicago Connection Tour plunges you straight into this fascinating world of the 1920s. Visitors follow the footsteps of bootleggers. Interactive storytelling and immersive setups paint a vivid picture of the dangerous, high-stakes life of liquor smuggling.
Tour 2: Bunker 24
From the roaring ‘20s, the narrative shifts dramatically to the stark reality of World War II and the Cold War. On the Bunker 24 Tour, you’ll step back into 1958 and become a recruit in Canada’s underground efforts to combat Communist threats and nuclear Armageddon.
This tour vividly brings to life Canada’s role in defending itself during one of the tensest eras in modern history. With immersive sets and riveting guides, you’ll learn about the high-stakes atmosphere of the Cold War, the fear of nuclear fallout, and the heroism of Canadians who worked behind the scenes to keep the nation safe.
Tour 3: Passage to Fortune
Not all historical adventures take place in bars or bunkers. The Passage to Fortune Tour brings to light the struggles and triumphs of early Chinese immigrants in Canada. At a time when discriminatory laws such as the Head Tax made life incredibly challenging, the tunnels in Moose Jaw offered both refuge and opportunity.
This tour takes visitors back to the early 1900s, recounting the stories of perseverance and hard work that defined the immigrant experience. From the backbreaking construction of Canada’s railways to the fight for equality in a fast-changing nation, Passage to Fortune is a deeply moving exploration of a vital chapter in Canadian history.
Through this experience, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the contributions of Chinese Canadians and their significant role in shaping the multicultural mosaic we celebrate today.
Explore History like Never Before
Now that you’re intrigued, it’s time to plan your underground adventure! Visit Tunnels of Moose Jaw to learn more about tour options, schedules, and pricing. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or check out their videos on YouTube to get a sneak peek of what’s waiting.
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw remind us that history still lives—in the places we walk, the stories we tell, and the tunnels tucked beneath a city’s surface. Don’t just read about history. Immerse yourself in it. Visit Moose Jaw and uncover the secrets that make this city one of the most interesting places to explore in Canada.
Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
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