Shadows of Prohibition: The Montreal Escape
Montreal, 1920s. The air is thick with smoke, whispers, and forbidden drinks. You wake up under blooming cherry trees, a stranger’s jacket draped over you - and a wallet inside that could get you killed.
Al Capone’s friends don’t forgive easily. Follow the hidden trails of the city’s Prohibition past, solve puzzles to uncover secret bars and forgotten deals, and escape the night’s deadly mistake. Grab your friends or family, walk the misty streets, and piece together the clues before it’s too late.
This isn’t just a stroll - it’s a real-world mystery where your wit and nerve will shape your fate. Will you slip away unseen... or become part of the legend?
Staying a few days in Montreal? All 5 Montreal quests for CA$54.99 — pays for itself by quest #4. See the Exploration Pass →
Places you will visit
11
It will take you
75-105 mins
You will walk
3420 steps
Total distance
2.6 km
Highlights
Discover or rediscover the cultural heart of the city in a brand new light.
Dive into a mythical era ridden with gangsters, bootleggers and worse, jazz musicians.
Visit popular and unknown locations around the town center.
Follow the journey of a sympathetic drunkard stranded in his own city.
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone — race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
The mission: Your story in Montreal
Light goes through your retinas. Foggy, blurry light. Are those… cherry trees? The branches mix with flashes of liquors of all sorts.
As you stumble up, something in your pocket bothers you. (Take out your wallet, look at your cards.)
Who’s that? Could you have taken the wrong jacket?
Oh oh – you’ve been with dangerous people lately. Friends of Al Capone and Conrad Labelle. What if it’s theirs? Oh no, no… OK. Just remember the place, drop the jacket incognito, and you may live another day! Think!
Prohibition-era Montréal
Why American Prohibition sent nightlife north
When alcohol was prohibited across the United States from 1920 to 1933, Québec followed a different path: beer, wine and licensed drinking remained available under provincial regulation. Montréal’s clubs and cabarets attracted visitors from across the border and strengthened its nightlife reputation. This quest uses that real contrast as its setting; the Al Capone connection and missing-wallet escape are fictional.
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
146 ratings
Sarah
Hugo Collomb
Man Nga Liu
jean-francois Renard
isabel
Beat the best: Top Montreal explorers
Upcoming Events in Montreal
Limited-time adventures, book before they're gone
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Frequently asked questions
What’s the idea behind Shadows of Prohibition?
You wake up in 1920s Montreal, with a wallet that’s not yours and serious trouble brewing. You follow clues, discover speakeasies, dodge gangsters, and try to unravel what went wrong—all before it’s too late.
Is this more for mystery lovers or history buffs?
BOTH. If you love mystery, you’ll dig the sneaky clues and shady characters. If you like history, the Prohibition era, jazz, and Montreal’s past are woven into the storyline. Great combo.
Could this be a cool date night idea?
Yes! It’s atmospheric—nighttime or dusk adds to the mood. Solving puzzles together, walking past old bars, getting chills from the story… it’s something different and memorable.
Is it something families with kids can enjoy?
It depends on the kids. Older ones (teens) who enjoy thrill, history, puzzles will love it. Younger kids might find some parts scary or confusing. Also better during daylight if with little ones.
Where does the quest start and end?
You start at Sakura Garden in downtown Montreal and finish at Place des Arts. It winds through central streets & hidden spots in between.
Is Shadows of Prohibition: The Montreal Escape self-guided?
Where does Shadows of Prohibition: The Montreal Escape start and finish?
How many accesses does our group need?
What language is Shadows of Prohibition: The Montreal Escape available in?
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Transparent pricing shown before checkout
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
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