Exploring the Tunnels History or Hype?
If walls could talk, the Tunnels of Moose Jaw would whisper secrets of bootleggers, immigrants, and long forgotten lives. From code breaking, to head taxes, to a corrupt police force, we learn the jaded stories that inspired The Chicago Connection, Passage to Fortune, and Bunker 24. An afternoon underground makes it clear: the Moose Jaw tunnels weren’t built for tourists, but for survival, secrecy- and sometimes sin.
As former Moose Jaw residents that grew up hearing tales of the famed ‘Tunnels of Moose Jaw” long before they opened, we wondered if they were worth the hype or just a tourist trap. It was time to find out for ourselves if it was a worthwhile Regina or Saskatoon day trip.
We were in Regina for a weekend volleyball tournament with Sarah and found ourselves with some free time late Saturday afternoon. After a quick debate, we took the short drive to Moose Jaw and booked a two tour combo for Passage to Fortune and The Chicago Connection. Soon, actors transported us back in time, revealing the secrets hidden beneath the streets and exposing Moose Jaw’s sordid past.
TL;DR – Visiting the Tunnels of Moose Jaw
- 🎭 Immersive and theatrical tours that blend fact with fiction — expect storytelling, not a textbook.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Best for older kids, teens, and adults; not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
- 🕰️ Budget 2–3 hours and book the combo tour for best value and the full experience.
- 👟 Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light jacket (it’s cool underground), and a refillable water bottle.
- 📸 No photography inside — just enjoy the show!
Passage to Fortune
Our quest to uncover the truth about the tunnels began with Passage to Fortune. This is not your typical tourist attraction. Rather, it is a sobering journey into one of the dark and most overlooked chapters of Canadian history.
Our guide cast us as Chinese immigrants and introduced us to our hostile new homeland. We toured our deplorable living conditions, met various characters ready to exploit us, and learned the expectations of our work placements. This immersive tour reveals the hardships faced by early Chinese immigrants in Canada. It follows their struggles to build better lives in Canada for their families.
The tour guide takes on multiple roles, bringing to life fictional Chinese characters rooted in historical situations. Issues include forced labor to repay passage costs, below-minimum wages, the Chinese head tax, dangerous railroad work, deep seated racism, and long term family separations. Though the characters are fictional, their stories echo the harsh realities faced by countless immigrants during those shadowed pages of our history.
There is some controversy over whether Chinese immigrants actually lived in the tunnels as the tour suggests. There has been criticism that the narrative is not completely true to the Moose Jaw experience.
However, the hardships they faced in Canada are undeniable. The tour offers a powerful blend of fact and fiction with a dash of creative licensing- crafted to evoke empathy and inspire reflection on our country’s muddied path toward multiculturalism.
This is a heavier experience. It is best suited for those who want to engage deeply with themes of resilience, perseverance, and injustice. Passage to Fortune aims to do more than just educate. It also aspires to spark meaningful conversations about the past and how it still echoes in the present.
The Chicago Connection
From struggling to smuggling, The Chicago Connection shifts the narrative to one of mystery and intrigue. It delves into Al Capone’s world of bootlegging, gangsters, and corrupt police during the Prohibition era in Moose Jaw. Our guides, ‘Frankie’ and ‘Gus,’ cast us as bootlegger wannabees and took us on a tour to teach us the secrets of survival in Capone’s underground world.
The number one rule: “Forget everything!”
The tour regales us with stories from Fanny’s Saloon, Capone’s office and suite, and the underground tunnels. We learn about the origin’s of Capone’s nickname, Scarface, the swift retribution for betrayal, and the multi million dollar profits flowing into the gangster’s accounts. It is immediately clear that our survival will require stealth, silence, and steadfast allegiance to the boss.
Is the narrative grounded in solid historical fact? Not entirely. At the end of the tour, our guide confirmed that there is little concrete evidence to confirm Capone ever operated out of Moose Jaw.
However, local lore thrives without tangible evidence- born from timeless tales passed down through generations. Together, they weave intrigue, mystery, and adventure to captivate audiences, leaving them open to boundless possibilities. It is the intertwining of folklore and facts that envelops the soul of a city.
This is an intriguing experience—one best suited for those who want to engage with the story telling traditions and cultural lore that the city has built its identity around. Ultimately, The Chicago Connection aims to entertain and ignite the imagination. It invites tourists to delve into the chronicles of Capone and their influence in Moose Jaw’s history.
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Bunker 24
The last tour is Bunker 24. Although we didn’t have time to experience it ourselves, we were able to learn more through some research and a great conversation with one of the managers, Bobby.
Bunker 24 is the newest tour, and Bobby described it as tongue-in-cheek Cold War humour set in an era where spies, espionage, and paranoia were rampant. It’s his personal favourite, and he believes it is highly relevant in today’s political climate.
Like the other tunnel tours, Bunker 24 blends fact with fiction, using characters to bring the Cold War atmosphere to life. While code breakers never operated out of the tunnels, they were an essential part of Canada’s national defense strategy during this time of global uncertainty.
The tour is designed to leave visitors with a lingering sense of anxiety and unease — a window into a world where leaders faced impossible choices and the threat of nuclear war loomed large. Through its narrative, Bunker 24 explores the moral complexities, weight of leadership, and psychological tension that dominated the Cold War era.
Are the Tunnels of Moose Jaw History or Hype?
So is it history or hype? It seems it is a delightful blend of both. Cold, hard history buffs who crave only the facts might want to sit this one out.
But if you’re eager to immerse yourself in history and experience the city’s rich local lore, this tour is for you. It’s an opportunity to witness the blending of heritage and hearsay. When art meets history, they create an encounter that goes beyond a mere retelling of the past.
The History Behind the Hype
So what is the verified truth of the Moose Jaw tunnels and the city’s history? The city built the tunnels in the early 1900’s as steam tunnels to connect the buildings and help with heating and maintenance. Over time the tunnels expanded and hosted a variety of official and unofficial activities.
There was a large influx of Chinese immigrants into Moose Jaw at the beginning of the 20th century. Between 1910 and 1913, the number of Chinese immigrants tripled in Moose Jaw giving them the largest Chinatown in Canada.
They faced harsh discrimination, head taxes, dangerous working conditions, below minimum wages, and severe physical and mental illnesses. Chinese immigrants owned over half of Moose Jaw’s restaurants and most of the laundromats at that time. Ultimately, Chinese people were welcomed into economic circles, but excluded from the social fabric of the city.
Furthermore, Moose Jaw was indeed a hub for bootlegging during prohibition, and it was on a direct train line from Chicago, making it an ideal hideout. Crime ran rampant, and many accused the police—especially the chief—of corruption. It is widely agreed they accepted payoffs and tipped off bootleggers about potential raids. Finally, there are vague references to Al Capone’s alias’s receiving medical and dental care in Moose Jaw.
Additionally, Moose Jaw was an integral part of Canada’s national defence system. Home to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the base became Canada’s primary flight training grounds. The base was a vital part of NATO air training, providing necessary training for many NATO allies.
The city’s political, social, and economic landscapes made it a ripe breeding ground for the plausible to become probable. From there it was inevitable that it would claim its place in legend, folklore, and history alike.
The Final Word on the Tunnels of Moose Jaw
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw aim to entertain, educate, and engage visitors with the rich and sometimes dark tapestry of Moose Jaw and Canadian history. While not an exact representation, the experience offers a platform to immerse in the emotions, speculations, and challenges that shaped our past. For those seeking complete historical accuracy you won’t find it here. It is designed for those that let the presentations spark their curiosity and guide them on their own fact-finding journey.
Ultimately, the tunnels provide a unique blend of history and entertainment. Though it does not deliver a precise account, it invites visitors to reflect on and explore the past more deeply. Let it inspire you to dig further and uncover the stories that have shaped our history.
Tips for the Tunnels
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- There is a free parking lot for Tunnel customers behind the Tunnels building (access via River Street).
- Bring a light fleece or bunny hug (Saskatchewan slang for hoodie)- it can get cool underground.
Buy on Amazon 👉🏼 Men’s Columbia fleece
Buy on Amazon 👉🏼 Women’s Columbia fleece - Teens and older children will enjoy it
Not ideal for toddlers; young children might find it long or dark - Bring a water bottle and comfortable shoes. There’s lots off walking and stairs
Buy on Amazon 👉🏼 Water bottle - The Tunnels are not wheelchair accessible. It could be difficult for mobility challenged customers.
- Purchasing a tour combo gives a lower price per tour. Check Tunnels of Moose Jaw for most up to date pricing.
- No photography is allowed during the tours.
- Stop at Rosie’s on River Street (around the corner on River Street) for lunch or supper afterwards.
- Car is the most reliable way to get to and around Moose Jaw
If you need a car rental, we recommend Discovercars.com- This is who we use when we need to rent a car
- We consistently find they have lower prices than other booking platforms.
- Lots of variety to choose from.
- Good availability.
Where to Stay in Moose Jaw
Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa
Walking distance from the Tunnels!
👉🏼Check availability and rates at Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa
Enjoy ultimate luxury and pampering!
Wakamow Heights Bed & Breakfast
Experience the charm of a 1902 heritage home nestled in Wakamow Valley. This adults-only B&B offers elegant rooms with private baths, fireplaces, fridges, and balconies. Guests enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning.Located at 690 Aldersgate Street, it’s within walking distance to downtown attractions. Rates start at $135 per night.
👉🏼Check availability and rates at Wakamow Heights Bed & Breakfast
🕐 Only 6 available rooms — lock in your stay early!
Days Inn by Wyndham
Situated off Trans-Canada Highway 1, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with amenities like free continental breakfast, an indoor pool with waterslide, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. Each room includes a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.
👉🏼Check availability and rates at Days Inn
🕐 Lock in your stay early!
None of those are quite what you’re looking for? No problem. Just enter your dates, number of people, and budget in the map below and choose an option that fits your vibe.
