Did you know Moose Jaw was nicknamed “Little Chicago of the Prairies?” Well I didn’t, but now I know that during Prohibition in the United States Moose Jaw was the home of an industrious band of bootleggers and American gangsters and that is why it earned this less than wonderful name. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw offers two themed 50 minute tours that take visitors through the underground passages connecting many downtown businesses. Costumed guides re-create characters from Moose Jaw’s history, including the bootleggers who hid underground during Saskatchewan’s Prohibition era. Gangster Al Capone is said to have used the tunnels to escape American authorities. Lawrie and I thoroughly enjoyed the gangster tour … the acting is great and the tunnels intriguing!
We are also impressed by the nice parks, interesting old homes and other buildings from an earlier time, the train station turned into a liquor store without wrecking the architecture and the lively atmosphere of this not so small town.