The Vancouver Maritime Museum, located in the heart of Kitsilano, is now showing an exhibition called A Wild and Wet Coast: Rum-Running During Prohibition.
The exhibition takes an in-depth look at Canadians who helped transport liquor to the United States during the period of prohibition. Americans would come along the west coast in tugboats, watercrafts, speedboats, yachts and schooners to buy liquor. Often, those crossing the water were able to make a good amount of profit, allowing them to purchase a faster boat upon their next visit to secure liquor.
While it was legal to export liquor in Canada, tensions between Canada and the United States began to fray, spurring on new laws that made exportation between the two countries illegal. However, many were undeterred due to the lucrative nature of the trade. British Columbia rum-runners used coded messages to communicate with all parties involved in the import of liquor to the United States.
Adult admission to the museum is $13.50 with senior and student rates at $11. Children under the age of five can enter for free. A family pass, which includes up to four children and two adults, can be purchased at $38. Those who identify as Indigenous have free entry. Booking is available online. Flyer printing can help advertise and promote a limited exhibition such as this one to a community.
The Wild and Wet Coast: Rum-Running During Prohibition is now featuring at the Vancouver Maritime Museum until March 31st, 2024.
