
Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition worth booking?
Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition is a 1.3-hour experience in Montreal, Canada, from $6 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (10)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $6 per person
You wake up under cherry trees in Montreal's Chinatown, a stranger's jacket draped over your shoulders and a wallet inside that could get you killed. Al Capone's associates don't forgive mistakes. Follow the hidden trails of the city's Prohibition past and find a way out before anyone finds you. This self-guided mystery quest takes you on a 90-minute walk through the living history of 1920s Montreal. Using the Questo app on your smartphone, you piece together a noir story across Chinatown, the old Red Light District, Monument National, and the Place des Arts. Solve cryptic puzzles, decode secret messages, and uncover the underground cabaret scene that thrived while the rest of North America went dry. Start whenever you like and explore 2.6 kilometres of Montreal's most atmospheric streets entirely at your own pace. Perfect for history lovers, couples, and curious explorers who want to see the city through a completely different lens. No prior knowledge of Quebec history needed.
What you get
About this experience
You wake up under cherry trees in Montreal's Chinatown, a stranger's jacket draped over your shoulders and a wallet inside that could get you killed. Al Capone's associates don't forgive mistakes. Follow the hidden trails of the city's Prohibition past and find a way out before anyone finds you. This self-guided mystery quest takes you on a 90-minute walk through the living history of 1920s Montreal. Using the Questo app on your smartphone, you piece together a noir story across Chinatown, the old Red Light District, Monument National, and the Place des Arts. Solve cryptic puzzles, decode secret messages, and uncover the underground cabaret scene that thrived while the rest of North America went dry. Start whenever you like and explore 2.6 kilometres of Montreal's most atmospheric streets entirely at your own pace. Perfect for history lovers, couples, and curious explorers who want to see the city through a completely different lens. No prior knowledge of Quebec history needed.
What's included
Included
- One device works for up to 3 players; buy extra tickets for the full multiplayer experience
- Real Prohibition history at every stop, from jazz migration to police corruption
- Flexible scheduling, start anytime, play entirely at your own pace
- Decode secret messages and solve noir puzzles across Chinatown and the Red Light District
- Self-guided Prohibition mystery through central Montreal
- Story-driven 1920s mystery following a drunkard through Montreal's gangster underground
Not included
- Live tour guide (self-guided via the Questo app)
What you'll see and do
Montreal Botanical Garden
You will begin at Sakura Garden. Here you will be given your first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you, which will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Parc Sun-Yat-Sen. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Place de la Paix. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Quartier des Spectacles
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Parterre du Quartier des spectacles. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Church of Saint John the Evangelist
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Church of St. John the Evangelist. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada . You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at St. James United Church. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at Place des Festivals. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.
5 minutes here
Place des Arts
You will finish at Place des Arts. Here is where both the story and the city exploration games end.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Montreal
The game starts at Sakura Garden. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app, tap "Bought a quest somewhere else?" and enter your booking reference number.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You will finish at Place des Arts.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Questo
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lots fun!
I would definitely recommend!! It was alot fun and great learning experience!
via Tripadvisor
Easy and accessible activity
Fun, quite easy, allows to notice details and historical information. Correct length and difficulty to be done with children.
Response from the operator: Merci beaucoup pour votre retour ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié l’aventure et que l’expérience ait été adaptée pour les enfants. C’est exactement l’esprit de ce jeu : s’amuser tout en découvrant des détails et des histoires de la ville. Au plaisir de vous revoir pour une prochaine enquête !
via Tripadvisor (translated)
An unforgettable trip.
Exploring Montreal without a guide is a huge mistake. An experienced tour guide is essential to hear and witness the hidden details.
Response from the operator: Thanks for playing! Hope to see you exploring many more cities and quests with us.
via Viator
Easy and accessible activity
I did the quest with a friend during a monthly appointment, we liked the experience that made us observe and learn a little more about our hometown. I liked the concept and during a trip I shared the experience with my family. As there are in many cities, it is worth looking at when you move!
Response from the operator: Merci beaucoup pour votre retour ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié l’expérience à Montréal et que vous ayez même pu la partager avec votre famille lors d’un voyage. C’est exactement ce que nous espérons : redécouvrir sa propre ville ou en explorer une nouvelle de façon ludique et originale. On espère vous revoir bientôt pour une nouvelle aventure Questo, où que vous soyez !
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Directions not clear
The directions to get from one place to the next were very vague and hard to follow. It would have been helpful to include more street names.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback! It’s great to know you’re exploring new places. Your insights about the directions are appreciated, as they’ll help us improve. If you have any further concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out via chat, available 24/7, or email us at care@questoapp.com. We’d love the opportunity to have you join us again on another adventure!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $6 to $10
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Questo, who run 335 experiences we rank across 154 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8.
See everything Questo runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Montreal.
How much does Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition cost?
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Prices start at $6 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Montreal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition take?
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Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Montreal is not rushed.
Is Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Montreal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Montreal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Montreal and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Montreal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Montreal?
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On Outty we rank every Montreal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Old Montreal Walking Tour | Small Group (Max 10) | by MTL Detours, The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour by Spade & Palacio, Montreal Mile End Food Tour with Bagel, Poutine and 7 Tastings. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Montreal?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Montreal?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition?
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Included: One device works for up to 3 players; buy extra tickets for the full multiplayer experienc; Real Prohibition history at every stop, from jazz migration to police corruption; Flexible scheduling, start anytime, play entirely at your own pace; Decode secret messages and solve noir puzzles across Chinatown and the Red Light District; and Self-guided Prohibition mystery through central Montreal. Not included: Live tour guide (self-guided via the Questo app). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition?
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The game starts at Sakura Garden. After booking, we'll message you a code and activation link. Activate with your own email, then log in to the Questo app with that email. No message? Open the Questo app. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Montreal. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Montreal Mystery Quest: Shadows of Prohibition?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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