Vancouver's Gastown District
Gastown is a primary tourist destination famous for its historic atmosphere, central location, pubs and clubs, ethnic restaurants, and funky shops! Gastown is conveniently located in the downtown core, only 5 minutes away from Waterfront Station, and steps away from Canada Place and the cruise ship terminal.
Gastown Steam Clock
Don’t forget to visit Gastown’s legendary steam clock, which is the world’s only steam powered clock! It releases steam every 15 minutes, and sounds the Westminister Chimes every hour. This antique treasure is located on the corner of Cambie and Water Street.
Gastown Night Clubs and Entertainment
The nightlife in Gastown is also something you should not miss! Visit the low-key, tavern style pubs such as The Cambie, The Bourbon, Piccadilly Pub, or The Lamplighter. Shine is a newer dance club and has a funky retro feel to it. The Purple Onion features live jazz and dancing, and has a more mellow atmosphere. Hit the Lotus, or Sonar for more dancing, and experience the Blarney Stone where everyone can be Irish for the night!
Gastown Restaurants and Lounges
Radha Yoga & Eatery
728 Main Street, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Kenti-ZEN Lounge
#2029 88 West Pender St., Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Le Marrakech Moroccan Bistro
52 Alexander Street, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Sitar Restaurant
8 Powell Street, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Al Porto Ristorante
321 Water Street, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Kenti ZEN Lounge
#2029 88 West Pender St., Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Curious
52 Powell Street, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
One Lounge
1 W. Cordova St., Vancouver (Gastown), BC
19 Below
332 Water Street, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
The Annex
307 W. Cordova, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Revel
238 Abbot Street, Vancouver (Gastown), BC
Chill Winston
3 Alexander St, Vancouver (Gastown), B
Gastown Hotels
Gastown Hotel
110 WATER ST, Vancouver, British Columbia - (604) 683-6134
Cambie Hotel
300 CAMBIE ST, Vancouver, British Columbia - (604) 684-6466
Gastown History
Gastown has a rich history, and you’ll be charmed by its European style, Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and historical courtyards. Gastown was founded in 1867 by the saloon keeper John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton. He was known for being ambitious and loud, and was well liked by the townspeople. Be sure to check out the statue of Gassy Jack in Maple Street Square at Water and Carall Street.
The popularity of historical Gastown boomed as it became a bustling commercial port for sea trade. With the advent of the Canadian Pacific Railway however, Gastown experienced a low point and became the city’s skid row until it recovered. Check out Gaolers Mews on Water Street at Carral; it’s the city’s first jail and customs house and gives an eerie insight into the past. You can also visit the symbolic Canadian Pacific Railway Station at Cordova and Seymour, which was completed in 1914.
Water Street leads through the core of Gastown and passes landmarks such as the Hudson House, a Romanesque style building built in 1897, and owned by the Hudson’s Bay Company for 60 years. Another interesting attraction along Water Street is the Landing, which is a renovated, turn-of-the-century warehouse. Be sure to visit the Europe Hotel on the corner of Powell and Alexander; it is know for being the first fireproof hotel in Western Canada, and features an unusual triangular design.
Contact:
Gastown Business Improvement Society
207 Abbott Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6B 2K7
Telephone: (604) 683-5650
Fax: (604) 683-4118