Published by Vancity Tours · Vancouver Local Guide · 5 min read
Gastown is where Vancouver started. In 1867, a man named John “Gassy Jack” Deighton showed up on the shores of Burrard Inlet with a barrel of whiskey, built a saloon, and attracted enough people to start what became the city’s first neighbourhood. The statue of Gassy Jack still stands in Maple Tree Square, looking appropriately pleased with himself.
Today Gastown is a mix of Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, independent restaurants, design studios, and the inevitable tourist shops. It’s genuinely one of the nicest urban neighbourhoods in Canada — small enough to walk in an afternoon, interesting enough to keep you there longer than planned.
The Steam Clock — Yes, Stop Here
The Gastown steam clock at Water and Cambie Streets runs on steam from the city’s underground heating system and whistles every 15 minutes. Time your visit for on the hour, when it puts on the full chiming performance.
Water Street — Walk the Whole Thing
Water Street is the main drag, and it’s worth walking from one end to the other. The brick buildings date from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Look up — the upper floors still have the cast-iron facades and arched windows of the original commercial buildings.
Where to Actually Eat
Nuba — Lebanese food, consistently good, popular with locals.
Bao Bei — Chinese brasserie on Keefer Street. One of the best restaurants in Vancouver, full stop. Make a reservation.
Pourhouse — classic cocktails in a beautifully restored 1910 building.
Revolver — serious coffee on Cambie Street. Single-origin, rotating roasters.
Getting There
Gastown is a 10-15 minute walk east from Canada Place along the waterfront. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, Gastown is close enough to walk to directly after disembarkation — it’s one of the first stops on our post-cruise city tours.
On our private Vancouver sightseeing tours, Gastown is a consistent favourite stop — guests always want more time here.
Gastown is a stop on all Vancity Tours private Vancouver city tours. Hotel pickup included from anywhere downtown. See the tour →