Introducing Gastown, Vancouver

Gastown is an iconic district in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located along the north shore of the Burrard Inlet, it was originally founded as a small lumber mill settlement known as Granville in the 1860s. The area was renamed Gastown in honor of “Gassy’ Jack Deighton, a popular saloonkeeper who opened the area’s first saloon and was credited with starting the settlement. Today, Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, home to hip restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It is also one of the city’s oldest areas and is home to some of the city’s most important historical landmarks such as the iconic steam clock, Gastown’s oldest building, and a National Historic Site of Canada.

With a population of just over 2,500, Gastown is a small but bustling area of Vancouver that is filled with character and charm. It is known for its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture, as well as for its unique shops and restaurants. It is an area that celebrates its past while embracing the present, and its streets are always alive with energy and excitement. From beer tastings to art galleries, there’s something for everyone in Gastown. Here are some of the best things to do in this vibrant neighborhood.

Explore Gastown’s Historic Streets

Gastown’s streets are lined with beautiful Victorian-era buildings that have been carefully preserved over the years. These buildings are a reminder of Gastown’s past and are great to explore on foot. There are also many historic monuments, including the iconic Gastown Steam Clock, which was built in 1977 to commemorate Vancouver’s centennial. The clock was designed to look like an old-fashioned steam engine and has become a symbol of Gastown and a beloved tourist attraction. It still keeps time with the help of steam produced by an underground boiler and is one of the few functioning steam clocks in the world.

Another important landmark in Gastown is the Gastown Cenotaph, which is dedicated to local soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and II. The memorial features a bronze statue of a soldier standing in front of a granite wall with the names of deceased servicemen inscribed on it. The cenotaph is located on the corner of Water and Carrall Streets and makes for a poignant place to visit.

Shop in Gastown’s Quaint Boutiques

Gastown is home to some of Vancouver’s most interesting shops and boutiques. From trendy clothing stores to vintage records, there’s something for everyone in Gastown’s unique stores. Some of the most popular places to shop include Me + You Clothing Co., which specializes in hand-crafted apparel from local designers; the iconic Red Cat Records, which sells vintage vinyl; and No Fixed Address Boutique, which offers a wide selection of vintage clothing and accessories.

If you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs to bring home, you can find them in Gastown as well. There are several stores that specialize in locally made products including The Paper Hound Bookshop & Gallery, which stocks art prints, books, stationery, and more; The Birds & The Beets, which sells jewelry and home goods; and Found & Flea Market, which offers an eclectic selection of vintage items.

Eat & Drink at Gastown’s Finest Restaurants & Bars

Gastown has become one of Vancouver’s top foodie destinations due to its collection of unique restaurants and bars. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or an upscale dinner experience, there are plenty of options for every taste and budget. Some of the most popular places to eat include The Flying Pig, which serves up modern Canadian cuisine; L’Abattoir, which specializes in French-inspired dishes; and The Fish Counter, which serves sustainably-sourced seafood dishes.

For drinks, there are several options to choose from including The Diamond, an upscale cocktail bar; The Irish Heather, which specializes in craft beers; and The Narrow Lounge, which offers an extensive selection of cocktails and spirits.

Take a Tour of Gastown

Gastown offers several tours that give visitors a chance to learn more about the area’s history and culture. One popular tour is the Gastown Walking Tour, which takes visitors on a guided exploration of the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets and historical sites. Another popular tour is the Gastown Food & Drink Tour, which takes visitors on a culinary journey through some of the area’s best restaurants and bars. Both tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Book an Unforgettable Gastown Helicopter Tour

Experience Gastown from an entirely new perspective with an Unforgettable Gastown Helicopter Tour from GetYourGuide. This 30-minute tour offers an aerial view of some of Vancouver’s most beautiful sights including English Bay, Stanley Park, and more. You will also get to take in stunning views of downtown Vancouver from above before flying over Gastown’s historic buildings and waterfront while listening to informative commentary from your pilot. This tour is perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Vancouver.

Book an Exclusive Granville Island Market & Brewery Tour

Explore Granville Island Public Market with an Exclusive Granville Island Market & Brewery Tour from Viator. This 2-hour tour takes visitors on a guided exploration of Vancouver’s iconic market as well as a brewery for a tasting session. You will get to sample some of the market’s freshest produce as well as some local craft beers from Granville Island Brewing Co., all while learning about the area’s history from your knowledgeable guide. This tour is perfect for foodies looking for an interactive experience in Vancouver.

Final Thoughts

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighborhoods and offers something for everyone. From exploring its historic streets to shopping at its unique boutiques or eating at its top-notch restaurants and bars, there are plenty of things to do in this eclectic area. It’s also home to some of Vancouver’s most important historical landmarks and offers several tours that will help visitors get to know this fascinating area even better. Whether you’re looking for a memorable experience or just want to explore Vancouver’s past, Gastown has something for everyone.