Gastown, where the city of Vancouver began. Today, the area is a
charming mix of old and new with its cobbled streets, antique gaslights,
Victorian architecture, and unique tangle of mews, courtyards and
passage housing boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment.
Gastown is easily accessible from most major
hotels in downtown Vancouver.
Visit the world's first Steam Clock - each 1/4 hour the clock sounds
Westminster chimes on 5 brass steam whistlers.
The Fisherhead Water Fountain stands near the Lamplighter Pub in the
Dominion Hotel - it was the first Vancouver establishment to serve
alcohol to women.
Historical references, such as Bloody Alley and Gaolers Mews, date from
1850s, where bloody brawls within the former resulted in incarceration
in a small unlocked cabin in the latter. Gastown's first constable,
Jonathan Miller, ankle-chained the prisoners who were then guarded by
John Clough, a one-armed drunkard.
The Europe Hotel, was built in 1892 by Italian businessman, Angelo
Colari. Known in its day as the finest hotel in town, it was the first
fireproof building in western Canada.
Gastown is home to several prominent galleries representing the finest
selection of Canadian Native art and sculpture in Western Canada.
The 300 block of West Cordova Street is one of Vancouver's best kept
secrets. Nowhere else will you find collectibles, antiques, Canadian
designer fashions, and funky eateries on one block.
A popular walking tour of Gastown is conducted daily from June through
August. The free 90-minute tour starts from the Gastown Steam Clock and
Gassy Jack statue in Maple Tree Square. For tour schedules, contact the
Gastown Business Improvement Society, (604) 683-5650.
Gastown is close to Vancouver's
downtown business core and hotels. To the west is the spectacular
Canada Place, it is an easy
five minute walk from the
Cruise Ship Terminal or the
Trade & Convention Centre.
To the east where Gastown and Chinatown meet is the Sun Yat Sen Gardens.
To the south are BC Place, GM Place and International Village.
Gastown is easily accessible by SkyTrain, Vancouver's rapid transit
system, SeaBus (ferry service from the North Shore), West Coast Express
and city buses from all areas of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Historic Gastown is one of the most popular
tourist destinations in Vancouver. Conveniently located within walking
distance of Canada Place in the heart of Vancouver. Gastown is famous
for its cobblestone streets, its excellent restaurants, it's steam
clock, and its shops.
Gastown is the Vancouver's oldest
downtown neighborhood and it's definitely worth a visit if you're
looking for souvenirs, good food, Native Arts and Crafts or nightlife.
It's a good place to visit when you first get off your cruise ship or
before you board the ship because it's conveniently located. |
