Gastown
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About
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Why go
- Gastown’s best-known landmark, the Steam Clock.
- The cobblestone streets host the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Gastown Grand Prix bicycle race.
Walking route
Don't miss
- Gastown Steam ClockListen for its whistles, which sound the Westminster chime and signal the time.Corner of Cambie and Water streets.
Photo spots
- Gastown’s red-brick streetscapesRed-brick streetscapes in the district.Gastown
- Low stone buildingsThe district’s relatively low stone buildings contrast with nearby metal-and-glass towers.Gastown
Hidden gems nearby
Interesting facts3
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Former warehouses have been converted into homes.
Gastown - Wikipedia -
Deighton’s long-winded talking inspired the nickname “Gassy’s town,” which became Gastown.
Gastown - Wikipedia -
2014
The Steam Clock was removed for major repairs in October 2014 and reinstalled in January 2015.
Gastown - Wikipedia
Shorts
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Gastown Steam Clock Vancouver, British ColumbiaVan City Journey
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Discovering the Timeless Charm of Gastown's Steam Clock in VancouverTraveling with a chair
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Vancouver's Gastown Steam ClockLiam Arnull
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Things to Do in Vancouver | Shop Local & Canadian at MAKE GastownDebbie Poh
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Gastown Steam Clock | Vancouver CanadaTheTravelJoys
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The Lost Souls of Gastown - Vancouver's Halloween TourForbidden Vancouver Walking Tours
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Gastown Steam Clock - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canadawalks with Ata
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The World’s Most Unique Clock – Gastown Steam Clock in Vancouver Cana…Fact Finder
History
Gastown quickly became a trading and financial centre. The district later declined after the depression and remained neglected until the 1960s. Henk F. Vanderhorst’s Exposition Gallery on Water Street helped spur new businesses and the area’s revival.
- 1867John “Gassy Jack” Deighton arrived and opened the area’s first saloon. The settlement grew around Hastings Mill, a seaport and trade on Burrard Inlet.
- April 6, 1886Gastown received city rights and became the City of Vancouver.
- June 1886A major fire left only two buildings standing. Rebuilding continued into the 1920s.
- 1960sResidents campaigned to save Gastown’s historic buildings from a proposed downtown freeway.
- 1971The provincial government designated Gastown a historic site after the preservation campaign.
Show all
- 1977The Steam Clock was built to cover a steam grate in Vancouver’s district heating system.
- 2009Gastown became a National Historic Site of Canada.
- February 14, 2022During the annual march for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, protesters toppled the Gassy Jack statue.
How to get there
- TrainTake the Expo or Canada Line to Waterfront Station.
- BoatTake the SeaBus from North Vancouver to Waterfront Station.
- TrainTake the West Coast Express to Waterfront Station.
- BusCity buses serve Gastown.
- 5 minOn footGastown is two blocks east of the Cruise Ship Terminal and the Trade & Vancouver Convention Centre, about a five-minute walk from either.
- BikeBike racks and two Mobi Bike Stations are in the neighbourhood.
- ParkingCovered parking and dedicated Evo parking are available at Lot 31.
Sources: Gastown - Wikipedia · Vancouver/Gastown-Chinatown - Wikivoyage (see) · Gastown Business Improvement Society · About Us - Gastown.org · About Us - Gastown.org · Gastown - Wikipedia · Gastown - Wikipedia · checked 11 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
What can I find to eat and drink in Gastown?
Gastown has restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
Is there live music in Gastown?
Gastown has live music venues and nightlife.
Can I visit Storyeum in Gastown?
Storyeum closed in October 2006. It formerly staged a 65-minute theatrical retelling of British Columbia history across eight underground sets.
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