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Historical references, such as Bloody Alley and Gaolers Mews, date from 1850s,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.
If you're in town at the right time, you'll have a chance to experience the
Gastown Jazz Festival, the Tour de Gastown or Gastown Days, or an Antique
Vehicles event. |
Hotels near Gastown
Century
Plaza Hotel
Comfort
Inn Downtown Vancouver
Crowne
Plaza Hotel
Days Inn Vancouver
Delta Vancouver Downtown
Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver
Georgian Court Hotel
Hampton Inn Vancouver
Hotel
Georgia
Hyatt Downtown Vancouver
Landis Hotel Vancouver
Listel Hotel Downtown Vancouver
Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle
Metropolitan Hotel Downtown
Pan
Pacific Hotel Vancouver
Ramada Inn
Vancouver Downtown
Renaissance Hotel Downtown
Residence Inn Marriott Downtown
Rosedale on Robson Downtown
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Hotel Le
Soleil Vancouver
Sutton
Place Downtown Vancouver
Terminal City Club
Wedgewood
Hotel Vancouver
Westin Bayshore Hotel
Westin Hotel Vancouver |
