Gastown
The historic heart and birthplace of Vancouver. This neighbourhood has been labelled the “Epicenter of independent design, culture, food and fashion, and one of a kind experiences”. With it’s Victorian architecture Gastown retains its historic charm and independent spirit.
Overview
The birthplace of the city and Vancouver’s historic heart, Gastown is a destination for both locals and tourists alike. Known as the epicenter of design, fashion, art and cuisine – you are never at a loss for things to see or do in this neighbourhood. One of the most charming features is the mix of both old and new that the area has perfected, with a number of innovative businesses lining the cobblestone streets housed in Victorian style buildings. Entrepreneurial, bustling and authentic – Gastown is the core for ideas and entertainment in the city.
History
Gastown began as a rough and rowdy resort for loggers and fisherman after “Gassy Jack” Deighton arrived with a barrel of whiskey in 1867 telling millworkers he would serve them drinks if they built him a saloon. Three years later the city attempted to distinguish the area by renaming it “Granville” after the British colonial secretary, but locals refused to comply and continued to call it by its original name – which still stands today. The city attempted to change the area again in the 1960s by tearing down historic buildings to replace them with high-rises and a freeway, but that plan was thankfully rejected in 1969 and the area became a national historic site.
Today, the neighbourhood holds it same wiry charm with a population of over 80,000 people calling the neighbourhood home.
- Gastown BIA
gastown.org
Neighbourhood Statistics
Population: 2,457
Age Groups:
- <19 – 10%
- 20-44 – 37%
- 45-64 – 31%
- 65> – 21%
Eat & Drink
LOCAL
Have a seat on the patio and watch the Gastown bustle go by with a cold drink in hand.
Tacofino
What started as a food truck in the island surf town of Tofino is now a Vancouver institution – grab a taco to go from the bar or have a seat and indulge in their nachos and a margarita.
Meet
Constructed almost entirely from glass walls with reclaimed school seats for chairs, the interior is second only to their creative take plant-based eats – try the Sweet-Chili Cauliflower.
Shopping & Style
Kit and Ace
A locally owned and internationally sold clothing brand specializing in all-day technical apparel. Grab a sparkling water and view the rotating art gallery while you browse.
Aesop
With the best skin care products around, Aesop is well worth a quick stop. In front of their door is a lotion pump where you can give their latest product a quick test.
Secret Location
Despite the name, Secret Location is a concept store on the corner of Maple Tree square. Call in advance, you have to book an appointment to get into this chic women’s clothing boutique.
Kit & Ace
A locally owned and internationally sold clothing brand specializing in all-day technical apparel. Grab a sparkling water and view the rotating art gallery while you browse.
Points of Interest
Gassy Jack Statue
You can read all about the Gastown legend on the west corner of Maple Tree Square. Keep an eye out, as locals like to dress him up as a prank.
The Steam Clock
The infamous Gastown steam clock is a clock partially powered by steam. Despite its old appearance, the clock was actually built in 1977, to the dismay of tourists.
Maple Tree Square
The birthplace of Vancouver, this intersection of streets is where the inaugural city-council meeting was held. Surrounded by historic buildings, this is a great place to reflect on the city's history and how far it has come.
112 West Hastings Street
- Unit: 300
- Size: 2,956 sqft
- Basic Rent: $30/sqft
- Additional Rent: ~$13.50/sqft
- Availability: Immediately
21 Water Street
This heritage warehouse-turned-office building stands on the corner of Carrall and Water Street in the heart of Gastown. By day, the neighbourhood hosts the offices of Vancouver’s most innovative...
1 Alexander Street
This historic brick and wood beam building was built in 1896 by renowned architect N.S. Hoffar. Located in the heart of Gastown, it stands at the convergence of 4 of the neighbourhood’s busiest...
165 Water Street
This 3-story heritage building built in 1906 is located on Water Street in historic Gastown. It is wood post and beam with the original facade maintained giving it just the right character for the...
108 West Hastings Street
This original heritage brick and beam walk up has 3 stories with ground floor retail and office above. Built in 1905 and renovated in 2008, it has highly sought after exposed brick walls on all...
112 West Hastings Street
An original heritage 4-story building, this walk up building is brick and beam with all new electrical systems and HVAC. Built in 1904 and renovated in 2012, it has updated features while...
152-156 West Hastings Street
These twin 3-story heritage buildings both hold ground floor retail with office space above. They have been modernized throughout with new HVAC and electrical systems and a seismic upgrade in 2008,...