Gastown
Address
Gastown, Vancouver
GPS
49.2836567, -123.1062358
Gastown is one of the most vibrant and singular areas of Vancouver. As the city’s first downtown core, the neighborhood has evolved into an innovation center and truly memorable experiences for both locals and tourists, while maintaining a strong connection to its history.
Quick facts
- Name: Gastown
- Location: Vancouver, Canada
- Type of attraction: Neighborhood
- Opened: 1867
- Ticket price: Free
Gastown offers a diverse mix of retail and dining options housed in authentic heritage architecture alongside a vibrant creative and tech scene, containing something for everyone.
This stylish neighborhood covers twelve city blocks, and the market area is home to about 108,128 residents, making it one of the Lower Mainland’s most densely populated regions. Gastown was the first downtown center in Vancouver and is named for “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a seaman from England, steamboat captain and barkeeper who arrived in 1867 to open the first saloon in the area.
Eat and drink
Gastown is a fantastic option for a romantic dinner because it is home to some of the city’s best eateries. Gastown’s restaurants provide something for everyone, from European fare with a farm-to-table twist to molecular gastronomy with an Asian twist and everything in between.
If you’re not quite ready to sit down for a full meal, you can always grab some cheese and charcuterie at a wine bar or watch the game at a local watering hole. You may find any type of drink you might want, from the traditional Collins to the cutting-edge swizzle, in this area.
Shopping
Gastown is the best Vancouver shopping district if you can only visit one. Traditional souvenir shops and art galleries coexist with many trendy gift shops and hip independent boutiques, so you may find something for everyone on your souvenir shopping list. Visit one of the area’s many First Nations art galleries to find a one-of-a-kind piece of silver jewelry, painting, or carving.
Interesting facts about Gastown
Here are some interesting facts about this interesting place:
- It was almost replaced with a freeway in the seventies. Fortunately the plan was cancelled.
- The steam clock was built to attract tourists. It apparently worked, as this is one of the main attractions there.
- Although located in the poorest area code in Canada, Gastown is packed with high-end restaurants and shops.
