Gastown is named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, the barkeep who opened the area’s first saloon in 1867. If it’s drinks you’re after, rest assured that the founding bartender’s legacy lives on in modern Gastown, one of Vancouver’s liveliest areas for bars and restaurants. If you’re looking to make a day of it, we’ve got tips to keep you occupied in downtown Vancouver’s historic heart.
Start with coffee
Caffeine fiends know that Gastown has the best coffee in town, all conveniently clustered within a few blocks. Grab a pour-over at Revolver, a latte from Nemesis, or sample the latest beans at Timbertrain, and settle in to enjoy your treats on a bench in Victory Square Park. If you’re curious about the beautiful red building across the street, pop into the Dominion Building—for a brief moment in history, it was the tallest building in the British Empire!
Get shopping
Gastown is a shopper’s dream—no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. High-end home decor? Try Old Faithful, L’Atelier Home, or Parliament. Ready to smell as expensive as you feel? Aesop and Le Labo are practically neighbours. The flagship store for one of Vancouver’s most iconic exports? The Fluevog space is light, airy, and full of magic. Contemporary men’s and women’s fashion? Neighbour and Neighbour/Woman will keep you looking effortlessly cool. Curated vintage with a heart? Community Thrift + Vintage has two Gastown locations with ever-rotating stock. Just start walking: you’re sure to stumble across something you didn’t even know you wanted.
Take a break in the park
Gritty Gastown definitely has more cobblestones than trees, so if you’re feeling the need for a nature break, head over the Main Street overpass to nearby CRAB Park. From this expansive grassy space overlooking Vancouver’s working port, you’ll get a great view of the North Shore mountains. If it’s a sunny day, grab some sandwiches from the Birds & the Beets or Meat & Bread before you head over!
Put on your walking shoes
Now that you’re rested, it’s time to hit the streets again. There are several companies offering walking tours of Gastown, but if you can wait until nighttime, the Lost Souls of Gastown from Forbidden Vancouver offers tales of fire and smallpox, murder and revenge. If that doesn’t quite fit the family-friendly bill, you can always DIY your own tour. Just be sure to hit the steam clock, Maple Tree Square, the Hotel Europe (you’ll know why when you see it), Blood Alley, Gassy Jack, and Waterfront Station!
Time for dinner
Worked up an appetite after all that exploring? It’s probably time to visit one of Gastown’s award-winning restaurants. We have a list of those that might come in handy, actually…
