Vancouver Gastown

A trip to historic Gastown is a must for visitors to Vancouver. And no wonder. Picture a tangle of cobble-stoned streets, mews, courtyards, and Victorian architecture set against a back drop of snow-capped mountains. Or an antique steam clock that blows its musical salute every 15 minutes. Yet Gastown is more than a trip into the past. It's also a bustling modern community. So sit back and sip on a beer at one of the many brew-pubs, eat fresh fish or ethnic food in an array of restaurants, or listen to live music. Shop for antiques, Canadian Native art or look for designer fashions.
Here are a few sites you must see.

The Station 
Corner of Cordova and Seymour Street The Old Canadian Pacific Railway Station built in 1912-14. A potent national symbol, this building expresses the corporate pride and decorative taste of the time. Formerly the terminus of the CPR, it was restored for transit, office, and retail use in 1976.

Unique Shopping
On Cordova Street

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.

The Steam Clock
Corner of Cambie and Water Street

The world's first steam clock, by horologist and sculptor Raymond Saunder. Powered by a single-cylinder engine and driven by a fascinating chain and ball-weight drive that is visible through the clock's glass sides, it draws crowds of fascinated tourist for its quarter-hourly performance.

Gaolers Mews
Water at Carrall Street

Gaolers Mews was the location of the city's first jail, customs house, and home to Gastown's first constable, Jonathan Miller. The area also housed stables, bathhouses and laundries.

Gassy Jack Statue
Maple Tree Square Water and Carrall Street

The statue was commissioned in 1970 by local Gastown developers and gifted to the City of Vancouver. Sculptor, Vern Simpson, working from a sketch of Captain Jack Deighton, created the six-foot copper statue and barrel podium for $850.00. It was at this spot on the muddy shoreline in 1867 that Captain "Gassy Jack" Deighton paddled ashore with wife, whisky and sundry thereby founding the Globe Saloon and by consequence the settlement that came to be known as Gastown.

The Europe Hotel
Corner of Powell and Alexander Street

Built in 1908-09 by Angelo Calori. The notable Vancouver architectural firm, Parr and Fee, designed the Europe, a 'flat-iron shaped' building for this triangular-shaped lot. It was the earliest reinforced concrete structure in Canada and the first fireproof hotel in western Canada. The building was renovated in 1983 to provide affordable housing units.