Gastown, a National Historic Site of Canada, is the area northeast of Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, within Hastings, Main, and Richards Streets and the Burrard Inlet waterfront. Vancouver’s first downtown core, where it all began and where the roots remain visible in cobblestone streets and antique streetlights, all of which look like a slice of history between the high-rises of Downtown and the waterfront train yard. Gastown’s name comes from legendary “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a steamboat captain who in 1867 opened the first saloon.
Early Gastown prospered as the site of a sawmill, a seaport, and, not least, an after-hours resort for loggers, fishermen, and the crews of sailing ships. In 1886, the town incorporated as the City of Vancouver but lost all but two of its buildings in the Great Vancouver Fire of that same year. The rebuilt area thrived again as an important ferry and steamship docking and staging area with Hastings and Main as the town centre.
Preserving the Visible 19th Century
After the Great Depression of the 1930s, Gastown fell into decay, decline, and disrepair as a skid row area of cheap beer parlours and flophouses. In the 1960s, citizen concern over preservation of Gastown’s distinctive architecture, which, as in nearby Chinatown and Strathcona, was to be torn down to clear space for a freeway into Downtown, drove a campaign that in 1971 persuaded the provincial government to declare the area an historical site to protect its heritage buildings.
Perhaps Gastown’s most famous landmark is the steam-powered clock at Cambie and Water streets. Built to cover a steam grate of Vancouver’s distributed steam-heating system, the clock prevents street people from sleeping on the grate in cold weather. The low-pressure downtown-wide steam heating network from a plant adjacent to the Georgia Viaduct powers a miniature steam engine in the clock’s base.
Entertainment and Hospitality
Gastown endured decades of neglect as the derelict part of town. Recent revitalization has turned skid row into a stylish destination of unusual enterprises in entertainment, gastronomy, and hospitality. On Alexander Street near Main in the northeastern corner of Gastown, the Alibi Room has “50 taps of local & imported craft beer,” some exclusive to the pub, for beer lovers. On Water Street, there are great meal deals at Pourhouse. On Blood Alley Square, a banner of an upside-down salt shaker beckons passersby to the Salt Tasting Room, a small, friendly tavern where patrons can “assemble a Tasting Plate from our chalkboard’s selection of 10 cheeses, 10 meats, and 10 condiments. The selections change constantly, making it almost impossible to have the same Salt experience twice.”
Visitor Parking
For visitors to Vancouver, parking is no easier and probably more difficult in the busy nightlife of Gastown than in any other part of Downtown Vancouver. Fortunately, the presence one block west of Richards and Water streets of the SkyTrain Waterfront Station and the terminal of the Seabus to North Vancouver makes Gastown access much easier than by car.
Gastown Riot
Gastown entertainment and hospitality were in unusually short supply on 7 August 1971, when hundreds converged on Maple Tree Square at Alexander, Powell, and Water streets to protest drug law raids. By 10:00 AM, the crowd numbered almost 2,000. After reports of broken windows, the police decided to clear the crowd. After the crowd ignored a warning to disperse, police officers on horseback and in riot gear took action in a battle with people throwing rocks and bottles.
An investigation found that the crowd had not degenerated into a mob and that individual officers had used “unnecessary, unwarranted, and excessive force.” Investigator recommendations were to ban demonstrators from taking over public streets, to train police officers specifically for crowd control, to use horses for crowd control on sidewalks only, and to eliminate the use of plainclothes officers for crowd control.
Live in the sky! Beautiful large contemporary loft in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Soaring 23 floors above ground, this 2-level corner home is located in the reclaimed Woodward's Building. With expansive views of the ocean and the city, it is conveniently nestled between Chinatown, Gastown and Crosstown, steps from the office, great restaurants, the arenas & the Canada Line. Watch the sun come up from the East and set in the West from your private south-facing patio. Double height ceilings on the main floor with larger-than-life windows welcome light in year-round. A spiral staircase leads up to the 2nd flr with 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a bonus secondary entrance on the 25th floor. This architectural space is 1 of 5 SKYHOMES in the building and 1 of the only units that has air-conditioning. A 24 hour concierge and access to Club W - an exclusive rooftop clubhouse with the iconic W hot tub, fitness center, lounge, a communal BBQ area and media room. AirBnB friendly.More details
This Penthouse at award winning Iconic Woodward's building is an architectural landmark offering the best in metropolitan lifestyle. Best in the city View of Vancouver Harbor, North Shore mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, , wrap around 270 degrees corner units that bring the light throughout.More details
Rarely available and highly sought-after commercial live/work loft in historic Koret Lofts, a century-old, remade warehouse located in the heart of bustling Gastown. This 1,743 SF loft has those New York vibes coupled with heritage charm, offering 18' ceilings, all original fir beams, brick wall, and wood floors, as well as finished concrete throughout. Comes with in-suite laundry and one secure parking. Gastown's 'it' building, known for its tight-knit community and well-managed strata. Potential cash cow opportunity - this is one of Vancouver's few fully-approved buildings, allowing Airbnb rentals. Guests will love walking down the cobblestones to the area's highly-rated shops, restaurants, and cafes. This ground-level home has endless opportunities.More details
THIS IS IT. A RENOVATED NYC inspired loft that has it ALL. STYLE, SPACE & FUNCTION. Soaring 10'4 ceilings with huge timber beams/brick feature walls, a corner unit surrounded by 7' windows flooding in natural light/air and a nearly perfect 2 BR layout with huge office (could use as 3rd bedroom). Lovingly renovated, design cues and sophistication are evident at every angle. New kitchen/cabinets/appliances & beautiful dining area look over the expansive living room. The master suite is stunning, including a walk in closet, free standing claw-foot tub/shower and fireplace, Right in the heart of Gastown, live/work zoning steps from shopping/restaurants. Best private parking spot in the building too...More details
Coveted Northwest corner 2BR/2Bath 1158sf condo @ iconic Woodwards development, boasting breathtaking 270° panoramic views of City, Ocean & North Shore Mtns, which literally envelop you from the main living space & covered deck. This unique layout is the most revered in the building & it's been almost 2 yrs since one has come avail in this price range. This well-cared-for unit offers stylish modern finishings, spacious room sizes, upscale kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, and a custom built-in Murphy bed in the 2nd bdrm. Nestled in Historic Gastown & steps to the best restaurants, seawall & downtown. Escape to the expansive Club W rooftop - soak in the hot tub, play some pool or hit the gym! Strata fee incl Wi-Fi, gas, heat & HW! PLUS 2 PARKING within the building.More details
Discover unparalleled luxury in this exquisitely renovated Woodwards building apartment, offering breathtaking panoramic views. This 2-bed, 2-bath home, remodeled last year with over $100,000, showcases elegance with high-end finishes, stainless steel appliances, and a spa-like master bath. Enjoy rooftop amenities, including a lounge, fitness center, hot tub, and more. Located in vibrant Gastown, close to transit and dining, and now Airbnb-permitted, this property combines sophisticated living with significant cash flow potential.More details
Welcome to the iconic Woodwards built by Westbank! This upper level corner 2 bed and flex home with 2 full baths features sweeping views of the city, mountains, and water. Gourmet kitchen includes full stainless steel appliance package and large kitchen island. Spacious living/dining areas and bedrooms throughout with flex space that can be used as an office. 2-level clubhouse at the top of building includes lounge, workspaces, fully equipped gym, outdoor hottub, BBQ area. Just steps to the seawall, cafes, restaurants, entertainment, skytrain access, with Nesters Market just downstairs. Airbnb allowed with strata approval. 1 secure parking included. Come view this beautiful home today!More details
The Globe, a Gastown boutique loft conversion done in 1995. Historic 100+ year old building. Character with exposed beams, polished concrete and laminate floors. Huge space facing North at front overlooking Gastown's cobblestone streets and restaurants. Entertainer's open kitchen. Common BBQ roof deck. Suite is looking for new decorating ideas. Both bedroom areas have doors but no exterior windows. Only 10 owners, 2 suites per floor plus coffee shop on main entrance for morning croissants.More details
Your move in ready dream loft awaits! Expansive city and mountain views from towering 2 storey windows and soaring 17’ ceilings are sure to impress with an impressively tranquil and quiet environment. Flexible living is offered through a large primary bedroom on top level, and den that doubles as a second bedroom with murphy bed on the main. This is one of only three North facing lofts in the impeccably maintained Alexis building. Windows and piping recently replaced and upgraded. This home was freshly painted with new flooring and tiles, upgraded lighting throughout, and new custom gas fireplace mantle installed in 2023. Bathrooms have been remodeled and feature a 76” soaker tub, rainfall shower heads, and led smart mirrors. OPEN HOUSE: MARCH 16-17, 2-4pm.More details
This customized character loft is a rare find in the heart of Gastown! Enjoy a flexible layout with endless options set in stylish exposed brick walls, lustrous concrete flooring, large picture windows, original timber beams, unique restoration style bookshelf/library, large storage space, and several fine touches that provide a unique and modern feel. A sleek kitchen lines one wall, lending to the sense of openness. Nicely updated throughout in 2020. Two commercial BBQ areas located in the courtyard, perfect for entertaining. The highly coveted Koret Lofts is located near several popular restaurants and bars, shopping, transit, and a short walk to Canada Place, Waterfront Station, and all the eclectic spots in historic Gastown.More details