Travel Plan
Gastown & the waterfront

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · VANCOUVER

Gastown & the waterfront

Vancouver's cobblestoned birthplace with Victorian buildings and the famous steam clock.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1–2 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Evening
Area
Gastown

The old town with the steam clock.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: 305 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9

  • Transit: Waterfront Station (SkyTrain, SeaBus), 2 minutes' walk.
  • Steam clock: Whistles every 15 minutes at Water and Cambie streets.
  • Waterfront: Walk to Canada Place for harbour and mountain views.

The story of Gastown

Gastown grew around a saloon opened in 1867 by "Gassy" Jack Deighton, a talkative riverboat captain. It became the core of the city of Vancouver, founded in 1886.

Its brick buildings and cobbled streets now hold cafés and boutiques. The steam clock, built in 1977, runs partly on steam from the city's heating system.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Evening, when the lamps are lit.

December

Festive lights.

Tips before you go

  • Visit the Harbour Centre lookout.
  • Catch the steam clock on the quarter hour.
  • Walk to Canada Place at sunset.

Best hotels near Gastown

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Waterfront luxury near Canada Place.

See prices

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Historic downtown hotel.

See prices

The Westin Bayshore

Harbour hotel by Stanley Park.

See prices
All hotels near Gastown

What's around Gastown

  • Canada PlaceCruise terminal and promenade.
  • FlyOver CanadaFlight-ride attraction.
  • Harbour Centre LookoutObservation deck.
  • Chinatown10 minutes' walk.

Questions travellers ask

Who was Gassy Jack?

A talkative saloon owner who gave the area its name.

How often does the steam clock whistle?

Every 15 minutes.

Is it near the waterfront?

Yes, 2 minutes from Waterfront Station.

More in Vancouver

Stanley Park & Seawall

Stanley Park & Seawall

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Gastown & the waterfront Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure