• Home
  • About
    • In The Media
    • Contact Me
  • Where I’ve Been
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    • Bucket List
  • Travel Resources

Pack Me To

Part time traveler, full time explorer

  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Myanmar
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Slovenia
    • North America
      • Canada
        • Alberta
        • British Columbia
        • Manitoba
        • Ontario
      • USA
        • California
        • Illinois
        • Massachusetts
        • New York
        • Oregon
        • Washington
        • Wisconsin
  • Tasty Bites
  • Living Abroad
  • Travel Tips
  • Reviews
    • Accommodation
    • Gear
    • Tours
  • Inspiration
You are here: Home / Destinations / North America / Canada / British Columbia / Step Into History in Vancouver’s Gastown

Step Into History in Vancouver’s Gastown

08/12/13 | British Columbia, Canada, Destinations, North America, Vancouver


Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Gastown in downtown Vancouver has always been one of my favourite neighbourhoods in this city. It’s one of the first places I take visitors to see. There is something uniquely different about this neighbourhood compared to the rest. Gastown-8And yet, walking the tree line streets filled with upscale boutiques, unique restaurants and plentiful bars, it is hard to believe that Vancouver has it’s beginnings here.

Gastown is named for John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton who arrived in the area in 1867 to open a saloon. He was named so because of his tendency to tell tales and talk a lot. From this one saloon, the area grew and flourished as it became a central area for trade and commerce.

Gastown-10

In 1886, the area was renamed the City of Vancouver after the British explorer George Vancouver. However, many of the buildings in this area are not from this time period as they were all destroyed in a fire later that year. Now, a statue of Gassy Jack stands at Maple Tree Square, where Alexander, Carrall, Water and Powell Streets meet.

Gastown-9

But Gastown’s most famous landmark, and definitely not the oldest, is the steam powered clock that stands on the corner of Water and Cambie street. The steam on the clock goes off every hour on the hour and there are small chimes every 15 minutes to mark the passage of time.

Gastown-5

Despite looking old, this clock was actually built in 1977 to cover a steam vent from the city’s distributed steam-heating system.

Gastown-1

Despite its short history, it draws in people young and old to take a look at it’s gears and to watch it steam every hour.

Gastown-3

Gastown-2

Gastown is a great area for a stroll during the day or at night. The charming cobblestone streets and architecture will keep you looking up and around to take it all in.

Gastown-6

If you’re new to Pack Me To, welcome! Stay on top of my adventures on Facebook and follow me on Twitter & Instagram.

Sign up to receive monthly updates and exclusive giveaways:

« A Tale of Romanian Time
Into the Canyon, Lynn Canyon That Is… »

Comments

  1. Noel Morata says

    August 12, 2013 at 11:32 PM

    that was a fun tour and I enjoyed the history of Vancouver also, thanks for sharing this

    • Adelina says

      August 12, 2013 at 11:49 PM

      Thanks Noel!

  2. Irene says

    August 13, 2013 at 1:24 AM

    Lovely pictures that bring back memories of Vancouver!

    • Adelina says

      August 13, 2013 at 1:52 PM

      Thanks Irene! Hopefully you’ll be able to make it back here one day!

  3. fotoeins says

    August 14, 2013 at 4:09 AM

    It is very pretty under sunshine, but I think there’s something special about this place when Gastown is lit up at night; it almost looks European. Even in rain, the slick stone streets almost have an old world quality look to them. Thanks for writing about a part of my hometown! 😉

    • Adelina says

      August 14, 2013 at 5:30 AM

      I definitely agree! There is a completely different vibe and charm to Gastown when it’s all lit up and under a veil of darkness. I’ll have to go back at night for more shots 🙂

  4. Mary {The World Is A Book} says

    August 15, 2013 at 4:19 AM

    I’ve been to Vancouver a few times but have never made it to Gastown. What an interesting history! I have heard of the steam powered clock and it looks so neat. Hope to make it back soon and will definitely make note to visit this.

    • Adelina says

      August 15, 2013 at 4:46 AM

      That just means you’ll have to come back! 🙂 It’s a great neighbourhood with some really cool restaurants to discover. Plus lots of history.

Trackbacks

  1. Coal Harbour Seawall : Pack Me To says:
    August 19, 2013 at 9:13 PM

    […] started the day off with a dim sum lunch before getting side tracked in Gastown and beer at Steamworks. But eventually we got started and headed down towards Coal […]

  2. Best Reads: August 2013 : Pack Me To says:
    September 2, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    […] I did a lot of exploring around the city while my boyfriend was here. We did a lot of walking: in Gastown, along the Seawall and a bit of a hike in Lynn Canyon. Right before I headed to NYC, I finally cut […]

Welcome to Pack Me To!

Adelina is a part time traveler, exploring the world despite having a full-time job. Pack Me To is a collection of stories from her travels and adventures around the world as she packs you to destinations around the world with her.

Adelina has been traveling for as long as she can remember and has lived abroad in the Netherlands and Hungary. She loves telling stories, and eating and exploring her way around the world. Come along for the ride. Read More…

Let’s connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Popular Destinations

Sign up to receive monthly updates and exclusive giveaways:

Recent Posts

  • 7 Destinations to Experience Game of Thrones in Real Life
  • My Date with a Dinosaur in Drumheller, Alberta
  • Inside the Agra Fort: Highlights from the Red Fort of Agra
  • Finding Peace and Hope in Hiroshima
  • The Hostel Chains of Japan In Review

Privacy & Disclosure

Pack Me To is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read the site’s full Privacy and Disclosure policy here.

Copyright © 2023

Copyright © 2023 · Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in