One Of Vancouver's Oldest Neighborhoods Blends Historic Streets With Thriving Nightlife

Vancouver's oldest neighborhood began its life with the opening of a humble saloon in 1867. The first settlers arrived in Vancouver in the early 1800s, and with them came the infamous John "Gassy Jack" Deighton, a famed captain who was quickly known about the town for being a fast talker. He was responsible for opening The Globe Saloon and injecting some life into a somewhat lifeless part of the village. Located on the south side of Burrard Inlet, this part of town quickly evolved, with other business owners setting up shop near the saloon, which attracted merchants and travelers from all over. Today, Gastown retains its historic and quirky charm and has become a trendy commercial district that comes to life at night.

In keeping with the legacy of The Globe Saloon, modern Gastown is Vancouver's energetic core, a party hub filled with bars, boutiques, and guaranteed fun times. However, there is more to Gastown than its thriving nightlife, with the government naming the district a National Historic Site of Canada in 2009 due to its rich and well-preserved history. As you walk around the district, you'll be met by old charming buildings dating back to 1886 and Victorian Romanesque Revival facades that make you feel like you're in another era.

The Globe Saloon, which was reportedly built by locals who accepted whiskey as payment and where Gastown supposedly got its origins, is sadly no more. However, you'll find plenty of drinking establishments in the vicinity of where it once stood. Over the past decade, Vancouver has seen a boom in microbreweries, with Gastown being home to many of these. Microbreweries to look out for are Alibi Room, Six Acres, and Steamworks Brewpub. By day, Water Street and the surrounding area is a fashion-forward, chic part of town. By sunset, it transforms into the heart of Vancouver's partying and nightlife scene.

In terms of gastronomy, Gastown also offers a wide variety of options depending on your budget and preference. The Old Spaghetti Factory is a family-favorite pasta restaurant with reasonably priced, crowd-pleasing dishes perfect for kids. If you're a fine dining aficionado hoping to spot Vancouver celebrities, then L'Abattoir is a Gastown must. With a menu focusing on fusing French and West Coast culinary styles, L'Abattoir has received Michelin accolades and is well known as one of Canada's leading restaurants. Its seasonal menu includes mouthwatering dishes such as baked Pacific oyster and ​​tandoori-style sablefish. Meanwhile, a detour down to Main Street can treat you to some of Vancouver's best vegan and vegetarian food.

Aside from the nightlife, Gastown has a history that is sure to charm even the most tipsy visitor. The Coal Harbor Seawall is a great place to revisit Gastown's past and a charming location to walk and admire the district's old architecture. Gastown's cobblestone streets are also complimented by an iconic steam clock, one of few in the world, that whistles every hour, on the hour! Designed by Raymond Saunders in 1977, this oddity catches a lot of attention and adds to Gastown's quirkiness.

Gastown also has a lovely waterfront, perfect for walking along while surveying Vancouver's beautiful surrounding landscapes. The district is also a hub of creativity, with numerous galleries such as Coastal Peoples, an unmissable attraction focused on exhibiting the work of Indigenous artists. With works by First Nations and Inuit creators, Coastal Peoples is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Vancouver before the settlers arrived. After visiting, consider checking out other Indigenous tourism experiences in British Columbia. Gastown is also home to one of Vancouver's most notable modern art museums, the Center of International Contemporary Art Vancouver (CICA), which has exhibited some of the art world's most exciting up-and-coming stars. The innovative spirit of Gastown is felt in its dedication to preserving Canadian cultural and architectural heritage, creating an enjoyable and lively atmosphere for its residents and visitors.