Agent Will

Gastown.  A neighbourhood so great they’ve even got their own website.  There are only three heritage zoned areas in all of Vancouver, those being Yaletown, Chinatown, and the topic for this post, Gastown.  And like the other two, the branding of the neighbourhood is so powerful that developers are keen to try to extend the borders to encompass their projects.  But let it be known, here and now, the true Gastown is a very small, very beautiful, and very safe area.  It is not to be confused with the Downtown Eastside, Hastings, or any area (stretching a bit here) South of Cordova.

Heritage plays a big role in defining the character of the neighbourhood and explains a lot of the attraction to both residents and tourists.  Do not be fooled into thinking that the 1900 era warehouse conversions and cobblestone streets are all that Gastown has to offer.  It is a vibrant neighbourhood with artists studios mingling with some of the cities best restaurants and some of the most impressive boutiques.

Named after Gassy Jack Deighton whose statue stands at the intersection of Alexander, Water, Powell, and Carrall, and who was a river boat captain turned saloon operator.  While his saloon may not operate anymore there are plenty which do and the area is popular with those looking for a good time out be it at The Blarney Stone for some Irish fun or at a nightclub playing the latest dance tracks by some of the world’s best DJs.  The area also hosts the Tour de Gastown bicycle race, a motorcycle and car show, and is one of the venues for the Vancouver Jazz Festival.  Rain or Shine.  And where else can you find a spot in Vancouver that looks perhaps even better in the wet when the period street lights come on to reflect off the cobblestone?

To see listings in Gastown, Click Here

There are a lot of improvements to the area in the works.  One is the Carrall St. Greenway which is to convert Carrall St. from an automobile focused street to a more bike and pedestrian green focused avenue running from Gastown to False Creek.  Another in talks is to bring back streetcars and have them run from ScienceWorld (Expo86 Buckyball now known as Telusphere World of Science) through Gastown and possibly off to Stanley Park.   One more possibility in talks, and I do hope this comes to fruition despite the many protests of some residents, is the new sports and concert venue for the Vancouver Whitecaps Soccer Club.  It would be built over the working rail yard which borders Gastown to the North.

If you are into trendy exposed brick and fir beams from almost a century ago, cobblestone streets, and casual dining in quaint cafes lying in charming alleys (Gastown Mews) then there is no better place for you to be.