Gastown

Gastown is a historic district in Vancouver, British Columbia, situated northeast of the central business district along the waterfront, adjacent to the city’s Chinatown and the Harbour. Originating in the late 1860s, the area grew up around a timber saloon opened by John "Gassy Jack" Deighton, whose nickname gave the neighbourhood its informal name. Gastown became Vancouver’s first commercial hub and retains a concentration of 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, narrow streets and restored brick buildings.

Today Gastown is a mixed-use area known for its preserved streetscape, independent shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. It attracts tourists and locals for its historic character and nightlife, with cobblestone walkways, period lampposts and one of the city’s signature attractions, a steam-driven clock installed in the 1970s. The district contains a number of heritage buildings and is subject to conservation measures to protect its architectural fabric while accommodating contemporary uses.

Gastown also hosts small technology firms, creative industries and professional offices, contributing to a diverse local economy. The neighbourhood is accessible from Vancouver’s Waterfront Station and nearby transit routes. Like many historic urban areas, Gastown has experienced tensions between preservation, development and rising property values, leading to ongoing public discussion about heritage management and the balance between tourism and community needs.