The
Station
Corner of Cordova and Seymour Street The Old Canadian Pacific
Railway Station built in 1912-14. A potent national symbol, this
building expresses the corporate pride and decorative taste of the time.
Formerly the terminus of the CPR, it was restored for transit, office,
and retail use in 1976. |
 Unique
Shopping
On Cordova Street
The 300 block of West Cordova Street is
one of Vancouver's best kept secrets. Nowhere else will you find
collectibles, antiques, Canadian designer fashions, and funky eateries
on one block.
|
 The
Steam Clock
Corner of Cambie and Water Street
The world's first steam clock, by
horologist and sculptor Raymond Saunder. Powered by a single-cylinder
engine and driven by a fascinating chain and ball-weight drive that is
visible through the clock's glass sides, it draws crowds of fascinated
tourist for its quarter-hourly performance.
|
 Gaolers
Mews
Water at Carrall Street
Gaolers Mews was the location of the
city's first jail, customs house, and home to Gastown's first constable,
Jonathan Miller. The area also housed stables, bathhouses and laundries.
|
 Gassy
Jack Statue
Maple Tree Square Water and Carrall Street
The statue was commissioned in 1970 by
local Gastown developers and gifted to the City of Vancouver. Sculptor,
Vern Simpson, working from a sketch of Captain Jack Deighton, created
the six-foot copper statue and barrel podium for $850.00. It was at this
spot on the muddy shoreline in 1867 that Captain "Gassy Jack"
Deighton paddled ashore with wife, whisky and sundry thereby founding
the Globe Saloon and by consequence the settlement that came to be known
as Gastown.
|
 The
Europe Hotel
Corner of Powell and Alexander Street
Built in 1908-09 by Angelo Calori. The
notable Vancouver architectural firm, Parr and Fee, designed the Europe,
a 'flat-iron shaped' building for this triangular-shaped lot. It was the
earliest reinforced concrete structure in Canada and the first fireproof
hotel in western Canada. The building was renovated in 1983 to provide
affordable housing units.
|
A
trip to historic Gastown
is a must for visitors to Vancouver. And no wonder. Picture a tangle of
cobble-stoned streets, mews, courtyards, and Victorian architecture set
against a back drop of snow-capped mountains. Or an antique steam clock
that blows its musical salute every 15 minutes. Yet Gastown is more than
a trip into the past. It's also a bustling modern community. So sit back
and sip on a beer at one of the many brew-pubs, eat fresh fish or ethnic
food in an array of restaurants or listen to live music. Shop for
antiques, Canadian Native art or look for designer fashions.