Gastown: Historic charm, Victorian buildings, and hip eateries
Cultures & influences: Early Vancouver history; West Coast; French/European; multicultural and diverse
Ambiance: historically charming; hidden speakeasy drinking; convivial patios; tucked away gems in alleys and side streets
Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2009, Vancouver’s Gastown is steeped in history while remaining vibrant. The neighbourhood, located north of Hastings Street between Richards Street and Main Street, is beloved for its cobblestone streets, gorgeous heritage buildings, and iconic steam clock. In addition to boutique shopping, unique live-work spaces, and galleries featuring local art, Gastown is also one of the city’s prime destinations for dining and drinking.
Originally a portage route for Coast Salish peoples traversing between Burrard Inlet and False Creek, Gastown came to prominence for settlers in 1867 when a bar, called the Globe Saloon, relocated from New Westminster to the shores of Burrard Inlet.
Other businesses soon flocked to the area, fostering the growth of a make-shift community of saloons, hotels, and stores. Due to its waterfront location, Gastown had a diverse population who came to live, work, and set up shop in the area. Eventually, in 1870, it became officialised as Granville Townsite, even though most people continued to call it Gastown.
In 1886, Granville Townsite became incorporated as the City of Vancouver. However, a couple months later, sadly, the new city was devastated by a Great Fire, which destroyed its fledgling buildings in under an hour. Ever resourceful, the residents rebuilt the area, which became a thriving retail and wholesale district, bolstered by the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Many of the current buildings within Gastown date back to this bustling era. As Vancouver expanded outward, Gastown continued to play a prominent role within the growing city.
Photo Credit: Gastown BIA.
Starting during the Great Depression, Gastown eventually saw a decline, which lasted until the 1960s when it underwent a major renewal. While its historic character was retained, many new elements were added to transform it into a prime gathering location. Gastown saw further revitalization in the early 2000s with the opening of cutting-edge restaurants and bars, which transformed the neighbourhood into a culinary hotspot. Today, Gastown is a captivating mix of old and new, one that speaks to Vancouver’s early pioneering days, while also to its present multicultural make-up.
What Makes Gastown Unique as a Dining and Drinking Destination
The heritage architecture and the rich history of Gastown make for a type of atmospheric dining that you can’t get anywhere else in Vancouver. “The brick walls and cobblestone play a role in the whole romantic element of the neighbourhood,” says Elise Yurkowski, Director of Marketing at the Gastown Business Improvement Area (BIA). Yurkowski talks about how restaurateurs and bar owners embrace Gastown’s historic elements, creating an ambiance that often has a wonderfully mysterious or hidden feel. A good example is an intimate natural wine bar called Is That French, located in Blood Alley, which is the site of many ghoulish legends. Other places, like Guilt & Company, a bar and live music venue, are located underground, reminiscent of speakeasies.
Photo Credit: Gastown BIA
Yurkowski adds that Gastown’s age as a neighbourhood means that many places have been around for a long time. “A lot of the establishments are still owner-operated, so you could be sitting at the bar and talking to the owner, which a creates a community feel,” she says.
Water St. Café is one such establishment, which, since 1988, has been housed in a 1906 heritage building, which used to be called the Edward Hotel. Co-owner Eli Brennan adores operating a long-running restaurant in such a historically significant neighbourhood. “It’s one of the last spots in the city where you still get that feeling of walking around old architecture. It adds a unique feel to the area, and it keeps people coming back,” he says. Brennan also thinks that Gastown’s culinary scene is unique because of its independent spirit, as well as the innovation and calibre of its food and drink. “It’s an epicentre of nightlife,” he says.
One restaurant that transformed Gastown into a culinary destination is L’Abattoir, which opened in 2010, wooing diners to the area with a refined menu that melds French technique with West Coast ingredients. Chef/owner Lee Cooper believes that Gastown has it all. “It's absolutely worth spending an entire evening in Gastown, from pre-dinner cocktails at one of the many fantastic cocktail bars to a full dining experience at some of the best restaurants in the city—if not the country. And after dinner, there's something for everyone, from live music, to pubs, to speakeasies,” he says.
Photo Credit: Gastown BIA
Yurkowski says Gastown is particularly impressive because of the sheer density of fabulous establishments within its eight-block radius. Some of the finest restaurants are located here,
including PiDGiN Restaurant, which reimagines Asian cuisine from a Pacific Northwest perspective; Jules Bistro, which specializes in classic French bistro fare in a Parisian-inspired setting; and Monarca, which adds playful invention to Mexican food. Other restaurants also offer a delicious taste of cuisines from around the world, including Ukrainian, Japanese, Italian, and Moroccan. Small cafes and sandwich shops provide even more options in the neighbourhood.
diBeppe. Image Credit: Gastown BIA
Besides its diverse food selections, Gastown boasts an exemplary drinking scene. “It’s a neighbourhood founded on a bar, so therefore Gastown knows how to make a good drink,” says Yurkowski. She calls Gastown “the cocktail capital of the city” for good reason: the neighbourhood contains some of the foremost cocktail bars. Establishments such as The Diamond and Pourhouse are well known for their hand-crafted cocktails, which evidence expert knowledge in classic drinks while also showcasing local creativity. In addition, Gastown is home to many gastropubs where diners can enjoy good food and great drink selections.
The neighbourhood is one of the best spots to enjoy happy hour, especially on a summer’s day when the patios are full of people soaking up the sun as well as the undeniable charm of Gastown surroundings.
Photo Credit: Gastown BIA
Gastown Events to Put on Your Calendar
While there’s always something exciting going on in Gastown, the Gastown BIA is making Thursday nights particularly special. During the summer months, Gastown features live music from talented local artists on every block. Whether you’re strolling the cobbled streets soaking up the historic atmosphere or you’re supping on a lovely meal on a patio, you can listen to amazing music. Artists represent a wide range of musical genres, so there’s music for everyone. Even better, restaurants in the area take part in the lively Thursdays, many offering all day happy hours. Plus, there are extra special Thursday nights, such as a Pride Takeover and orchestral performances, that foster community spirit within the neighbourhood.
Image Credit: Gastown BIA
Thursdays are festive during December when live music returns to Gastown, in addition to carollers who roam the streets, serenading visitors with their favourite holiday songs. Gastown’s antique street lights and gorgeous heritage buildings are the perfect backdrop for some winter magic.
As the cocktail hub of the city, Gastown figures prominently in Vancouver Cocktail Week, which took place for the first time in March 2022. The event toasts the talent and creativity of the city’s bartenders through signature events; educational seminars, like a Canadian whisky master class; ticketed events (e.g., a Spirited Walking Tour through Gastown); and Cinq à Sept (five to seven) happy hours at various venues in Gastown.
Image Credit: Gastown BIA
Food tours frequently happen in Gastown, showcasing the diversity of the culinary and drinking scene while also providing fascinating stories about the area. Participants sample everything from poutine to gourmet soft serve ice cream. Doughnut fans can even partake in a Vancouver tour, which includes a walk through Gastown. In addition, if you want a more spirited exploration of Gastown, various tours are themed around cocktail spots and pubs in Gastown.
Gastown’s varied and vibrant culinary scene is just waiting to be explored—and savoured.
