What it's Known for: Heritage buildings and cobblestone streets, tourist destinations.
Inhabitants are: Young, urban artists and professionals, low-income earners.
Types of Housing: Walk-up apartments, lofts, condominiums and studio warehouses.
The historic district of Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood. Still as colourful as ever, it is a favourite destination of tourists.
A daytime stroll down its cobblestone streets reveals artist studios, designers' shops, First Nations' galleries and antique stores in refurbished heritage buildings. Gastown is also home to the world's first steam-powered clock, now one of the city's most photographed attractions.
Gastown's structures share a common Late Victorian and Edwardian commercial vernacular indicative of the region's development in the late 19th century. Visitors are encouraged to check out the old Canadian Pacific Railway Station of 1912 for a tangible example of the decorative tastes of the time.
Gastown is within easy walking distance of downtown Vancouver.
A word or two on your visit:
- Be mindful of the fact that Gastown, while very safe, is partially located in a more graphic part of the city