What to know
- Established in 1867, Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood and a designated National Historic Site known for its Victorian architecture and steam-powered clock.
- The area spans just six blocks but is filled with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and cultural attractions.
- Steamworks Brewpub and The Alibi Room are two major destinations for local and imported craft beer.
- The neighbourhood also features Fluevog Shoes, Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery, and One of a Few, showcasing fashion, Indigenous art, and design-forward retail.
As Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown preserves the past with modern flair.
Established in 1867 as the city’s oldest settlement, Gastown has stood the test of time near the waterfront for over 150 years. With its Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets and famed working steam clock that whistles every 15 minutes, the neighbourhood is loved by tourists and locals alike. In 2009, Gastown was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Just because Gastown is old, doesn’t mean it’s boring. Despite spanning just six blocks, the area is rife with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
Here are five businesses in Gastown that showcase the district’s old-timey charm and present-day appeal.
Steamworks Brewpub
- Location: 375 Water St.
Founded in 1995, Steamworks Brewing Company, named for Gastown’s famous steam clock, is the only brewery that still uses steam to fire its kettles. Steamworks has expanded to four locations across the Lower Mainland, but its original location is still on Vancouver’s waterfront in Gastown. Its main beer lineup consists of two non-alcoholic beers, 11 beers, and seven mix-and-match packs. Currently, Steamworks’ offers over 20 more beers in its seasonal lineup.
Check out Steamworks’ Brewing Company’s beer selection here.
Fluevog Shoes
- Location: 65 Water St.
The brainchild of Vancouver-born shoe designer John Fluevog, Fluevog Shoes sells footwear for fashionistas who love a funky heel. The shoe brand operates 18 stores across North America, but its flagship store is still located in Gastown. Fluevog’s shoes have been worn by Madonna, worn on the runway for Anna Sui and Betsy Johnson, and featured in Vogue.
The Alibi Room
- Location: 157 Alexander St.
Located deep in Gastown near the old Canadian Pacific Railway train tracks on Alexander Street, The Alibi Room is the ultimate destination for craft beer enthusiasts. The restaurant consistently carries over 50 rotating taps featuring local craft beer and imported ales. Don’t skip out on the food either, as the Alibi Room offers scrumptious burgers, share plates, and charcuterie boards that pair perfectly with its beer menu.
Check out The Alibi Room’s beer menu here.
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery
- Location: 332 Water St. Unit 200
Established in 1996, Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery has been showcasing exquisite Indigenous art forms in the heart of Gastown for over 30 years. The gallery’s collection includes totem poles, silver and gold jewellery, masks, pottery, and paintings. Throughout its existence, the gallery has highlighted over 1000 artists and received over 100,000 visitors.
One of a Few
- Location: 354 Water St.
One of a Few is for the girlies whose Pinterest boards are overflowing with fashion and style inspiration. Located near the entrance to Gastown, the boutique makes an effort to stock some of the most sought after designers in sustainable fashion, such as Sandy Liang, Ganni, and Sonya Lee.
