Best for
Gastown is Vancouver's original downtown, founded in 1867 when a saloon-keeper named Gassy Jack Deighton opened the first bar in what would become the city. Today the six-block heritage district between Cordova and the waterfront is a National Historic Site of Canada, with red brick buildings, cast-iron streetlamps, and cobblestone streets where the old rail alignment used to run. The iconic steam clock at Cambie and Water Street is the most-photographed object in the city.
As a neighbourhood to live in, Gastown is small and unusual — most of the residential stock is loft conversions in heritage buildings, and new construction is tightly regulated to preserve the streetscape. Rents are high relative to square footage because character costs extra. You'll pay downtown prices for quirky floor plans and exposed brick walls.
Where Gastown really earns its reputation is at night. The restaurant scene along Water and Alexander Streets includes some of the best tasting menus and cocktail bars in the country. It's also the best neighbourhood for a first date in Vancouver. One caveat for newcomers: Gastown borders the Downtown Eastside on its east side, and east of Carrall Street the neighbourhood character changes sharply.
Services in Vancouver
Local price ranges for services — we don't yet break these down to the neighbourhood level, but prices in Vancouver are consistent across most inner areas.