Vancouver, Canada is divided up into distinct districts whose characteristics vary greatly. Perhaps the most popular area for travelers is Gastown. It has a unique history, fantastic food, and delicious booze. The cobblestone stone streets and historic architecture create a charming environment that makes you forget you’re in a bustling metropolis.
While exploring Gastown be sure to check out the following sights, sounds, and restaurants.
The Famous Gastown Steam Clock
The Steam Clock is ornate and a beautiful piece of art but I wouldn’t set my watch by it. Its main purpose is to mark the western boundary of the first township that eventually became the city of Vancouver, known as Granville.
*Spoiler Alert* Skip this next paragraph if your hopes are easily crushed.
While the steam clock looks like it came straight out of the late 1800’s the clock isn’t as old as it looks. The clock was actually built in 1977 as a clever way to lure tourists into Gastowns shops.
Best Place for Souvenirs
Speaking of attracting tourists to this part of the city, Gastown is also the best spot in Vancouver to get a souvenir for your trip. There are a ton of shops with reasonably priced and unique gifts. Don’t wait until your back at the airport to get that lame keychain for grandma, do your shopping in Gastown.
“Gassy Jack” Statue
To truly appreciate your travel destination it’s important to explore the cities roots. Even if those beginnings start with a man whose nickname conjures up images of flatulence. John “Gassy Jack” Deighton is credited as the founder of this area called Gastown. A creepy and scraggly statue located just down the street from the Steam Clock honors Gastown’s founder and is worth stopping by to take a quick picture.
“Gassy Jack” gets his nickname, not from passing gas like our immature brains immediately go to, but rather from the boisterous stories he would tell. As the expression goes, “he was filled with hot air”. Legend has it he promised some lumberjacks all the whiskey they could drink in one sitting if they built him the towns first saloon (Sounds like a good deal to me).
Eat at the Flying Pig
Vancouver is a self-proclaimed “foodie” city, so you will never go hungry while walking around. The best restaurant in Gastown is the Flying Pig. Bring your appetite and just order everything. I suppose you could share all that food with your friends but that is your call. The Flying Pig doesn’t just specialize in pork, it has a variety of meats and side dishes that have a distinctly Canadian influence. Try the maple and mustard crusted pork rack and the pulled pork poutine. And if you want to pretend your eating healthy ask for a side of the bacon cauliflower casserole.
Drink at The Diamond
After a long day of exploring finish strong with a refreshing cocktail at The Diamond. With an enormous menu of crafted drinks, the Diamond would make “Gassy Jack” proud. Try either The Paper Plane, The Buck Buck Mule, or my favorite, The Portland. Or try all three, because you work hard and you deserve it.
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
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