Downtown Vancouver was a truly unique experience with its array of exquisite shops that sell so many interesting gifts that you couldn’t fail to find the perfect gift for even the most-difficult-to-buy-for person – we definitely lack places like this in the UK. And this was the perfect place to visit since it was a bit of a dull and damp day.
One of the main attractions for me in the Victorian Gastown had to be the steam clock, which is one of only a few in the world. A series of steam pipes provide the tuneful whistles that can be heard from the clock every 15 minutes, and on the hour a loud toot can also be heard – it’s an experience not to miss! Another interesting landmark is ‘Gassy Jack’ which is a statue in Maple Square. ‘Gassy Jack’ (John Deighton) was a sailor who was actually born in Hull, England in 1830 and helped found the first settlement that later became the great city of Vancouver.
If you are into food and drink, then Downtown Vancouver is the perfect place for you. You’ll find an array of amazing shops, pubs and restaurants selling tantalising food and drink from around the globe. We ended up in a lovely old pub for lunch that was perfect for light snacks and every drink choice you could think of!
Close to Gastown, is the Harbour Centre and the Vancouver Lookout. So, we decided to go up there and observe a 360-degree aerial view of Vancouver. The 40-second glass lift ride whisked us to the top – these lifts get my ears every time! The observation deck offers great views of the city, so you can see Gastown, Coal Harbour, and the mountains. There are also observation panels around the area that explain everything in a little more detail.
We really enjoyed our trip into Downtown Vancouver, and Gastown was like taking a step back in time. There were more parts to Downtown Vancouver that we missed, but then it’s always tricky trying to see everything in one visit – always a good reason to go back in the future!
