Gastown

No visit to Vancouver is complete without a stroll through Gastown, the city’s oldest neighbourhood and its original downtown core, where cobblestone streets and Victorian-era architecture set a charming backdrop for exploring. The iconic Steam Clock on Water Street — one of only a handful in the world — is a must-see, whistling on the quarter hour to the delight of visitors. The area is also a fantastic place to shop, with an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, home goods stores, local clothing brands, and specialty retailers tucked along its historic blocks.