3 Must See Sights in Gastown: + A Style Guide

 * This photo shoot was in collaboration with Vancouver Photographer  Marilaine Delisle. 

Gastown, is a unique and historic part of my hometown Vancouver, Canada.  This visit, it was fun to collaborate with a local photographer.  If you are visiting Vancouver and need photos, do check out Marilaine's work. Her photography talent is amazing!

This nostalgic area is so beautiful!  I love the timeless brick buildings and the cobblestone streets. The locals call it Gastown because the first saloon was opened here in 1886 by Jack Deighton: known as "Gassy Jack"." Apparently he let off a lot of hot air, and talked non stop! From that time to this, the Maple Tree Square has been known as Gastown.

There's lots to explore in Gastown. Several shops and boutiques will keep you entertained for hours. Also don't miss out on the coffee scene, several spots are available . I had the best ever Maple latte located across t from the Harbor Centre Tower. If you plan to visit and have limited time to see everything: These are: 

3 Must See Sights in Gastown

1) Hotel Europe

It's  hard to miss this iconic hotel, as it is a very prominent structure located at the intersection of Powell and Alexander streets. However if you get sidetracked at all the souvenir stores at the other end, you may miss it! Hotel Europe is a famous icon in Vancouver and has appeared in several movie sets.

The hotel was built in 1908 and commissioned by hotelier Angelo Calori. It was designed flat iron style, and was the first reinforced concrete structure to be built in Canada. A long time ago it was probably a grand place to check in. In 1983 it was remodeled as affordable housing units for low income residents.  It's now vacated, and still stands tall on the corner as part of Vancouver's history and skyline.

2) The Steam Clock

The old time clock is my favorite part of Gastown, and holds special memories for me. I visited this clock many times as a child. Some of my fondest memories, were standing on this corner and watching the old girl blow her top! It was always a fun trip to come downtown with my mum and take in the sights. The clock whistles and blows off steam once every hour.

The steam clock is one of few located around the world. It was not part of the original landscape from the 1870's. It was built over a hundred years later in 1977.  The merchants  had it built as a monument, and to keep the homeless from sleeping on the streets. If they did, they would literally be on top of a hot seat! Ha!

This is because underneath Vancouver, there are a series of steam pipes connected to a generating plant. This system provides heat for most of downtown , and steam for the whistles of the steam clock.

3) The Harbor Centre 

Your Vancouver adventure begins here, from the Look Out Tower of the Harbor Centre. This is another hometown gem I haven't seen yet.  I left the lower mainland when I was 17, and still have an endless list of places to visit.

The Tower extends 530 feet into the sky, and boasts a 360 degree panoramic view of the city.  If you like to be athletic, do take the stairs.  Just  633 steps and  you will be at the top! The gallery and observation deck are available to rent out for any events you have planned.

All the floors below the tower are used for office space. The building is at the center business district for downtown Vancouver.

What to Wear in Spring

The weather in Vancouver can vary so much in early spring. I visited the middle of February, and again the 1st week of March. It can reach 60 degrees one day, and be blustery cold the next.

Gastown seems to always be more on the windy side. I brought two different coats: a light jean jacket and a stylish long outerwear coat.  For my styled travel shoot in Gastown, I went with casual and classic style.

Black high waist pants from Anne Taylor Loft, a striped tee and black patent boots fit the Gastown vibe perfectly.  I changed up my look by swapping out my  jacket and shoes.

I hope you found some travel and style inspiration here to get your spring started!

Have you visited Gastown yet?