Welcome to Vancouver’s birthplace

Rameshinder Singh Sandhu

When visitors enter Gastown — the oldest and the original neighbourhood of Vancouver that dates back to 1800s — they can’t hold themselves from getting lost in the beauty of this town. Part of Vancouver downtown, it is also a national historic site of Canada and still carries the same old charm with pride and holds potential for comparison with one of the most mesmerising old towns of Europe. Thanks to its cobbled streets lined with historic buildings and old European-styled street lamps that silently transport every soul to the old world leaving no stone unturned to underline the power of old towns in the so-called modern world of today.

The man behind the creation of this town which interestingly also turned out as a point from where Vancouver opened its wings or say took birth was Gassy Jack Deighton — a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain who arrived here in 1867 to open his business of saloon and galvanised by its success many other businesses came up with profits knocking on their doors. Luckily, the town’s seaport location offered huge advantage for every success story where several crews of sailing ships stopped and considering booming businesses finally in 1886 the town was incorporated as the city of Vancouver.

That’s why, the town was also officially named after him but even before the official curtains went up, Deighton was popular among all as Gassy and whosoever came to this area, termed it as ‘Gassy’s town.’In December 1986, his statue labelled as ‘founding father of Gastown’ was also constructed on the corner of Water and Carrall Streets — the same point where he opened his saloon and ever since hundreds of tourists daily pay tribute to him by taking pictures with his statue that also depicts his English lifestyle. Right opposite is the historic Flatiron building — now a hotel which also stands popular for pictures and reminds one of famous Flatiron building of New York City. 

After being in the company of Gassy’s statue, none of the tourists can afford to miss heading to the highly popular ‘steam clock’ located on Water Street. It stands as the most famous landmark of Vancouver as its presence contributes too much to this town’s beauty. The steam-powered clock was built and designed in 1977 by a Canadian clock maker Raymond L. Saunders and makes a cut as world’s ‘first steam engine clock.’ However, it becomes a bigger cynosure in every 15 minutes as it begins to whistle and steam starts coming out from its top making it more enthralling not only for eyes but also ears. Credit goes to Saunder’s idea of powering the clock sound production with steam which has been attraction for every tourist. Believe it or not, no one wants to leave the town till they have seen the clock whistling and of course it’s worth waiting. Taking note of this fascination may be for the same reason; this steam clock has been on cover pages of several travel magazines and movies!

  It’s also a perfect place to take breaks as it is inundated with Vancouver’s best restaurants, cafes and bars with many giving alfresco options for seating which should be always chosen as you remain connected to the lively streets. It’s also home to many souvenir shops, besides many other shopping outlets of clothing, art and craft to suit every budget.

Lastly, you may have visited this town during the day but it’s also worth visiting as the day melts. It’s that time when its beauty and charm presents a new colour along with several talented street entertainers to leave you captivated and you will be like, “the show must go on”!