Neighborhood Scores
About Gastown
Gastown is Vancouver's original downtown, founded in 1867 around a single saloon owned by 'Gassy Jack' Deighton. In 2026, it remains one of the city's most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods, designated a National Historic Site since 2009. The cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and iconic Steam Clock draw tourists, but beyond the postcard-perfect facade lies a genuine creative community.
The neighborhood has evolved into a tech and design hub, with startups, agencies, and studios occupying converted warehouse lofts. This brings a young, educated demographic—39% of residents are aged 20-34, and nearly half hold university degrees. The vibe shifts dramatically from day to night: bustling with professionals and tourists during work hours, transitioning to a lively bar and restaurant scene after dark.
Living in Gastown in 2026 means embracing both the historic character and the urban realities. You'll have world-class dining, exceptional coffee culture, and direct SkyTrain access at your doorstep—but you'll also navigate the complexities of being adjacent to the Downtown Eastside.
May not be ideal for:
- • Families with young children (limited green space, nightlife noise)
- • Those sensitive to street noise and urban grittiness
- • Anyone requiring easy parking or a car-dependent lifestyle
- • People uncomfortable with visible homelessness
- • Those seeking quiet, residential-only streets
Rental Prices in Gastown
Where to Eat, Drink & Work
Coffee Shops
Legendary third-wave coffee bar with rotating single-origin roasters. The gold standard for Vancouver coffee.
325 Cambie Street
Australian-style espresso with excellent pastries and a bright, modern space.
302 W Hastings Street
Local roaster with industrial-chic vibes. Great pour-overs and single-origins.
Old-school Italian-style espresso. A Gastown institution since the 1980s.
Cozy cafe known for fresh-baked bread and all-day brunch. Great for remote work.
Restaurants
Upscale French cuisine in a stunning heritage building. One of Vancouver's best restaurants.
217 Carrall Street
Beloved taco spot that started as a Tofino food truck. Casual and delicious.
15 W Cordova Street
Tiny, no-reservations Italian spot with exceptional handmade pasta. Worth the wait.
305 Alexander Street
Crowd-pleasing comfort food with quality ingredients. Great for groups.
Massive brewpub in a heritage building. Solid pub food and house-brewed beers.
Craft cocktails and elevated bar food in a prohibition-era inspired space.
Bars & Nightlife
Vancouver's original craft beer bar with 50+ taps. Cozy second-floor space.
157 Alexander Street
Underground bar with nightly live music. Intimate and atmospheric.
1 Alexander Street (basement)
Award-winning cocktails with Asian-inspired ingredients. Stunning design.
135 Keefer Street
Trendy cocktail spot with DJs and a late-night crowd. Dancing on weekends.
European-style pub tucked behind the Steam Clock. Great patio in summer.
Fitness
Unique aerial fitness studio offering pole, silks, and flexibility classes.
322 W Hastings Street
Small group training studio with strength and conditioning focus.
Modern yoga studio with variety of class styles. Part of Vancouver's YYoga chain.
Closest full-service gym, 10-minute walk from Gastown core.
Getting Around
Commute Times
Transit Stations
- • Waterfront Station (Expo, Canada, Millennium Lines + SeaBus)
- • Stadium-Chinatown Station
- • Gastown Bus Loop
Is Gastown Safe?
Gastown's safety varies dramatically by time of day and exact location. The core tourist and commercial areas (Water Street, Cambie Street) are generally safe. However, Gastown directly borders the Downtown Eastside (DTES), and the transition can be abrupt.
During the Day
Daytime in Gastown is generally safe, with heavy foot traffic from tourists, office workers, and shoppers. Stick to the main commercial streets and you'll feel comfortable. The cobblestone streets are busy and well-monitored.
At Night
After dark, exercise standard urban caution. The bar areas along Water Street stay lively and safe until late. However, avoid wandering east toward Main Street or south toward Hastings Street alone after midnight. Take transit or rideshare from your door.
Areas to Be Aware Of
East of Carrall Street quickly transitions into the DTES, especially along Hastings. The area south of Gastown along Hastings Street sees more open drug use and should be avoided at night. Main and Hastings intersection is a known hotspot.
History & Culture
Gastown is where Vancouver began. In 1867, a Yorkshire-born sailor named John 'Gassy Jack' Deighton opened the area's first saloon to serve workers at the nearby Hastings Mill. The neighborhood that grew around it was originally called Granville but became known as 'Gassy's Town.' After a devastating fire in 1886 destroyed most buildings, Gastown was quickly rebuilt in the brick and stone architecture you see today. The area declined mid-20th century but was revitalized in the 1970s, designated a National Historic Site in 2009, and has since become a hub for tech startups and creative agencies.
Demographics: Young, educated, and urban. About 39% of Gastown residents are aged 20-34, and 46% hold a university degree—one of the highest rates in Vancouver. The neighborhood skews 60% male, reflecting the concentration of tech workers. The median household income is moderate for downtown, with many residents in early-career professional roles.
- • Gastown Grand Prix (cycling street race)
- • Car Free Day Vancouver (Gastown portion)
- • First Thursdays Art Walk
- • Eastside Culture Crawl (nearby)
Explore Nearby
Ready to find your home in Gastown?
Browse available rentals and sublets in Gastown.
Last updated: 2026-01-05 • By Vancouver Sublets
Sources: Walk Score, Rentals.ca, RentItFurnished.com, Destination Vancouver, Wikipedia, City of Vancouver Open Data, VPD Crime Statistics, Reddit r/vancouver, Noms Magazine, Yelp