Gastown

Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver, established in 1867 when John 'Gassy Jack' Deighton arrived with a single barrel of whiskey. He promised the local mill workers all the drinks they could handle if they helped him build a saloon, which they completed in just 24 hours. This small settlement quickly grew into the city's first downtown core, serving as a hub for trade and the burgeoning timber industry. In 1886, the Great Vancouver Fire devastated the area, leaving only a few buildings standing. However, the community rebuilt rapidly using brick and stone, creating the iconic Victorian-style architecture that defines the district today. By the late 19th century, Gastown was the center of the city's wholesale trade, though its prominence shifted westward as Vancouver expanded. Throughout the 20th century, Gastown faced periods of neglect and was nearly demolished in the 1960s to make way for a major freeway. Local activists and heritage supporters successfully campaigned to save the district, leading to its designation as a National Historic Site in 2009. Today, it is a bustling cultural hotspot where historic cobblestone streets meet modern fashion boutiques and award-winning restaurants.