Where Profile

Heritage meets hip in the oldest part of the city, reaching east from Richards to Columbia St. Gastown boasts some superbly appointed fashion, gift, homewares and antiques stores; Native-art galleries; and restaurants, many housed in late-Victorian buildings. The Gastown Steam Clock sounds the Westminster chimes at the corner of Water and Cambie streets. Cordova St.’s intimate boutiques showcase the work of homegrown fashion designers. On Gastown’s eastern flank, a statue of the city’s founding father, “Gassy Jack” Deighton, oversees Maple Tree Square. Abbott, Powell and Carrall streets house cafés, boutiques and galleries.