Hotel Blog

by Simona K. 
 

The historical part of the city, named after “Gassy” Jack, a Yorkshire seaman, is within the walking distance from the Days Inn Downtown hotel. Busy Water Street crowded with tourists, students, and food vendors is one of the touristic parts of the city. Gastown is a must-see with great shopping, sightseeing, dining, and nightlife entertainment opportunities.

One of the fun activities in Gastown is window shopping. There are many shops with designer’s shoes and clothes that are impossible just to miss. The colorful window displays and the unique designs attract the attention of people outside the stores.

By following the crowds while admiring the stores’ displays, the street will lead you to one of the top attractions in Gastown; the Steam Clock built in 1977 by a horologist Raymond Saunders. The spot is usually surrounded by the tourists taking pictures of the rising steam with the Vancouver Lookout in the background. Once you get a good snap of the clock and you’re ready to explore more, continue to the small square at the crossroad of Water and Powell streets where you find a statue of the Gastown founder, the “Gassy” Jack.

If you start feeling hungry at this point, you are in luck. The sports bar The Local is located right across the street from the statue with a big patio and a long line for a table. If you keep walking down the Water Street, you will come across The Alibi Room, a local brewery and a fantastic place for a weekend brunch. Another of our favorite restaurants is The Flying Pig with an amazing service and a great food selection. The coffee enthusiasts will discover that Gastown has many great coffee shops with a unique vibe and few of them with a great view, too.



If you still feel energized after and hungry for art and history, visit either Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery or Inuit Gallery of Vancouver displaying different forms of aboriginal art.