Gastown & Downtown Vancouver East

 Located in Railtown (within the Industrial area), just two blocks east of Gastown, stands The Settlement Building which holds over 90 years of history within its walls. This historical building is home to Vancouver Urban Winery- Enjoy a tasting or pick up a bottle of a truly unique BC wine. Residing in this same historical building is the popular Belgard Kitchen- start your weekend off right and have their savory brunch!

                                                               Photo Credit: Alexis Birkill, 2014

 After brunch, what do we all need more than a good walk- CRAB park is the place to go in the Industrial area, it boasts incredible views of The North Shore, Harbor Centre and Canada Place. The kids will love playing on the playground and spray park while watching the SeaBus come and go, the Helijet take off and land, and hear the CPR trains chug by. (shhh, CRAB park is also a great spot to catch the Canada Day fireworks)

Head south east from Gastown to Chinatown where its major streets are Main, Pender and Keefer. Chinatown is home to the serene and tranquil Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.  This garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city life. Imagine heading to Chinatown to stroll the shops and picking up some rare and incredibly smooth oolong tea and sipping it in this Chinese Garden- Pure bliss.    

                                                             
This garden is just a few minutes’ walk from the historical Millennium Gate- which you will discover amongst close inspection, is beautifully ornate. During summer weekend evenings, the night market takes place on the streets Pender and Keefer. Lovers of Chinese food, will enjoy the abundance of restaurants in the area and authentically delicious Dim Sum. Get your groceries at the local T&T Supermarket and Chinatown Supermarket both on Keefer street and Nesters Market on Abbott Street. Local grocers are plentiful as well; there is no need to go far!                                                          Photo Credit: Ed Heimel and Chris Klejbuk,2013

Gastown and Downtown Vancouver East are host to many festivals and events through the year. Chinatown has their annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival, in Gastown The BBQ and Chili Festival, and in the Strathcona area of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, they have their annual East Van Summer Jam!

 Strathcona is Vancouver’s oldest residential neighborhood. It is bordered by Chinatown to the west, and Clark Drive to the east. Both Sunrise Market on Powell street, and Union Food Market on Union Street, are very affordable and great quality community markets. Union Food Market is known for their tasty pastries and friendly local staff- we love that community feel! Don’t feel like cooking? Finch’s Market Café on East Georgia Street, with its ultra cool décor, is a unique spot to go to for raved about sandwiches and a cup of coffee…or two.

There are plenty of parks and playgrounds in these areas as well. Within Strathcona is the beautiful MacLean Park- a spray park and playground for the kids, benches, a path, and flower beds will most certainly draw you in for a good stroll or sit! 

Transit throughout Gastown and Downtown Vancouver East is effortless. As it is through all of Vancouver. The SkyTrain, city buses, West Coast Express train, and the Seabus, provide several options and routes for our journey though this gorgeous city.