Vancouver: Gastown, Chinese Garden & Vancouver Lookout
Planning Your Trip To Vancouver & Wanting To Visit Gastown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, And The Vancouver Lookout Tower? We’ve Got You Covered!
In this blog post, we are going to talk about Vancouver’s famous Gastown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and the Vancouver Lookout Tower.
Those three attractions are located close to each other and you can definitely see them in one day, which is why I have combined them into one post.
Also, this post was updated in 2024 to ensure all the information is current and accurate.
Gastown is a historic neighborhood in downtown Vancouver that is known for its Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and trendy restaurants and shops.
The Chinese Garden is a tranquil oasis located in the heart of Chinatown, featuring traditional Chinese architecture, water features, and beautiful flora.
The Vancouver Lookout is a 168-meter-high tower with an observation deck that provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Together, these three attractions offer visitors a unique and diverse perspective on the rich history and vibrant culture of Vancouver.
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Gastown
Gastown is a historic district in Vancouver, British Columbia, known for its charming cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture.
As the oldest neighborhood in the city, it is widely regarded as Vancouver’s birthplace.
Why is Gastown in Vancouver called Gastown?
In 1867, John Deighton, a steamboat captain, opened Gastown’s first saloon, which later became a famous gathering spot for locals.
Deighton earned the nickname “Gassy Jack” due to his talkative nature and storytelling skills, not because of any physical bloating lol.
His saloon’s success led to the influx of more businesses and residents, which contributed to the establishment of a new community.
As the area continued to develop, it was named “Gassy’s Town” or “Gastown” in honor of its founder.
Why is Gastown famous?
Today, Gastown is a thriving tourist destination, offering an array of shops, restaurants, and cafes for visitors to enjoy.
One of its most recognizable landmarks is the Steam Clock, which runs on steam and chimes every quarter hour.
The Steam Clock is one of the best things to do in Gastown.
On the hour, the chiming is even more interesting so try and time your visit to see it.
You will spot people standing around the clock, eagerly waiting to hear its chimes.
👉 If you prefer an organized food tour, here is a great option: Vancouver: 2.5-Hour Gastown Walking Food Tour
It is located on the corner of Water Street (the main street) and Cambie St.
Additionally, Gastown is a hotspot for creativity and innovation in Vancouver, featuring numerous art galleries, design studios, and fashion boutiques.
A fun fact about the Steam Clock is that it was on the cover of Nickelack’s album called Here and Now.
🎥 Check out this video, which shows the mechanics inside the clock.
Is it worth visiting Gastown, Vancouver?
Yes, Gastown is definitely worth a visit if you are in Vancouver.
As one of the city’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, it offers plenty of attractions and activities.
In addition, Gastown has a lively and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a great place to explore and experience.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vancouver, whether you are interested in history, architecture, food, or shopping.
Its unique mix of old-world charm and modern creativity makes it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
What restaurants to try in Gastown?
Gastown is famous for having great restaurants and interesting food options.
I would recommend Tacofino, which specializes mainly in tacos.
Not only do they serve great tacos, but their nachos and cocktails are also worth trying out.
This restaurant chain started in Tofino, BC and at this point has at least 6 locations all over Vancouver.
So if you want to try something local, try the Tacofino in Gastown.
🦄 Also, I wrote a blog post about Tofino, which you can check out here: How To Spend A Weekend In Tofino
Other restaurants to try in Gastown are The Old Spaghetti Factory, Steamworks, and Catch 122 Cafe Bistro.
Also, try a Porchetta Sandwich at Meat and Bread.
If you are on the hunt for a nice bakery, check out Purebread, where you will find a large assortment of pastries, baked goods, sweets, coffee, etc.
In addition, vegan options are available as well.
Another place to check out is Water St. Cafe, where you will find soups, salads, pasta, and house-made gnocchi.
Also, they serve steaks as well as desserts.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
👉 If you prefer an organized food tour, here is a great option: Vancouver: 2.5-Hour Gastown Walking Food Tour
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a traditional Chinese garden located in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown.
The garden was built in the style of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and is considered one of the best examples of a classical Chinese garden outside of China.
When was the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden built?
It was built in 1985-1986 and is named after Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, who was the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party and is considered the father of modern China.
How big is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden?
It covers an area of 1 acre and features unique features such as winding paths, rocks, and a jade-green pond filled with koi fish.
The garden was built using traditional Chinese techniques and materials, including hand-cut marble, hand-carved granite, and traditional wooden joinery.
It was designed to promote a sense of tranquillity and harmony.
In addition to the garden, there is also a cultural center on-site that offers a variety of educational programs and events related to Chinese culture and history.
Where is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver located?
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is located at 578 Carrall Street, situated between Pender Street and Keefer Street.
We walked to the Chinese Garden from the east end of Gastown (Maple Leaf Square), straight down south for about 10 mins.
Be careful as you walk towards the Chinese Garden as you are going to cross a street called East Hastings.
There is a significant presence of homeless individuals on this street, many of whom appear to be under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.
Having said that, we walked there and back and we had no problem. Just be careful, don’t go alone or when it’s dark. Alternatively, you can take a taxi if you are worried.
Also, the entrance is a bit ticked away – look for a tall, white wall.
Is Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden free?
The garden is divided into two parts. One has a paid admission ticket and one is free.
Paid Garden
The paid section encompasses the original Chinese Garden and the admission ticket includes a guided tour.
The cost of the admission ticket is $16.00 CAD for an adult.
When is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden open?
It is open Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) 10 am to 3 pm in the winter and spring (Nov 1st to May 31).
During the summer months (June 1st to August 31st) from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm.
Finally, during the fall months (Sept 1st to Oct 31st) from 10 am to 6 pm.
I highly suggest doing the tour, otherwise, you will not fully understand the whole philosophy behind those classical gardens.
Also, without doing the tour, the admission you pay to go in is not really worth it.
During our visit, we learned fascinating insights into how the beautiful gardens are interconnected with Chinese philosophy, art, and architecture.
The elements we observed, such as the rocks, ponds, plants, and the shapes of windows and doorways, all have symbolic meanings and are integrated harmoniously together in the design.
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and provided clear explanations throughout.
The duration of the tour was approximately 10-15 minutes, and afterward, complimentary tea was available to guests.
Free Garden
Although the free section may appear identical to the paid section, it is actually a replica.
The construction of the free garden did not utilize the same materials and techniques.
To view the authentic, original garden, you have to pay the admission fee.
However, if you are traveling on a budget and looking for a place to rest or capture some photos, the free section is also beautiful.
However, keep in mind that even though they are right beside each other you cannot cross from one to the other once inside.
Their entrances are outside and are beside each other. Both gardens are relatively small and can be seen pretty quickly.
As stated before, I would recommend doing the original, paid garden only if you do the guided tour.
For more information check out the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden’s official website.
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Vancouver Lookout Tower
The Vancouver Lookout Tower is an observation tower, situated on top of the Harbour Centre building.
It offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surrounding mountains, waterways, and urban landscape.
Where is Vancouver Lookout located?
The Vancouver Lookout is located in downtown Vancouver, BC.
The building is right at the corner of West Hastings Street and Seymour Street, in the heart of the city’s financial district.
It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus stops and a SkyTrain station located at the nearby Waterfront Station.
The Vancouver Lookout Tower is a popular tourist attraction and is open year-round.
The tower is 553 feet (168 meters) tall and features two elevators that take visitors up to the observation deck.
From there, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city and its surroundings.
It offers the opportunity to experience the beauty of Vancouver from a unique perspective and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.
👉 You can book your entry ticket here: Vancouver: Entry Ticket for the Vancouver Lookout (taxes and fees included)
Why is the Vancouver Lookout Tower at Harbor Center so famous?
The Vancouver Lookout Tower at Harbor Center is famous for its stunning 360-degree views of the city of Vancouver and the surrounding mountains, ocean, and skyline.
Also, the Vancouver Lookout Tower is an important landmark in the city and is easily recognizable by its distinctive shape and location.
It has been a popular tourist attraction since it was opened to the public in 1977.
The tower has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world over the years.
How much does it cost to go to the Vancouver Lookout?
The Vancouver Lookout admission ticket is $18.25 CAD plus taxes and fees of $2.01 which comes to a total of $20.26 for adults and seniors (ages 65+).
The price is $13.25 CAD plus taxes and fees of $1.46 which comes to a total of $14.71 for students (need student ID) and for children (ages 6-17).
Children under 5 years old can enter free of charge.
When is the Vancouver Lookout open?
The Vancouver Lookout Tower‘s operating hours are from 11 am to 6 pm every day.
Keep in mind that the last UP elevator time is at 5:30 pm, which will ensure that your visit can be completed before the closing time of 6 pm.
It would take you about half an hour to 45 mins to enjoy the Vancouver Lookout Tower fully.
Is there a restaurant on the top of the Vancouver Lookout Tower?
Yes, there is a restaurant located on the top of the Vancouver Lookout, one floor above the observation deck.
It is called the “Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant” and it offers a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The restaurant in Vancouver Lookout revolves 360 degrees every hour, giving diners a constantly changing view as they enjoy their meal.
Reservations are recommended before deciding to check out the restaurant.
Here is a link to the menu options of the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant.
Is Vancouver Lookout worth it?
Yes, the Vancouver Lookout is definitely worth a visit.
The lookout offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the waterways.
From the top of the tower, you can see many of Vancouver’s famous landmarks, including Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains.
In addition to the views, the Vancouver Lookout provides visitors with information about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks through interactive exhibits and displays.
It’s a great place to learn more about Vancouver and its unique character.
Overall, if you’d like to see breathtaking views of Vancouver and learn more about the city, then a visit to the Vancouver Lookout is definitely worth it.
👉 You can book your entry ticket here: Vancouver: Entry Ticket for the Vancouver Lookout (taxes and fees included)
Since you are already in the area, only a five-minute walk from the tower, you will find the Pink Alley.
Situated between Granville Street and Seymour Street, Pink Alley is a hidden gem in the area.
Bright pink paint covers its walls, giving it its name and creating a colorful sight to behold.
In recent years, Pink Alley has become a popular spot for visitors and locals alike to take photos and explore the street art that covers its walls.
Many artists have contributed to the murals and graffiti in Pink Alley, making it a dynamic and ever-changing canvas.
If you like street art and colorful urban spaces, then Pink Alley is definitely worth a visit.
Conclusion: Gastown, Chinese Garden & Vancouver Lookout
In conclusion, Gastown, Chinese Garden, and Vancouver Lookout are three must-see attractions in Vancouver.
Whether you prefer exploring the cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture of Gastown.
Immersing yourself in the tranquility of the Chinese Garden, or taking in the panoramic views of the city and mountains from Vancouver Lookout, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Visiting these three attractions is a great way to experience the best of what Vancouver has to offer.
