From most of downtown Vancouver the easiest way to the Gastown Steam Clock is on foot. The clock stands at the corner of Cambie Street and Water Street, at 305 Water Street, so the walk heads toward the waterfront side of the downtown peninsula.
Walking to Water and Cambie
Find Water Street on a map and follow it to Cambie. Gastown’s old streets are easy to spot, with cobbles and period lamp posts, and the clock sits on the sidewalk where the streets meet. A phone map set to walking will give the exact distance from your starting point, which varies a lot between Canada Place, the Art Gallery and the Granville strip.
The clock was built in 1977 and sits above a steam grate that is part of the city’s steam heating system. It chimes every quarter hour and releases steam with whistles on the hour. Arrive a few minutes before the hour if you want to see it.
Using transit
If your starting point is far from Gastown, ride SkyTrain or a bus toward the Waterfront and Gastown area, then walk the last stretch. TransLink’s trip planner lists the stop closest to Water Street and Cambie from wherever you begin, along with current departures and fares. Because services and stop locations change, trust the planner over any fixed list of route numbers.
Taxi for a short hop
Gastown has narrow one way streets, and some blocks are closed to cars at certain times, so a drop-off may be a block or two from the clock. Tell the driver to stop at Water and Cambie. The Vancouver taxi page has local companies, and the taxi fare estimator gives a rough fare for the short trip.
Making a visit of it
The clock draws a crowd, especially in summer, so the sidewalk fills before the top of the hour. Gastown itself is worth a slow walk, with shops, restaurants and galleries along Water Street. Leave a little extra time so the trip does not feel rushed.