The Steam Clock stands on the northwest corner of Water Street and Cambie Street, in the middle of Gastown, so from most of the neighbourhood the easiest way is to walk. Follow Water Street until you reach the Cambie Street intersection and you will see it on the corner.
Walking along Water Street
Water Street is the main drag of Gastown and the clock sits right on it. Wherever you start in the neighbourhood, head along Water Street toward Cambie. The blocks are short and the street is lined with shops, so a map app on your phone is plenty if you lose your bearings. Cobbled sections and crowds near the clock can slow you down, particularly on summer afternoons.
The clock was built in 1977 and is powered by steam from the downtown heating system. It chimes every quarter hour and puts on its show of steam and whistles on the hour, so time your arrival if you want to see it in action.
Arriving by SkyTrain or bus
Waterfront Station can be entered from Cordova Street through the old railway station, and it is the closest major transit hub to Gastown. Both the Canada Line and the SeaBus connect there. Use the TransLink trip planner with the Steam Clock or Water Street and Cambie as the destination, and it will list the right route, the nearest stop and the walk from it.
For buses, the planner is also the safest source. Stops and route numbers in the area shift with service changes, so read the stop signs and live times on the day.
Taking a taxi or rideshare
If you are carrying shopping bags or travelling with someone who finds long walks hard, ask the driver to stop at Water Street and Cambie Street. Streets around the clock can be busy and some are limited to local traffic, so a pickup on a nearby corner may be quicker than waiting right at the clock. Compare costs with the taxi fare estimator or the Uber estimate calculator.
A short ride suits wet weather, late evenings and the return trip when everyone is tired. For a longer outing, see the Vancouver taxi page for local companies.