Walk. Gastown is a short stroll from the Vancouver Convention Centre, and one walking guide describes about 7 to 8 minutes at an easy pace from the Convention Centre West area to the Steam Clock. Transit is only worth it if you have heavy bags or a mobility need.
Walking to the Steam Clock
Head east along the waterfront and pass Canada Place, then make for Waterfront Station on West Cordova Street. The station stands between Granville and Seymour Streets and is a handy landmark. From there keep going east toward Cambie Street and Water Street, where the Steam Clock stands at the corner.
The clock was built in 1977 over a steam grate and runs on the city’s district heating system, with whistles that play the Westminster chimes. Water Street has boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs along its cobblestones, and parts of it have been turned into a car-free pedestrian zone since mid-2024. Gastown is a National Historic Site of Canada.
A short note on the Gassy Jack statue, which marks the founder of the area’s first saloon in 1867. It was toppled by protesters in February 2022, so check locally before you plan a photo stop there.
Using SkyTrain from Waterfront Station
Waterfront Station is within walking distance of Gastown, Canada Place and the Convention Centre. It is a hub for the Expo Line, the Canada Line, the SeaBus and the West Coast Express. For this trip it matters mainly as a landmark. Because the whole route is so short, a train ride from the Convention Centre will not save you much time.
If you arrive from farther away, the station is a good place to get off the SkyTrain and finish on foot. A local guide puts the walk between Gastown and Waterfront Station at 10 to 12 minutes, depending on where in Gastown you are heading.
Cycling and taking a taxi
Parts of Water Street are now pedestrian only, so follow the posted signs if you arrive by bike.
A taxi suits late nights, rain or luggage. The trip is short, and you can book through the Vancouver taxi page.