Can you keep a secret? Neither can we!
From basement vintage shops, to hole-in-the-wall late night eats, Gastown has always been the go-to place for hidden gems. Stray away from the beaten path and it’s amazing what you can find.
Here is just a glimpse into the “behind-the-scenes Gastown” that we’re referring to. Discover or rediscover. You decide.
Shop and Style
Revolutionize Your Style With Underground Vintage
On the corner of Cordova street sits the quaint store, Out and About; however there is more than meets the eye. Down the stairs of the boutique you will find some of the best vintage in all of Vancouver. This is Kamuy Vintage. If you consider yourself a Vintage connoisseur, this is the place to be.
The Secret to Staying Cool
Saying this summer has been hot is an understatement. BIA BORO Boutique gets it. Come for a snazzy, cool outfit and stay for the great tunes and photo opps. Owner Bahram, doubles as a music producer and has also built a photography studio in the back. Find them at 83 E Cordova St.
Food + Drink
The Hidden Lookout
Just off Water Street is the one of the best (and most hidden) views in Gastown. A family owned patio looks out over the tracks to the famous Vancouver mountains! Grab a homemade sandwich from Cottage Deli and enjoy the view!
For the Speakeasy Soul…
Drinking (both legally and illegally) runs deep in the history of this neighbourhood. Or as Vancouver is Awesome put it – “picture yourself walking stealthily down a Gastown street . Its night time and you move quickly between the shadows, eventually darting into a gloomy alleyway.” While we’ve come along way from sneaking through alleys for a wee dram in a dark crowded room, many Gastown bars (and even some Gastown condos), still give ode to our notorious prohibition past.
Forge, the secret whisky bar and courtyard hiding behind Smith’s, is now open. World class bartenders at the Diamond are still recreating our citys most popular prohibition cocktails. You can round off your prohibition-era bar crawl with a visit to Guilt & Co, hidden underneath the Local and still housing passages where, according to local legend, bootleggers stored their liquor safe from prying eyes.
You heard it from us. No secret password required.
Entertainment
A little Birdie told me that Gastown Unplugged is here…
Gastown Unplugged, the free pop-up music series set in multiple locations throughout Gastown is happening every Thrusday starting at 5pm. Be there or be square… Maple Tree Square that is…
For more live music and entertainment updates keep an eye out on our Instagram page.
Art + Culture
Speck Store Speakeasy
Lenses… frames… jazz records… need we say more! Durant Sessions has an amassment of stylish collectibles. Well records are not for sale, they do take requests! Can’t read the albums up on the shelf? Maybe its time for some glasses…
Have you seen this or that mural?
Artwork in every nook and cranny! Check out these hidden alleyway murals. Including the seven dumpster by artist Tyler Toews, highlighting the impact of climate change and our future, the pavement mural by Olivia Knight, demonstrating the potential of laneways (part of the Gastown Urban Design Study (UDS)) and the 2,700 sq-ft mural on the side of The Cambie by local artist Priscilla Yu in partnership with Lululemon and Vancouver Mural Fest.
Have ideas for the future of a more green and art-filled Gastown? Voice you green ideas here.
Business
Your New Found Oasis
You’ve been working hard, living through a pandemic, fighting off the summer heat, we think you deserve some R & R. Take some a load off at The Nest Clinic. This therapeutic retreat has everything your body could need. Check out a full list of their services here.
Pop-Up Market – When you know, you know
There’s a new girl crew in town. Be sure to follow @thegirlsnextdoorpopup on Instagram, Gastown’s reoccurring pop-up market at 28 Water Street. You just never know when they’ll be back
People
https://youtu.be/p9Yyv_lDwSk
The Ultimate “Secret Location”
Since settling in Gastown in 2012, Secret Location has curated ethnical and unique goods sure to bring joy to any homebody, fashionista, or collector. We sat down (over Zoom) with Gastown neighbour and store owner, Carey Hulshof.
More then meets the eye…
Smith’s opened its Irish Bar earlier this year but there is still more to come. We met up with owner and designer, Laura Donnellan to get an exclusive first look into Smith’s second space! Read the full article here.
https://youtu.be/NHRzib1HLgA
Summer in Gastown is the place to be. Learn more about all of the summer happenings HERE.
