Start your day by visiting two of Gastown’s most famous landmarks, the steam clock and Gassy Jack Statue. Catch the steam clock (situated on the corner of Cambie and Water Street) toot and blow steam every quarter hour. After getting acquainted with the steam clock, make your way to Maple Tree Square, at the corner of Carrall and Water Street, where you will meet Gassy Jack statue. Remember to take a family photo by both landmarks! If you post your photo on instagram, you could win one of our local prizes!
Right across from Gassy Jack is a lovely shop called Angel Vancouver. Pop by this fun shop, filled with colourful, eccentric fashion the whole family can wear, and marvel at the custom hand painted dog and cat portraits.
Now it’s time to head to East Van Roasters at 319 Carrall Street, for chocolate and coffee delights. You haven’t had a chocolate experience until you have tried East Van Roaster’s single-origin, bean-to-bar chocolate! East Van Roasters is participating in the Hot Chocolate Festival and is offering a special Earl Grey drinking chocolate served with East Van Roasters’ signature gluten-free brownie and candied orange, from now until February 14th. Get this special hot chocolate and a few single-origin chocolate bars for the kids and a cup of freshly roasted coffee for yourself– because your day is about to get started!
Once you have finished your delicious treats, bring the family to one of Gastown’s oldest establishments, the Army & Navy Department Store, and get a head start on shopping for new Spring clothes. The children’s department is full of fun, affordable fashion that the kids will love. After playing dress-up and picking new outfits, stop by Army & Navy’s food counter for a fresh hot dog. If the family is still hungry, take a break and visit Incendio Pizza at 103 Columbia Street for fantastic pizzas and delicious Italian pastas.
Tees.ca located at 227 Abbott Street | Photo credit: Mia Hansen
After satisfying your hunger at Incendio, walk west along Cordova Street towards Abbott Street and stop by Tees.ca. This shop carries T-shirts printed with all kinds of fun, imaginative graphics and artwork by local artists.
Meadow gifts + apparel at 104 Water Street
After scoping out the cool T-shirts at Tees.ca, head west down Water Street to Meadow gifts + apparel, where you’ll find a collection of cute cards, handmade goods and organic clothes for kids and babies. Does anyone in the family need a trim? If you have extra time in your schedule, pop in Pony Salon at 73 East Cordova Street and get a stylish new haircut with the kids, This friendly salon offers kids cuts, as well as cuts, colours and hair treatment for men and women.
Salmagundi West at 321 West Cordova Street
Time to take an obligatory break for a sweet treat. Grab the whole family to Canadian Maple Delights at 385 Water Street, to enjoy some maple syrup ice cream, sorbet, gelato and pastry desserts.
After indulging their delectable maple sweets, wind down your shopping adventures at Cordova Street. If you have any little sneaker lovers in your family, make a trip to Hitz Boutique at 316 Cordova Street, to scope out their funky, rockability fashion and collection of sneakers for kids. Once you’ve finished, cross the street to 321 Cordova, to begin treasure hunting at Salmagundi West and Uniques. Both shops are filled with rare antiques and out-of-the-ordinary collectibles, from 20th century typewriters to vintage dolls. Be sure to venture downstairs at Salmagundi West and peak through each drawer of their Chinese herbal chest to find mysterious novelties.
After visiting Gastown’s landmarks and exploring local shops, complete your day with a delicious dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 53 Water Street. This Gastown spot is home to the very first Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant and is one of the most memorable places to enjoy an affordable three-course meal surrounded by unique attractions, such as the vintage trolley car placed in the middle of the restaurant. Ask to be seated inside if you have not experienced it before!