As the birthplace of Vancouver, Gastown was initially a settlement
that sprang up around a tavern founded in 1867 by sailor and gold
prospector John "Gassy Jack" Deighton. This historic district's
cobblestone streets are lined with Victorian buildings that today
house everything from souvenir shops and First Nations galleries
to stylish clothing boutiques. With informational plaques placed
strategically along the street to tell the history behind various buildings
and landmarks, Gastown is an excellent area for a walking tour.