Gastown

Gastown Steam Clock, Vancouver

The historic city quarter Gastown can be found in the east of Downtown Vancouver. It was once the germ cell of the city of Vancouver and a very industrial area with a harbor and a saw mill; the place is named after the first innkeeper John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton. Gastown burned down in 1886 and there are not many buildings that survived. Icon is the steam-powered clock located at the intersection of Water Street and Cambie Street. Every hour it gives a whistle four times and blows steam once.

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The Listel

The Listel, Vancouver

As I started my trip to Canada at Vancouver, The Listel was my very first hotel in the country. And it is a good one as it is located in downtown Vancouver on Robson Street with lots of stores and restaurants surrounding it. From here you can walk or cycle to the Waterfront, Stanley Park and Gastown, I even hiked to Hornby Street Aquabus stop to get to Granville Island (but don’t underestimate the inclination). The Listel is decorated with art and offers water dispensers on every floor – carrying you’re own reusable water bottle here is so normal that I had to buy me one already on the first day (and refill opportunities are available in many, many places).

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Vancouver International

International airport, Vancouver

The international airport of Vancouver (YVR) is located 12 kilometers southwest of the city center. Opened in 1931 it is today the second-busiest airport of Canada with three runways and 25 million passengers per year. YVR is a well-designed airport and probably absolutely hassle-free to pass through. In addition to the local airlines (and Air Canada being the biggest user) also Air France, Air China, Air India, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines use YVR. Local connections within Canada – even to Tofino on Vancouver Island are possible.

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