Why is the Gastown Steam Clock in Vancouver so Famous and Unique
By ANL | UPDATED:
The Gastown Steam Clock is often mistaken for a centuries-old invention, but it was built in 1977 as a functional piece of public art and engineering. It continues to draw attention for its unique mechanism, storytelling value and central location in one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods. Understanding its history helps explain why it remains one of the most photographed attractions in the city.
What is the secret behind Vancouver’s unique steam clock adorning Water St in Gastown – How does this quaint, seemingly old clock work? The Gastown Steam Clock is a rare example of horological work powered by steam, with a steam engine integrated into the clock.
Vancouver is a fascinating multicultural city with significant neighbourhood diversity, architecture, and history. The sights cover a wide range of periods from the Indians’ original culture, through industrialisation and up to the present day with ground-breaking architecture across the entire city. One of the most intriguing neighbourhoods is Gastown with its unique combination of Victorian-era buildings, enticing art galleries, trendy eateries and cafés, and not least, a peculiar, classy clock originally based on an 18th-century mechanism, a steam engine.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
The Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders is the architect and horologist behind the famous clock, together with the craftsman Doug Smith, who mastered the metalwork. Although it looks historic and much older, the Gastown clockwork dates from 1977, when it was placed at street level in Vancouver. The architect exploited an existing steam grate in Gastown for his industrial-looking clock.
This type of heritage-inspired urban design is also visible in other Canadian destinations shaped by railway-era development. See how Revelstoke reflects similar historical and cultural layering in British Columbia’s mountain towns.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Raymond Saunders was inspired by the steam-powered clock constructed by John Inshaw in the Steam Clock Tavern in Birmingham, UK, which was of a much older date: 1859.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The clock shows the time on every side of its four faces. Every quarter of an hour, a whistling chime sounds (referring to the Westminster Chimes in London), accompanied by white smoke vapour released at every stroke of the hour. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and there are always tourists ready with their cameras to capture the perfect photo of the Gastown mini version of Big Ben in London!
Photo: Travel In Culture
The whistling clock was originally powered by steam, initiating the movement of a chain and a series of ball weights, which in turn drive the pendulum clock. The steam mechanism is visible through the glass façade. However, for the last decades, an electric engine has taken over, and today, the Gastown Steam Clock is powered by electricity.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Gastown has a lot more than the quaint Steam Clock. It is a vibrant neighbourhood with cobblestone streets, beautiful old lamp posts, galleries, stylish restaurants, pubs, fashion boutiques, and Victorian-style buildings.
Gastown is also best understood through a cultural lens that connects heritage, identity and urban storytelling. Explore our cultural travel method to understand how places like Gastown are interpreted through history and lived experience.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The quarter is bordered by the waterfront, Granville Square, and Canada Place on one side and East Hastings Street and Main Street on the other corner.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
Maple Square has a spectacular historical Victorian building, Byrnes Block, dating from 1886 – and (used to have) a statue of ‘Gassy Jack’ upon a whisky barrel. His real name was Jack Deighton, nicknamed Gassy Jack due to his talkativeness. He was an English sailor arriving in British Columbia in 1858 during the Gold Rush, and he was the founder of Gastown in the 1870s, the city’s first neighbourhood. However, the bronze sculpture was toppled during a march in 2022, leaving the statue’s foundation empty.
Another spectacular building is the flatiron-style building on the same square.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
The steam clock designer Raymond Saunders has constructed several other steam clocks located across the world: in Vancouver, Whistler, and Port Coquitlam (all in Canada), Indianapolis (USA), and Otaru (Japan), all placed in public spaces.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Two other historic sights in Vancouver are must-sees – although reflecting very different periods. These landmarks are part of a wider network of cultural and historic experiences across the city, from waterfront districts to major public markets. Explore more cultural city experiences in western Canada.
Stanley Park – First Nations Totem Poles
The Rose Cole Yelton Memorial Totem Pole | Photo: Travel In Culture
The first is Stanely Park, named after Governor General Lord Stanley. The beautiful landscape park opened in 1888, allowing the public to enjoy the gardens and coastal forest in a unique setting surrounded by water just outside of central Vancouver. Today, the 10-kilometre Stanley Park Seawall Walk around the park is a popular loop trail.
The Chief Skedans Mortuary Totem Pole | Photo: Travel In Culture
The urban park is also a cultural heritage site, designated a national historic site of Canada due to its history and historic events taking place here throughout the last centuries. The peninsula has, among other things, had cultural significance as a First Nations ceremonial site and as a British military reserve. Over the last century, the area has developed further as a recreational site, including a zoo and an aquarium.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Landscape architects and craftspersons have continuously left their mark and shaped the park as it appears today. One of the fascinating elements is the totem pole collection, First Nations Totem Poles, in a meadow setting at the east end of the park. The poles represent the culture of the indigenous people of Canada and are reproductions of original totem poles carved by different artists. The artwork thus tells the stories of the first settlers through the colourful carvings. Some of the most eye-catching poles are the Thunderbird House Post Totem Pole, Oscar Maltipi Totem Pole, Oscar Maltipi Totem Pole, Rose Cole Yelton Memorial Totem Pole, and Chief Skedans Mortuary Totem Pole.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Granville Island Public Market
Granville Island Public Market is a huge indoor market of more recent date, brimming with delicacies in the form of fresh produce in the farmers’ stalls and exquisite seafood coming from the ocean just off Vancouver. The offers include artisan products, handcrafted items and more.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The island was originally man-made industrial land and was named after the bridge running over it, Granville. It began in 1916 as a convenient space for factories and warehouses. During the 1900s, business industries developed on the island, producing mining equipment and machines for the forestry industry.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The present-day Public Market was established in 1984 in some of these original factory buildings and a train caboose. Today, it is a lovely place for a (half-)day trip from the bustling city!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Gastown Steam Clock located?
It is located in the Gastown district of Vancouver, British Columbia, at the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street. The area is easily accessible on foot from downtown Vancouver.
How does the Gastown Steam Clock work?
The clock is powered by steam and electricity, using steam pressure to trigger whistles and moving parts. It releases steam and plays chimes every 15 minutes.
When was the Gastown Steam Clock built?
The Gastown Steam Clock was built in 1977 and installed in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighbourhood. It was designed to cover an existing steam vent in the street.
Who designed the Gastown Steam Clock?
It was designed by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders with metalwork by craftsman Doug Smith. The design was inspired by earlier steam-powered clock concepts in England.
Is the Gastown Steam Clock actually antique?
No, it is not antique even though it looks historic. It was constructed in the late 20th century to match the heritage style of Gastown.
What time does the Gastown Steam Clock go off?
The clock releases steam and sounds its whistle every 15 minutes. The full chime sequence is most noticeable on the hour.
Is Gastown worth visiting in Vancouver?
Yes, Gastown is one of Vancouver’s most historic and atmospheric districts. It is known for cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, restaurants and the famous steam clock.
How long should you spend at the Gastown Steam Clock?
Most visitors spend 10 to 20 minutes watching the clock, although the surrounding Gastown area can easily take a few hours to explore.
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