Gastown

Gastown is interesting for all of 2-3 blocks with the Steamclock and the oldest part of the city with archetecture reflecting late 1800's & early 1900's. Step away for only a block or so and your in junkie central. Right on the edge of ghetto with a reputation for being among the worst in Canada. Comparitively light by American standards but still this part of town is highly overrated by the Vancouver tourist board filled with useless trinket and souvenir shops selling Canadian mountie teddy bears that you could find in any other part of the city.

At its worst, a four block tourist trap with irritating beggars and obnoxious German tourists off the cruise ships. At its best, on a summer afternoon, a fine place to wander, have a drink at a sidewalk cafe, or people watch. This is purportedly where Bill Clinton bought the cigars of Lewinsky legend.