The Experience
The Gastown Steam Clock stands as a beloved symbol of Vancouver's rich history and charm, captivating visitors with its Victorian design and mesmerizing steam bursts. Built in 1977, this remarkable timepiece pays homage to the area’s early steam-powered machinery, blending nostalgia with modernity. Every 15 minutes, it whistles and releases a plume of steam, drawing crowds eager to witness its mechanical artistry. A visit to this iconic landmark is a must for anyone looking to experience the heart and heritage of Vancouver.
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World-famous clock that whistles and shoots clouds of steam every 15 minutes to play the Westminster Quarters chimes
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Masterpiece of 19th-century-style engineering powered entirely by the city’s underground steam heating network
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Premier photo destination set against the historic cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture of Gastown
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Unique internal viewing window allowing visitors to watch the intricate brass gears and pulleys in motion
Fun Facts
Built in 1977 by horologist Raymond Saunders and metalwork specialist Doug Smith for approximately $58,000 CAD, funded by local merchants and private donors.
Only the second steam clock ever built — the first was by John Inshaw in Birmingham, England in 1859.
The clock weighs approximately two tonnes (2,200 lbs) and stands 16 feet (5 metres) tall.
Originally placed over a steam grate — one motivation was to prevent people from sleeping on the warm vent in cold weather.
Since 1986, an electric motor assists timekeeping, but steam still powers the winding mechanism. An electronic controller triggers the five whistles.
Five bronze whistles play the Westminster Quarters melody (same tune as Big Ben) every 15 minutes, with the largest steam burst on the hour.
Raymond Saunders built other steam clocks after Gastown, including ones in Otaru, Japan (1993) and Indianapolis, Indiana.
The clock underwent a major overhaul in Oct 2014 — reinstalled Jan 2015 after 40+ restoration tasks by City staff and the original builder.
Best Suited For
The Crowd
- 🧳Tourists
- 🔹Photography Lovers
- 🔹History Buffs
- 🔹First-Time Visitors
The Occasion
- 🔹Sightseeing Must-Do
- 🔹Urban Exploration
- 🔹Showing Off The City
Plan Your Visit
Best Times to Visit
When: Golden hour / dusk for atmospheric photos; weekday mornings before 10 AM for fewest crowds
Peak season: June through September (cruise ship season), plus December for holiday decorations
Insider Tips
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Arrive 2-3 minutes before the hour for the full steam burst and chime show — the crowd gathers fast.
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Best photo angle: shoot from across the intersection at Cambie and Water Street for the full clock with cobblestone backdrop.
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Visit at dusk when the clock is illuminated and gas-lamp-lined streets create the most atmospheric shots.
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Combine with a Gastown walking tour — the clock is steps from Maple Tree Square, the original site of Gassy Jack's 1867 saloon.
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Night photography tip: use a tripod or stabilize against the railing. Steam plumes are most visible backlit at night.
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Steam Works Brewing is right next door at 375 Water Street — it's actually powered by the same underground steam system.
Visiting with Kids
Small children find the steam whistles and internal gears fascinating to watch through the glass.
The cobblestone streets are uneven — strollers work but choose larger wheels if possible.
What to Bring
- 🎒Camera with burst/continuous mode — the steam burst lasts only a few seconds
- 🎒Wide-angle lens or phone ultra-wide — the clock is tall and you'll be close
- 🎒Umbrella or rain jacket — Vancouver weather is unpredictable, cobblestones are slippery when wet
- 🎒Comfortable walking shoes — cobblestone streets throughout Gastown
- 🎒Portable battery pack — you'll take many photos across the neighbourhood
Know Before You Go
Location
Getting Here
🚇 Transit
A 3-5 minute walk (250m) from Waterfront Station (SkyTrain Expo & Canada Lines, SeaBus). Exit onto W Cordova St and turn left on Water St.
🚗 Parking
Street parking is expensive and limited; nearby parkades include EasyPark Lot 1 (160 Water St) and Diamond Parking (150 W Cordova St).