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City Greenways |
 City
Greenway:
Downtown Historic
The Downtown Historic Greenway is currently under development. When completed, the Downtown Historic Greenway will become a network of three walking routes that connect the historic areas of the Downtown peninsula: Gastown, Yaletown and Chinatown. The 'hub' of the Downtown Historic Greenway is Library Square. Surrounded by shops, cafes, hotels and theatres, Library Square is in the heart of the entertainment district. Gastown is a short walk to the north of Library Square, the Silk Road to Chinatown is to the east and Yaletown is to the south. Map of Downtown Historic
Route ( Chinatown has been the center for Chinese culture in Vancouver for the last century. The Silk Road Walking Route was launched in 2001 and has become a permanent link between Chinatown and Downtown. The Silk Road has served to unify many independent initiatives, such as the Millennium Chinatown Gate, the Commemorative Bell from Guangzhou, China and the redevelopment of Shanghai Alley. The walking route is approximately 3 km from Library Square, around Chinatown and back to Library Square. The route proceeds north and east from Library Square to the Keefer Steps where it descends towards the colourful and vibrant retail streets of Chinatown. Follow the Silk Road banners to Pender St, Gore Ave and Keefer St, stopping to admire the historic buildings, the Chinese Cultural Centre, and the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Take a quick side trip down Shanghai and Suzhou Alleys, browse in the many shops and enjoy the bakeries, markets and restaurants.
Gastown is where the City of Vancouver had its beginning in 1867. Named after the first settler and colorful saloon owner "Gassy Jack" Deighton, Gastown is now a vibrant historic area of Victorian architecture, 'cobbled' streets, alleys and courtyards. Its historical significance as well as its shopping, galleries, cafes and restaurants make it a popular destination for tourists. Gastown is the site of the world's first steam-powered clock and is also a community where people live and work. Follow Hamilton and Cambie Streets north from Library Square approximately half a kilometre to Water St. The Gastown section of the Downtown Historic Greenway is currently under development. Yaletown got its name in the late 1800s when the Canadian Pacific
Railroad moved its rail yards and repair facilities from Yale in the Fraser
Canyon, to the new 'Yaletown' on the north shore of False Creek. The Roundhouse,
a historic railway building used by the CPR for maintenance of their locomotives,
has found a new life as the Roundhouse Community Centre at the south end
of the Yaletown walking route. Surrounded by new high-rise residential
development on the old Expo 86 site, Yaletown was once Vancouver's warehouse
district. The old warehouse loading docks have been transformed into outdoor
cafes and promenades, and the historic warehouses are now home to lofts,
high tech companies, professional and design offices, galleries and high-end
shops. Follow Hamilton and Mainland Streets south from Library Square
to the False Creek Seawall at the south foot of Davie St. This section
of the Downtown Historic trail is also currently under development. Destinations and areas of interest along this Greenway include:
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