Historic Steam Line

The beginning

This area was known as the “supermarket of the nations” by the original Indigenous inhabitants because it was incredibly rich in seafood and vegetation. Some Indigenous people call False Creek Snauq meaning sandbar in Halkomelem language.

Colonizers transformed this area into an industrial zone. It eventually polluted the water with sewage and industrial runoff, and rendered it unsafe for people to drink from or swim in—as it still is today. This area has undergone several transformations as a result of enormous pressures from an ever increasing population. 

The future

Former General Manager of City Engineering Dave Rudberg had a large part in re-transforming the north shore of False Creek from its condition as an industrial base to what it is today. There is a bench installed as a tribute to this city staff person for his contributions. False creek continues to undergo developments and transformations. Watch this area as the city works to understand and meet the needs of its people.

The Roundhouse

The Roundhouse has been long admired for its straight-forward industrial beauty. The Roundhouse is a building of major historical significance to the City from both a social and an architectural perspective. The Canadian Pacific Railroad relocated its rail yard repair facilities to North False Creek in 1887. Originally, the Roundhouse was comprised of a cluster of buildings whose function was to house and service the great steam locomotives of the day.

Engine No. 374

This locomotive was built in 1886 and hauled the first passenger train carrying 150 passengers to Vancouver on May 23rd, 1887.

Learn more about Engine 374 External website, opens in new tab

Yaletown-Roundhouse Station

The Canada Line Skytrain station at Davie and Mainland Streets illustrates the high-density redevelopment that has emerged in Yaletown. There is often a piece of public art on display at this station. Today the district bustles with high-end restaurants, bars, design studios and shops.

View a list of public art at Skytrain stations External website, opens in new tab

Yaletown

Settlers named Yaletown after the original home of the CPR train yards: the town of Yale in the Fraser Canyon. When operations moved to the Coast “Yaletown” got its name. Trains traveled along tracks on Mainland Street and the conductors navigated by using the addresses painted on the sides of buildings, such as the number 1152 pictured in this image.

Bill Curtis Square

This public space was named for a long-time city engineer. The Square was designed to reflect the classical elements of Yaletown’s colonial heritage. It was remodeled to accommodate the Canada Line Skytrain station. It is home to the magnificent equestrian sculpture created by David Robinson in 2009.

Yaletown Park

Since being colonized, Yaletown was named after the original home of the CPR train yards: the town of Yale in the Fraser Canyon. When operations moved to the Coast “Yaletown” got its name. Trains traveled along tracks on Mainland Street and the conductors navigated by using the addresses painted on the sides of buildings, such as 1152 pictured here.

“Eros Bendato Scrippolato”

Igor Mitoraj’s patinated bronze sculpture of Eros, the god of love, is depicted with a blindfold; acknowledging that Eros’ victims were selected randomly, and suggesting that love is blind.

Jardine’s Lookout

Located at 863-827 Hamilton Street,this row of 19th century Queen Anne houses has been preserved. The area was part of the former suburbs of old Vancouver with the city centre down the road in Gastown. These houses were extensively renovated in the 1990s to reflect their original glory.

The Silk Road

Intersecting the Steam Line at Robson Street offering a view to Terry Fox Plaza, the Silk Road is another designated walking route. Marked with colourful street signs and banners it links Library Square via the Keefer Steps to historic Chinatown.

Library Square

1993-95 - Designed by international architect Moshe Safdie, it is a contemporary expression of Rome’s ancient Colosseum. This building has 315 arches and is nine floors in height. The ground floor features a glass concourse which serves as an entry foyer to the library and as a fascinating interior urban street. Library Square is also the western or ‘Mediterranean’ terminus of the Silk Road walking route.

Welcoming Figures - George Hemeon

Carved from yellow cedar by George Hemeon, Squamish Nation.

“Welcome figures were traditionally erected at the entrance of a Salish community, signaling to a visiting people, with their outstretched arms free of weapons, that they were welcome to enter as guests,” explains Hemeon. “I thought it would be appropriate to create figures to convey a traditional Salish welcome.” These figures can be found in the lobby of the BC Hydro building at 333 Dunsmuir St, one block west of Hamilton St and Dunsmuir St.

The Sun Tower

Built by architect W.T. Whiteway in 1912, when completed, it was the tallest building in the British Empire. It was topped by a large neon ‘world’ sign which reflecting the structure’s first occupant, the Vancouver World newspaper. Later it served as the home of the Vancouver Sun newspaper. The roof was painted green to create the illusion of it being copper. Located at 100 W Pender St, 2 blocks east of Hamilton St and W Pender St.

Victory Square Park

The location of the Provincial Courthouse, until it was torn down before the First World War. During the old Courthouse's tenure, the vicinity was the hub of the City's financial and legal district. In 1914, the Park was used to recruit men for the war. In 1924, the three-sided Cenotaph was unveiled. This grey granite obelisk is the focal point for Vancouver’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

Original Granite Blocks on Hamilton St. at Pender St.

The original street surface on the west side of Victory Square Park has been retained and restored. It illustrates a heritage now passed when much of the traffic in the emerging city used horses. The gaps in the blocks prevented the horses hooves from slipping when climbing the icy hill in winter. The maple trees on the Pender Street side of the park are the oldest street trees in the City; planted in 1897.

The Dominion Building

Built in 1908-1909, it was the tallest structure in the British Empire before completion of the Sun Tower. Built in Beaux Art style, it was designed by architect J.S. Helyer as if it was a typical 5-storey Parisian home then stretched to 13 stories. It has a mansard roof and polished red granite from Aberdeen Scotland.

Gastown

Settlers created Gastown in 1867 and it grew into Canada’s third-largest city. In 1971, it was declared a heritage district and protected from looming highway construction. Its intriguing colonial past is reflected in the curb-less cobblestone streets, lamplights, alleys, and courtyards. The area bears colourful names such as Blood Alley and Gaolers Mews.

Edward Hotel

The fire-resistant, iron and steel-framed Edward Hotel replaced the wood-framed Regina Hotel in 1906. The Regina Hotel was the only Gastown building to survive the Great Fire of 1886. To save the building, patrons plastered wet blankets on the walls and formed a bucket brigade on the roof. The fire destroyed the rest of the city in 25 minutes. The next day, resolute citizens rose from the ashes, started anew and continued to rebuild Vancouver into the city it is today.

The Steam Clock

The northern signature of the Steam Line Historic Walk. The Steam Clock was designed by Ray Saunders and built in 1977. Incorporating a steam engine and electric motors, the clock displays the time on four faces and announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime that plays the Westminster Quarters. The clock produces a puff of steam from its top on the hour.

The Dominion Hotel and Lamplighter Pub

Built in 1900-1901 and designed by E.G. Guenther, this Italian-style hotel was popular among commercial travelers. The pub is in remembrance of the days when gas lights lit the streets, and commemorates John Clough, Vancouver’s first lamplighter.

John “Gassy Jack” Deighton statue

John Deighton arrived on the south shore of Burrard inlet in 1867 in a rowboat with his family and a barrel of whiskey. He was attracted by the new Hastings Mill and he set up a crude saloon just outside the mill grounds, now bounded by Carrall Street. Deighton acquired the nickname “Gassy” because he was quite loquacious. As people settled around his saloon, the area became known as Gassy’s Town, and later Gastown.