Gastown Steam Clock

The clock stands at the corner of Water Street and Cambie, releasing puffs of steam from five whistles every quarter hour, creating a nostalgic scene with its Victorian design and glass panels that reveal the old steam engine inside.

Built in 1977 by clockmaker Raymond Saunders and metalworker Doug Smith, this clock honors the original settlement of Vancouver and combines traditional steam power with modern electric mechanisms to keep accurate time for visitors and locals alike.

The clock whistles play the Westminster Quarters melody four times an hour, and it has appeared in films like The Hitman and on album covers, becoming a cultural symbol that connects Vancouver's heritage with entertainment and everyday city life.

Located at the heart of Gastown, the clock is wheelchair accessible and easy to visit while exploring the surrounding cobblestone streets, brick buildings, cafes, and shops that make the neighborhood a lively and welcoming place to spend time.

This is one of only six working steam clocks in the world, and it originally covered a steam vent where homeless people slept, blending practical city planning with public art and preserving a rare piece of steam-powered engineering history.

Location: Vancouver

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Water Street

GPS coordinates: 49.28438,-123.10889

Latest update: December 3, 2025 10:37