Found along Vancouver's oldest historic strip (at the corner of Water St and Cambie St), the Gastown Steam Clock is one of only a few still operating in the world. Built by self-taught Canadian clockmaker Raymond Saunders in 1977, the clock was originally powered by steam from the city's underground heating system. Although it now runs on electricity for better accuracy, the clock still emits steam and whistles from its top every hour. It also plays the Westminster chimes every 15 minutes. Hoards of tourists crowd around the clock hoping to snap the popular photo of the steam clouds crowning the clock. The clock is so popular, it's even appeared in the Nickelback Here and Now album cover, and in the film The Hitman.
Once you have taken the required photo, spend time exploring the rest of brick-cobbled Water St. One of Vancouver's most historic thoroughfares, it has well-preserved heritage buildings containing shops, galleries and resto-bars. Be sure to cast your gaze above entrance level for cool architectural features, including statuary faces.
