The Perfect Experience for Curious Travellers
Connect with a Local
& Meet New People
See the best of a Local Neighborhood
Enjoy Good
Food & Drinks
Meet the Host
Experience Gastown and meet new people with a local host by your side! Join a Getogether today!
Hey There,
My name is Matt Colangelo, and I am the host of Getogether at Gastown. I want to personally invite you to join me for one of my upcoming Getogethers where I will take you and up to 9 others on a fun and social adventure across this special Vancouver neighbourhood. I can’t wait to show you around and connect you with new people!
So What’s a Getogether Anyway?
A “Getogether” is a social experience that makes it easy to connect with a local host, explore a local neighbourhood, and socialize with new people.
If you are someone that enjoys local neighbourhood vibes and meeting new people, Getogether is perfect for you!
For just $100, you get the opportunity to:
- Connect with a local Host.
- Meet and socialize with new people.
- Enjoy a guided walk across a local neighbourhood.
- Discover the secret spots that only locals know about.
- Get VIP seating at a one-of-kind restaurant.
- Enjoy a drink & tasty appetizers on the house.
The duration of each Getogether is 90 minutes, and starts off by meeting your local host at a recognizable neighbourhood landmark. Your host will get you and the other guests socially acquainted through friendly introductions, and then take everyone for a special walk across the neighbourhood.
Your local host will conclude your Getogether at special restaurant unique to the neighbourhood, where a round of complimentary drinks and appetizers will be served. While your host will eventually depart, you and the other guests will be encouraged to continue the conversation and good times over additional food and drinks at your discretion.
Join Us for a Getogether at Gastown!
There is no better way to experience Gastown than through a Getogether! So why not join one today?
What to Expect from Your Getogether at Gastown?
You will meet your local host in front of the Granville Plaza on West Cordova Street. Your host will get you and the other guests socially acquainted through friendly introductions and conversation.
Your host will then take you and the other guests on a special walk across the Gastown neighbourhood showing you:
- The shops & restaurants along Water Street.
- The iconic Gastown Steam Clock.
- The historic Gassy Jack statue.
- The cobble stone streets.
- The charming Gastown street lights.
- The beautiful street art by local artists.
Getogethers take place at Gastown every Friday at 6 pm PST. Book yours today!
We can’t wait to meet you, and show you around.
Book Now
See Our Reviews
Thomas K
2022-09-04
Great tour around English Bay
Loved the tour through West downtown. Matthew is very social, quite knowledgeable and has interesting stories to share about some of the buildings and local places you will encounter.
I can only recommend this to anyone, especially if you want to get to know other people that visit vancouver.
The setting sun from the craft beer bar that we stayed at was pretty awesome as well!
The setting sun from the craft beer bar that we stayed at was pretty awesome as well!
Lily L
2022-09-03
Enjoyed it!
It was so refreshing. I had a great time! Definitely enjoyed the experience :) Will be back for another neighborhood.
NJones
2022-09-03
Great Time on this Experience
Travelling alone to Vancouver, this was a great way to pass a couple of hours, and explore a neighborhood I may have missed with a local resident. Matt was a great host and showed us some spots as we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the English Bay neighborhood. There was a nice vibe among the group and it was fun to socialize with some other travelers and enjoy a drink together. Would love to see this type of thing in other cities too!
Marigie A
2022-09-03
Great experience!
My experience with Getogether at English Bay was amazing! Matt showed me parts of English Bay I never would've found on my own. We met at my favourite bakery in Vancouver and went for a nice walk through the neighborhood. I learned about the history of Sylvia Hotel and the Boston Ivy that runs up the building. Our walk led us along the seawall where we enjoyed awesome ocean views and a nice conversation. We ended our walk at the Craft pub and enjoyed some food and drinks. I would recommend booking if you enjoy local neighborhood vibes and meeting new people.
Justin S
2022-09-02
Absolutely 10/5! Amazing experience
I had an amazing experience with Matt. He showed me a side of the city I’ve not seen before. Even as a local, I experienced Vancouver in a new way.
Can’t wait to book again!!
Can’t wait to book again!!
Yoncer Y
2022-09-02
Amazing experience!
Glad I booked this for my families. Vancouver is such a beautiful city and worth the exploring, especially with people like Matt, who knows the city well and good at telling the stories. Will definitely book another one again when my other relatives visit next year.
Danny
2022-09-02
Great time
It was a great experience having the opportunity to explore English Bay and meeting people. Highly recommend!
Kyle E
2022-09-02
Fantastic!
In a city where meeting new people is notoriously difficult, Getogether is a breath of fresh air. Matt the guide was great at organically progressing the group toward each stop as well as breaking the ice with one another, which allowed for a chill and fun experience that gave me a greater appreciation for this beautiful part of the city- as well as more people to enjoy it with.
Thamasha A
2022-09-01
Refreshing
It was a refreshing experience to be exploring English Bay. I just moved to Vancouver, and this was an excellent way to learn English Bay's exciting stories and histories. I learnt not only about the area, but I got to meet new people and get to know their stories. Also, having a local who knows the best spots for taking pictures and food is fantastic. I would want to do this again!
Christopher T
2022-08-30
Getogether Experience
This experience definitely blew my expectations. My first time in Vancouver visiting from Toronto and Matt was an amazing local guide taking us to Morton Space Park and a glimpse of the Vancouver Seawall. Looking forward to booking again the next time I come and visiting new places!
Your Neighbourhood Guide to Gastown
The Shops & Restaurants Along Water Street
Water Street is a popular street in the Gastown area of Vancouver, British Columbia with the steam clock as its famous landmark. Water Street used to be the center of Vancouver’s food, clothing and dry goods wholesale businesses in the early to mid 20th century. Till date, it is populated with shops, restaurants, offices and galleries.
Local Food
Gastown is a foodie’s nirvana, coffee lovers’ heaven, brunch lovers’ go-to spot, with flavourful dinner restaurants and a plethora of speakeasies to sip the night away. Whether you are looking for some pub food, Italian, French, Carribean, or just some beercraft, you will never be let down at Gastown. From The Old Spaghetti Factory to L’Abattoir, there are numerous tempting options to get together with friends and family and bond over food and drinks.
The Iconic Gastown Steam Clock
The famous Gastown Steam Clock was built by Raymond Saunders in 1977 at the corner of Cambie and Water streets. Fun fact, it was built to cover a steam and to prevent street people from sleeping on the spot in cold weather.
The Historic Gassy Jack Statue
Walking around the Maple Tree Square in Gastown, you can hardly miss the historic six feet, six inches tall Gassy Jack statue with Jack standing on a whisky barrel and a wide brick plinth. The statue is built in honour of Jack Deighton, the bar owner, located not far from the former site of his beloved Globe Saloon. Opened in 1867, the Saloon served many workers from the mill and was later demolished due to lack of formal land agreement. Deighton was given the nickname “Gassy Jack” for his talkativeness as a voracious storyteller. Gradually, he became the patriarch of the community here. Although formerly named as Grainville in 1870, the area was known as Gastown after him. After Deighton passed away in 1875 out of poor health, his bronze sculpture was completed in 1970 by artist Vern Simpson from a drawing by Fritz Jacobson.
Vancouver’s Very Own Flat Iron Building
Maybe you’ve already seen the Flat Iron building in New York and even the one in Toronto. The Vancouver flatiron building located in the heart of Gastown – Hotel Europe – is one of the most iconic things to see. Situated on a triangular lot near the Gassy Jack statue, Hotel Europe is a six-story heritage building built in 1908-1909 by Parr and Fee Architectslocated in the flatiron style at 43 Powell Street in Gastown.
The Cobblestone Streets
The cobblestone streets have been an icon of Gastown ever since they were installed in 1974 in Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood in a beautification scheme. Over the years, many of the cobblestones have cracked and were replaced and patched up with asphalt – almost the same experience except for the color difference. There are discussions about the removal of the original cobblestone by the city. Before this actually takes place, let’s make the most of it!
The Charming Gastown Street Lights
Gastown, known for its chic and glamorous street lights, is a neighbourhood best seen at night. Popular for its rich dining spots, the iconic Gasown-style lights along Water Street and the glowing fairy lights in the trees further add to the charm and romance of the night life of this Victorian-style neighbourhood.
The Beautiful Street Art by Local Artists
In Gastown, street art and murals are the landmark and status-quo when it comes to the landscape. In fact, many self-guided tours consisting of visitors and tourists are often seen to explore the various exciting scenes. Street art and murals are always changing, so get out there fast, and take it all in!
The Murals of Gratitude
Due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak, many shops in the area have been boarded-up in response to the spike of commercial break and enters. Many merchants and local artists have come together to use the boarded-up storefronts as canvas to create murals honoring the frontline staff and healthcare leaders as a reminder that we are all in this together. This “Murals of Gratitude” has spread to over 35 murals completed by more than 20 local artists throughout Gastown, with new pieces coming up daily.
Visit The Cacao 70 Dippery
If you are a chocolate lover, The Cacao 70 Dippery is the one place you shouldn’t miss. Recently opened in Gastown, visiting the Cacao 70 Dippery is one of many fun things to do in Vancouver. At the Dippery, you can get ice cream and waffles AND dip them all in chocolate! Get your phone ready for countless cute pictures of the chocolate dipped snacks!
Fashion Boutique Stores
If you’re looking for something to add to your closet, Gastown is brimming with fabulous boutiques that carry international and local brands to complete your wardrobe. From The Latest Scoop, John Fluevog , to Old Faithful Shop, you can find the best timeless and affordable selection of women’s fashion, shoes, and homeware.
The Indigenous Art Galleries and Shops
In Gastown, the artistic merits and stories of local First Nations artists can be seen throughout the numerous galleries and shops in the neighbourhood. From Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery to Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, you can for sure find the best quality West Coast native carvings, masks, paintings and jewelry available in Canada.
McLeod’s Books
If you’re looking for an old bookstore that promises to unfold new adventures with a treasure trove of lost information, serendipitous discoveries, and a secret vault in the basement, you’ve found the right place. Located on Pender Street since 1982, MacLeod’s Books in Vancouver is recognized across the country as Canada’s last great used bookstore. From rare used books to childhood classics, the treasure that you take home is never the one you came looking for. Take a day, lose the idea of time, and spend it in McLeod’s quaint, wonderful haven of books.
Woodward’s Building
The historic Woodward’s building was a popular Vancouver department store constructed in 1903 when that area of Cordova Street was the heart of Vancouver’s retail shopping district. The building is now a renovated residential block that towers over the Gastown skyline. The modern building retains some of the original facade and iconic giant W.