Streets for People: Gastown’s Water Street Sunday Pilot
Vancouver’s historic Gastown has launched something exciting this summer—turning part of Water Street into a car-free, pedestrian-only zone every Sunday from June 16 to August 25. Imagine strolling through the Gastown Water Street pedestrian zone, cobblestone streets filled with music, patios, art, and good vibes—no traffic in sight.
What’s Happening?
Every Sunday, Water Street between Richards and Columbia is closed to cars from 10 AM to 6 PM.
CBC: Gastown’s Water Street goes pedestrian-only every Sunday
Instead of traffic, expect open sidewalks, slow bike lanes, and a free bike valet at Enjoy the Gastown Water Street pedestrian zone without the hassle of cars.
City of Vancouver: Water Street Pilot Project
Why Is This Happening?
This is part of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan, a city initiative to make downtown spaces more welcoming, walkable, and lively, especially the Gastown Water Street pedestrian zone.
Shape Your City: Gastown Public Spaces Plan
The pilot supports local businesses with free patio permits, no city fees, and more chances to host markets and live music within the Gastown Water Street pedestrian.
Gastown.org: Car-Free Sundays Are Here
What You’ll See on the Street
- Patio dining, live musicians, and art pop-ups
- Benches and plazas set up in Maple Tree Square
- Indigenous storytelling and artwork from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
- More space for walking, biking, and relaxing
Learn More: Vancouver’s Urban Indigenous Programs
What’s New in 2025?
The 2024 pilot was a mix of car-free and car-light areas. This year, Sundays are fully pedestrianized, and Cordova Street now has two-way traffic to help drivers navigate, further enhancing the Gastown Water Street pedestrian zone.
The city will collect feedback to decide whether to make this permanent.
City Feedback Portal: Share Your Thoughts
Plan Your Visit
- Transit: Bus routes are detoured to Cordova Street
TransLink Alerts - Bike Valet: Free service at Water & Abbott
HUB Cycling: Valet Details - Event Schedule: Music, art, and markets every Sunday
Gastown Sunday Set Event Listings
From Us at Everyana
We love stories where cities rethink public space for the better. Looking for more lifestyle ideas?
