7 Fun Things To Do In Gastown And The Eastside

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Vancouver, look no further than Gastown and the Eastside. From cool bars like the Albi Room and funky cafes like Catfe, Vancouver’s first cat café, there’s always something new in this neighborhood. So it should come as no surprise then that it’s also home to Vancouver’s best escape rooms, trendy cooking classes, and cutting-edge food tours.

Check out our guide to the most unique and fun things to do in Gastown and the Eastside.

#1 – Escape from G.U.E.S.S. HQ
150 West Hastings Street

Few escape room providers manage to create a fully immersive environment, but G.U.E.S.S. HQ is the exception. This out-of-this-world escape experience will fully immerse you and your friends in your adventure—from full set design to rich and compelling storylines. This escape room is a must-do!

#2 – Spice up your kitchen at Dirty Apron Cooking School
540 Beatty Street

All year round, Dirty Apron Cooking School hosts seasonal cooking classes out of its gorgeous culinary studio on Beatty Street. These classes are hands-on and offer a sumptuous introduction in the wonderful world of Mediterranean cooking, creamy French cuisine, and romantic Italian dishes. They are a bit on the pricey side, but when you consider that you get to eat everything you make, it’s well worth it!

rock climbing
#3 – Reach new heights at The Hive
520 Industrial Avenue

The Hive is a beautiful and spacious bouldering gym in Strathcona, home to a great community of rock climbers and plenty og friendly vibes. You can drop-in for a bouldering session for $20, or take their late night offer from 9pm to 11pm at the price of $15.

#4 – Learn about healthy choices at Rooted Nutrition
728 Main Street

Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring—and healthy eating is always easier when you have a plan. Learn how to make good-for-you alternatives at Rooted Nutrition, from gluten-free baking to making your own healthy staples to stock your kitchen with. If the takeout guy has started calling you by your first name, you might want to consider one Rooted’s classes.

cocktail making classes#5 – Mix your favorite cocktails at Brandywine Bartending School
241 Union Street

There’s so much more to cocktail making than just the garnishes. You have to understand the differences between spirits, when to shake and when to stir, and how to make the natural notes in your liquor of choice really pop. At Brandywine Bartending School, take the Modern Classic workshop or dive right into The World of Bitters, and leave smarter (and maybe drunker) than you were before.

#6 – Get fit and have fun at Origins Parkour
2655 Main Street

Located in East Vancouver, just south of the Eastside, Origins Parkour & Athletic Facility is worth stepping outside the neighborhood for. If you enjoy staying active and are always looking for new ways to push your body’s limits, parkour is for you. You’ll target muscle groups all over your body and have a great time doing it!

food and drink tours#7 – Go Off The Eaten Track and discover hidden gems of Railtown
Railtown

Sometimes it’s nice to let someone else show you all the cool places to eat in your neighborhood. Check out Off The Eaten Track, which organizes the Railtown Urban Eats tour that will take you all the best places to eat in up-and-coming Railtown, just east of Gastown. With five stops and more than ten tastings, you’ll get your hands on Vancouver’s best cheeses, salads, craft beer and wine samplings, and sweet treats.

About Hijinks

Hijinks is the online marketplace that makes it easy to discover and book life experiences to enjoy with friends, family, and co-workers. Whether it’s an escape room visit, cooking class, or team building activity, we provide comprehensive listings, customer ratings and reviews, and easy browse and search functionality to help you book with confidence. For more information check us out here!