02 The story
Vancouver’s oldest residential neighbourhood
Strathcona, east of Chinatown, is the oldest residential neighbourhood in Vancouver. Its streets of colourful Victorian and Edwardian cottages, community gardens and corner stores tell the story of generations of immigrant families, including Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Ukrainian, Black and Jewish communities.
A community that fought back
In the late 1960s, residents of Strathcona and Chinatown successfully fought plans for a freeway that would have demolished much of the area. That victory is a big part of why Vancouver is one of the few major North American cities without a downtown freeway. Hogan’s Alley, once the heart of Vancouver’s Black community, was lost earlier to the Georgia Viaduct, and its history is now being remembered and honoured.
Heritage and gardens
Strathcona has one of the city’s largest concentrations of heritage houses, and the Strathcona Community Garden is a beloved green space. Strathcona Park and MacLean Park are neighbourhood hubs.
Railtown and food
North of the residential streets, the former industrial area of Railtown has become a design district with studios, coffee roasters, breweries and restaurants in converted warehouses.
Good to know
Strathcona borders the Downtown Eastside, where poverty and social challenges are visible. Most visitors explore the heritage streets and Railtown during the day without any issue, while staying aware as in any city centre.
