Last weekend, I walked down Hastings between Chinatown and Gas Town. My God, was that a horrible experience! I’ve never seen so many wretched people in one place.
HA...that IS one of the worst places in Vancouver.....I lived not far from that....across the street from the big globe....in a condo, on the 8th floor....on one side was “Good” Vancouver....on the other was “Bad” Vancouver...
RE: Hastings between Chinatown and Gastown
I’ve been to Vancouver several times ( friends and family live in Richmond ). But I’ll talk about the above place...
The Downtown Eastside of Vancouver continues to be an area where street smarts are required, but by and large the ongoing gentrification of the area has tamed it’s most outstanding problems.
Property crimes have dropped, as well as violent crime. The area is now quite habitable and is in fact the best neighborhood in the city.
For tourists wanting to party the Vancouver way, Gastown is it. The bridge and tunnel paradises of Granville street and Yaletown can’t compare. Come on down, no need to fear, just remember to keep your city wits about you.
I’ve been to the immediate area and I often have problems with the street animals, but I’m used to it and have learned to cope with it by developing “Street Smarts”.
Yes, the Downtown Eastside is hell. Vancouver has a higher crime rate than New York city these days (Take this from a New Yorker), so if you feel like a big confident smart ass, please consider that fact first. Never park a car in the area, you are better off to park far away and walk in or take a cab. It’s as simple as that. Your car will be broken into.
Although I would say that generally you will be OK during daylight hours, although scared, you should NEVER walk along or use a street that Crosses Hastings between Cambie and Main, after dark.
‘Nuff said.
Bruno Gerussi is sorely missed.
I was there recently and it wasn't great - but many streets in San Francisco are a lot worse.