HISTORY & MARITIME PUB CULTURE

TWO INFLUENCES HAVE COME TOGETHER TO MAKE THE PORTSIDE PUB WHAT IT IS

We’re proudly located in the heart of Gastown, where the city as we know it began. The legend of this neighbourhood starts before Vancouver even existed. In the late 19th century, hard-working, hard-living men and women in pursuit of their dreams came from all over the world to capitalize on the gold and timber that bulged from the rich B.C. ground.

In 1867, a larger-than-life entrepreneur named John Deighton saw an opportunity – a lack of watering holes – and capitalized on it. Within 24 hours of arriving on the shores of the Burrard Inlet, Gassy Jack (as he came to be known) had his first saloon built by enlisting the help of thirsty lumbermen – who were reimbursed with all the whiskey they could drink in one sitting.

He named it the Globe Saloon and it stood just steps away from where the Portside is today. The area is named Gastown after this loud and boisterous yet hospitable spirit, who has defined the neighbourhood for over a century.

Gastown is home to many great pubs and restaurants, and has been the starting point of many great stories. Full of charm and character, you can feel the history in the neighbourhood. We’re extremely proud to call it home – and to have you in for a beer and to start a great story of your own.
Maritime pub culture

As mentioned, the Portside’s management is extremely proud of the neighbourhood. But they’re also proud of where they came from – the East Coast of Canada. There they grew up surrounded by establishments laden with wood, rope and more wood.