While Vancouver is known for it’s amazing natural beauty and it’s friendly people, there is also a very dark side of Vancouver that many people don’t see. From crack heads to Heroin junkies, drunks to HIV and Hepatitis infected prostitutes, Vancouver has it’s share of nastiness.

So, if you are curious as to what these sort of people look like and how they live, there is only one place to see it all.

Main Street and Hastings Street in Vancouver is the epicenter of the drug and disease problem in Vancouver. No where else will you see such a concentration of junkies and crackheads. Day and night you will find hundreds of people scurrying around like rats, looking for a fix or for something to steal to buy some crack or Heroin.

For the safest viewing, stay in your car and drive slowly on Hastings Street, past Main street and then to Cambie Street. In those few blocks you will see things that will amaze you. Sketchy junkies searching the ground as if some magical crack fairy dropped some crack rocks for them, to people shooting up in dark doorways and you’ll even see drug deals going down.

For the really brave, walk along the street from Main to Cambie. It’s 4 blocks of Hell. You’ll be propositioned by whores and crack dealers every few steps and after you end your trip at Cambie Street, you’ll have a fresh appreciation for what you have in life!

One experience you will never forget if you are courageous enough…Dress in old ripped up clothes, put on a hat pulled down low and go hang out in front of the Carnegie Library at the corner of Main and Hastings. You’ll be amazed at the activity there at any time of the day. Drug deals, stolen goods, you name it…All happening right outside the Vancouver Police Station!!

Safety Tips

1. If you are driving to check out the crackheads and junkies, make sure to lock your doors and do not park. If you do, many will come to your window to ask you if you need anything. A great time to take close-up photos of the junkies, but don’t stay too long. They won’t appreciate photos being taken!
2. If you are walking, don’t walk alone. The more people the better and make sure you have a cellphone ready to dial 911. Also, try to keep an eye behind you
3. If you are walking, hide all jewelry. Rings, chains, watches or anything else shiny or valuable looking should be hidden.

Directions to Main and Hastings Streets in Vancouver

The Steveston Historic Fishing Village is one of Richmond’s gems. It’s Richmond’s version of Granville Island, only smaller, quieter, and certainly packed with charm and loveliness.

It used to be an old dock that has transformed into a popular area filled with quaint shops, pubs, and fantastic restaurants. The atmosphere in Steveston Village is very relaxed and you will feel right at home there.

One of the Village’s most oustanding features is its pier, which remains to be one of the most beautiful places to go for long walks in Vancouver. Strolling along this boardwalk can sooth your soul as you are surrounded by breathtaking water views, beautiful boats and fresh sea air. Schedule your walk to watch the incredible sunrises and sunsets.

If you love whale-watching, Steveston Village also offers guided tours from April through October. They also host wildlife viewing excursions in search of sea lions from April through May. A wonderful historic site to visit is The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, which is also open for tours. Here, you will be able to see how a cannery operates.

Steveston Village also offers a tremendous number of restaurants covering a wide variety of cuisines. Be sure to order from the seafood menu though as Steveston’s restaurants are reknowned for having the freshest seafood cooked to culinary perfection.

Things to Do:
Go on a Whale Watching or Wildlife Excursion
Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Tour the Britannia Heritage Shipyard
Stroll Along the Beautiful Boardwalk
Visit the Countless of Little Shops in the Village

Restaurant Picks:
Cimona Cafe
Charthouse Restaurant
Tapenade Bistro
Shady Island Seafood

Google directions to Steveston Historic Fishing Village