FIFA World Cup 2026™ · Vancouver Safety Guide
Downtown Eastside
The Downtown Eastside (DTES) borders Gastown and Stadium–Chinatown. Fans should understand boundaries, avoid voyeurism, and choose well-lit routes to BC Place.
Key takeaways
- DTES is a community in crisis — not a tourist attraction.
- Main Street and Hastings are key boundary references.
- Gastown hotels are safe when you use direct routes west and south.
Smart routing
- Walk west on Water Street from Gastown toward Canada Place corridor.
- Use SkyTrain at Stadium–Chinatown rather than cutting through side alleys.
- Avoid photographing residents without consent.
What to avoid
- East Hastings Street foot traffic after dark without local knowledge.
- Unlicensed street markets selling counterfeit goods.
- Engaging with aggressive panhandling — donate to local charities instead.
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