Vancouver’s oldest pub has a fascinating history & it will soon celebrate 100 years

If you’ve had a night out in Gastown, chances are you’ve stumbled across Lamplighter at some point or another – AKA Vancouver’s oldest pub. After decades of serving up tasty brews and memorable nights out on the town, the establishment is putting on its centennial birthday hats this month in honour of the bar’s 100 years of service.

And in case you’re curious, we’re here to delve into the building’s extensive, ‘spooky’ history.

History of the building

According to the pub, the property itself dates back to 1899, when it was first opened as The Dominion Hotel.

In 1925, the space transitioned from a Rubinowitz department store (owned by Swain Sherdahl) to The Lamplighter Public House, which was named for the workers who once lit gas street lamps in Vancouver in the late 1880s. Specifically, the name refers to John Clough, whose name is now on the cocktail bar next door.

According to the pub and the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS), Clough was a one-armed lamplighter who was responsible for lighting the street lamps until they were replaced with electric lights.

What’s more, the century-long use of the name “Dominion” represents Vancouver’s strong economic position as the last stop of the Canadian Pacific Railway at the time.

Vancouver’s oldest pub

According to pub, Lamplighter became the first bar post-prohibition in the area to serve alcohol to women, though before then, it permitted women who were escorted by men.

Flash forward to 1925, and the Dominion Hotel paid $750 ($19,400 in 2024 dollars) to the Liquor Control Board in Victoria and was issued an official British Columbia beer license.

As per Destination Vancouver, the pub was recently renovated in 2007, though it retains its original ceilings, exposed brick walls, and stained glass windows.

Ghost stories

In an interview with Curiocity, Ghosts of Vancouver author and researcher Greg Mansfield shares that “it’s easy to say that Gastown has the most haunted places in downtown Vancouver.”

In fact, there have been sightings of the ghost of a chef wearing a white jacket with dark hair, playing “all kinds of tricks,” according to Mansfield.

“He makes the glasses above the bar rattle, so late at night when someone is cleaning up, they’ll hear glasses rattling – and there’s nothing there,” he explains. “Occasionally bar staff may turn around and see his ghost with a smile on his face, or running away in a blur.”

So the next time you’re at Lamplighter, be sure to keep an eye out for glasses sliding down the bar or table without water underneath!

100 years of Lamplighter

In honour of 100 years, Lamplighter is hosting a slew of exciting events leading up to a Yukon Blonde concert ($20+ per person) on Friday, October 25th.

This includes a Lobster Auction, Grey Cup Festival Pop-up, and the Gastown Shuffle neighbourhood crawl.

What’s more, guests can sip on a delicious celebratory brew in collaboration with Parallel 49 Brewing called, the 1925 Centennial Pilsner.

Finally, the pub is doubling down on its daily happy hour with nightly features – so it’s worth stopping by if you’re in Gastown to see what’s on special and celebrate the pub’s rich history!

Weekly events include Tuesday Trivia, 99¢ Wings and Bourbon & Bingo Wednesdays, weekend brunch, and DJs spinning on Fridays and Saturdays.

The centennial festivities cap off in late March of next year with another concert – so stay tuned for more info on that to come!

So there you have it, Vancouver! If you’re looking for a taste of history and celebration, it’s not often we get to celebrate 100 years in Vancouver!

Lamplighter 100th anniversary celebration

When: Friday, October 25th
Where: 92 Water Street
Cost: $20+ for tickets to Yukon Blonde

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