Vancouver Blood Alley’s Hotel Stanley

From Lumberjacks to Legends

About

Located in the heart of Gastown at 36 Blood Alley Square, the building known by many names—Hotel Stanley, Russ Hotel, Beaver Hotel, and Iroquois Hotel—stands as a three-story Edwardian relic with deep roots in Vancouver’s history. Built in 1906, this brick-and-mortar beauty provided short- and long-term lodging for those who toiled in seasonal industries like fishing and logging, offering a home away from home in the bustling port city.

The Hotel Stanley was more than just a place to rest one’s head; it was a strategic investment for Evans, Coleman, and Evans, a powerhouse in the world of commerce and shipping at the time. As part of their portfolio, this hotel and the nearby New Fountain Hotel have become an enduring symbol of Gastown’s rich history. Recognized as part of the Gastown Historic District, a national historic site of Canada since 2009, these buildings are more than bricks and mortar—they’re chapters in Vancouver’s story.

Gastown, often celebrated as the birthplace of Vancouver, has been a cornerstone of the city’s growth since the Hastings Mill was established in 1865. Like Trounce Alley in Blood Alley Square, the area’s streets and alleys are living reminders of the city’s early relationship with the port and its rise as a commercial hub. With its storied past, the Hotel Stanley remains an important piece of this historical puzzle, offering a tangible link to the days when Vancouver began to find its footing on the global stage.

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Photo taken: 2014