Vancouver is a modern city with a rich history. Many historic buildings and sites in Vancouver provide us with a glimpse into its past by displaying unique architectural styles and technical innovations from years gone by.
Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site offers visitors an insight into 19th century salmon canning and fishing practices, while St Roch National Historic Site at Vancouver Maritime Museum features examples from modern canning processes.
Marine Building
As soon as the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Vancouver became an essential port. Lt. Commander J.W. Hobbs of Toronto saw this development as a monument worthy of this great city and hired architects McCarter & Nairne to construct an ode to its importance comparable to New York’s Chrysler Building.
The building’s terra cotta facade conveys the significance of transportation with detailed depictions of zeppelins, steamships, biplanes, trains and trains depicted. Furthermore, large brass doors incorporating marine themes like seaweed, turtles and crabs into their design.
Entrance and lobby are breathtaking; walking through it is like experiencing art! One of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Canada.
Gastown
Gastown is one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods. Once home to just a single tavern, it has since evolved into an energetic community filled with cafes, bars and boutiques.
John Deighton was responsible for giving Gastown its name; his talkative nature earned him the moniker “Gassy Jack.” Deighton’s statue stands today in Maple Tree Square where the city was officially founded in 1886.
Gastown’s Steam Clock is one of the must-see sights, housing a steam grate used as an early distributed heating system and designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on it. Originally constructed to prevent them from using it during cold weather months.
Steveston Village
Steveston once flourished as an important center for salmon fishing and canning, yet still retains its charm today. Its historic village by the waterfront boasts National Historic Sites such as Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards – two landmarks to visit during your visit!
Tall ships brought visitors from all around the globe during its boom days, creating a vibrant community which still maintains its multicultural roots today. Strolling or cycling through town is one of the best ways to appreciate its heritage buildings and scenery.
At any time of the year, this neighborhood is an enjoyable destination – though its vibrancy truly comes alive during summer. Furthermore, it ranks highly for walking and cycling enthusiasts across Metro Vancouver.
Granville Island
Granville Island Public Market should be on everyone’s Vancouver bucket list. With hundreds of stalls offering fresh produce, delicious pastries, handcrafted goods and more to explore – Granville Island Public Market offers something special. Spend hours here!
Technically a sand spit located directly under Granville Street Bridge, this neighbourhood was developed using landfilled from False Creek with industrial buildings once housing canneries and shipyards. Now popular shopping destination as well as one of Vancouver’s leading cultural districts featuring theatres and artisan workshops.
Discover Vancouver’s rich history at the Visitor Centre. Some historical sites require admission fees; to ensure medical safety, consider purchasing IEC insurance and bring essentials such as flashlight, band-aids, passport and backup phone chargers with you.
War Memorial
The Vancouver War Memorial honours those who served and died during World Wars I and II. Formerly a church, today it houses one of only four copies outside Ottawa of Books of Remembrance that honor those lost during these conflicts.
The memorial houses a bronze sculpture depicting an angel and soldier that was dedicated in 1921, making it a gathering place where locals come to remember those who have given their lives for their country.
The Memorial is also home to unidentified casualties of the Battle of Cambrai which took place a month prior to Armistice Day in October 1918.
Robert Burns Memorial
Robert Burns is revered globally and in Vancouver. You can find his statue near the Georgia Street entrance to Stanley Park.
This statue by Gerald Lawson can be seen in Kilmarnock, Scotland and depicts him with his iconic bardic posture from such works as Tam O’Shanter, Auld Lang Syne and To a Mountain Daisy.
Toronto also features an identical statue in Allan Gardens depicting Robert Burns at a tavern, riding home on his donkey Tam and passing Alloway Kirk (church). This was the first such monument ever placed in the Southern Hemisphere.
