Vancouver will be celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and the City will be launching its celebration campaign for ‘Vancouver 125’ on Monday, January 17, 2011. This will encompasses the following Vision Statement: “Building on the momentum, energy and spirit generated during the Olympics, and through a growing awareness and understanding of our identities, first […]

Think you know Vancouver? Think Again! In honor of Vancouver’s 125th anniversary coming up this year, SFU’s Department of History is presenting a series of frank and informative lectures from January to October. 1936 lecture in Vancouver. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-4908 The inaugural lecture takes place January 27th and will be […]

The first Granville Street Bridge opened on this day in 1889. Spanning False Creek, it was but a low-rising timber trestle designed mainly by the CPR. 1890 – View from 2nd Ave at Birch. Photographer: W Chapman. Vancouver Archives Item# Van Sc P58. In 1909 the Granville Bridge would be rebuilt in steel with a […]

As Vancouverites awake after a night of confetti-filled celebration, 2011 is perhaps welcomed with a dip in English Bay, a pound of the snooze button, or that first venti-sized coffer of the year. Although most are looking ahead, I decided to look back and see how our city rang in the New Year throughout the […]

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim in English Bay is a tradition that is 91 years strong. It all began with 10 swimmers in 1920 thanks to the leadership of Peter Pantages and it grew to welcome over 2,000 participants in recent years. Peter Pantages & Miss E Robinson in English Bay Dec 1927 – Archives […]