Maple Tree Square sits at one of the most photographed, and most historic, intersections in Vancouver where Water, Powell, Alexander, and Carrall streets meet. It dates back to the time when Vancouver was called Granville Townsite, and when John “Gassy Jack” Deighton opened the area’s first saloon in 1867. Deighton had paddled over from New […]

It’s one of Vancouver’s lost landmarks and all that remains are pieces of its opulent interior, which can be found in antique shops or repurposed home decor, occasionally unbeknownst to the homeowner. From 1916 to 1949, the Second Hotel Vancouver stood on West Georgia Street between Howe and Granville. Built in a grand Italianate revival […]

As we ring in the new year, we often look back as we move forward. Thanks to the late, great Chuck Davis for his History of Metropolitan Vancouver, and the City of Vancouver Archives, we can take note of some major events and milestones that happened 100 years ago in Vancouver: Vancouver in 1916 February […]

Robson and Granville on May 4, 1969 Photographer: Ernie H. Reksten Archives: #2010-006.097 This image made available by the City of Vancouver Archives. Click here for the large version, to spot stores like House of Christmas, Manly Hat Shop, and Ladies City. This intersection sure has changed over the years. In the 1970s it became […]

Since the beginning of the month, poppies have adorned the left lapels of Canadians and on Remembrance Day, through ceremonies, memorials, and services, veterans will be honoured across the country. There are several events taking place around Metro Vancouver, as there have been for decades, with the cenotaph at Victory Square being one of the […]

Last night, Vancouver City Council voted in favour of tearing down the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. “This is a once-in-a-generation city-building opportunity,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson in a written statement. The vote on Monday night meant staff will start detailed planning and land negotiations, and will report back to council in 18 months with an […]

Queen Elizabeth Secondary (“QE”) in Surrey is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month and if you attended, between 1940 and 2015, you’re invited to the party! Photo courtesy of Donald Cosens Queen Elizabeth Secondary’s 75th Anniversary Where: Queen Elizabeth Secondary (9457 King George Blvd. in Surrey) When: Thursday, October 15, 2015 4:00pm to 6:00pm – […]

The view from Vancouver’s City Hall is one of the best around because it captures not only our ever-growing downtown core, but our beautiful mountain and ocean borders. This week’s “Then and Now” collage includes photos that have all been taken from City Hall, in the 1940s, 1960s, and 2015. Thanks to Jenn Chan Photography​ […]

Vancouver’s Seawall has been a work in progress since 1917, and over the last 100 years it has grown from a retaining wall into a 28km seaside path for runners, walkers, strollers, and cyclists. The Vancouver Seawall stretches from Coal Harbour, around Stanley Park, through to Sunset Beach, False Creek, over to Granville Island, under […]

Vancouver was incorporated in April of 1886 and the months that followed were full of growth, development, and unfortunately a giant setback in the form of the Great Vancouver Fire. By the time August rolled around, the city was rebuilding and as Chuck Davis notes in his History of Metropolitan Vancouver, it was usually a […]