Vancouver History: Original Birks Building – Vintage photos featuring the iconic old Birks Building at Georgia and Granville in Vancouver, including an animated GIF

July in Vancouver History – Things that happened in the month of July in Vancouver History

The Bayshore Pool, 1960s. Known today as the Westin Bayshore Vancouver Archives# CVA 1435-580

English Bay beach, popular with locals and tourists, has been a favourite summertime recreation destination for the last century and a half. I had some fun looking around the City of Vancouver Archives to match up some vintage photos with modern day images to show how the area has changed: Then and Now English Bay […]

If you only had one day, three days, or a week to spend in Vancouver what would you see and do? On the back of an American tourist map from 1925, one of those ephemeral artifacts I have handy in my family’s personal local archives, I found a suggested itinerary for a time when our […]

Kitsilano Pool and Beach, between 1940 and 1948. Photograph: The Camera Products Co. Vancouver Archives #AM54-S4-: Be P19

Concession stands and food carts have come a long way at Playland and the PNE but you can always rely on the availability of the classic footlong hot dog. 1953 – Vancouver Archives #CVA 180-7211. Earlier this spring, the Pacific National Exhibition announced the passing of the ‘King of the Midway,’ legendary pitchman and carny, […]

Mount Pleasant, waiting for the street car, 1908. Timms Photographic Co. Photograph shows Westminster Avenue (Main Street) between 8th and 9th Avenues. Source: City of Vancouver Archives #Dist P144.

PNE opening day parade along Hastings Street in 1947. A highlight of the 1947 PNE was the first “Old Timers” hockey game ever staged in Canada. It took place at the PNE Forum and featured Fred “Cyclone” Taylor, one of hockey’s all time greats. Source: City of Vancouver Archives #CVA 180-1328.

For the 15th year, Heritage Vancouver has release its annual list of the Top 10 Endangered Heritage Sites in Vancouver. From schools and churches to houses to hospitals, these sites are noted for the critical threats facing their existence and their significance to their communities. St Paul’s Hospital 1923. Archives# Bu N251. Top 10 Endangered […]