Aerial photos, illustrations, and digital artwork often feature the sails at Canada Place. Cruise ships are docked, conventions are held, and major festivals are celebrated at this landmark which is this week’s Vancouver Icon photo feature: Photo credit: bcbusinesshub on Flickr Photo credit: Zorro1968 & Clayton Perry Photoworks on Flickr Photo credit: Ruth and Dave […]

It spent much more time as the provincial courthouse building but we know it today as the Vancouver Art Gallery (since 1983). 101 years ago tomorrow (October 10, 1911) the building first opened up as the courthouse. Perched between Hornby, Georgia, Howe, and Robson it’s a cultural melting pot both inside and outside of its […]

In 1910 it was the tallest commercial building in the British Empire as well as Vancouver’s first skyscraper. The distinct Dominion Building still commands attention today, standing above Victory Square at Hastings and Cambie. (Left) 1908 Construction. VPL Accession Number: 6884. Photographer: Philip Timms (Right) 1912 VPL Accession Number: 13678. Photographer: R. Broadbridge. The nearby […]

Its recognizable dome lights our nights with a twinkle, and maybe even a Jack O’Lantern pattern at Halloween. Within its walls we learn about physics, engineering, chemistry, humans, animals, and the rest of the known universe. Science World (at Telus World of Science) is another one of the city’s most-photographed landmarks, by visitors and local […]

Piping out a steamy tune every 15 minutes, it’s one of the most photographed subjects in Vancouver. While locals may look at it with disdain (since it’s not that old and not even steam-powered), visitors absolutely adore it. On this day in 1977, the Gastown Steam Clock was dedicated and so it’s also today’s Vancouver […]

Simon Fraser University opened its doors to students for the very first time 47 years ago this week, on September 9th, 1965. The official opening was presided over by Lord Lovat, whose name was Simon Fraser, and who was the 24th head of the Fraser clan. He told an audience of 5,000 about the Fraser […]

Vancouver’s Commodore Lanes, Canada’s oldest surviving bowling centre, opened up below Granville Street on September 8, 1930. Since its neon sign has been advertising bowling and billiards in the downtown entertainment district for the last eight decades, I’ve decided it should be this week’s featured Vancouver Icon: 1946 – Theatres and the bowling sign on […]

Rounding the Stanley Park Sea Wall the photo opportunities are abundant. North Shore and city scenes, forest trails, ocean wildlife, balanced rocks on boulders, sunsets, and more. Perched on the Western tip of the peninsula, Siwash Rock might just be one of the most photographed hunks of stone in the City and as such, it’s […]

Like moths to a flame, bathing-suit clad bodies flock to the Kitsilano Pool as soon as the summer sun starts to shine. It’s a bright blue beacon of warm weather recreation at one of the city’s most popular beaches. Photo credit: ecstaticist on Flickr Photo credit: Carolyn Coles on Flickr 1931 – Construction laying out […]

Growing up in Surrey, our beach options were abundant. We could head to one of Vancouver’s beaches, a Stanley Park beach, a lake beach at White Pine or Buntzen, Belcarra, or stay closer to home at Crescent Beach or White Rock. Crescent Beach or White Rock often won out. Strolls along the promenade, fish and […]