Iconic Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver
Downtown is Vancouver’s primary business district, houses many arts, entertainment, and sports venues, and is close to several vibrant residential communities. A peninsula, Downtown is bounded by Burrard Inlet on the north, False Creek and the popular district of Yaletown to the south. The West End neighbourhood and world-famous Stanley Park are to the west, and the popular historic districts of Gastown, Chinatown, and Strathcona are to the east.
City of Vancouver https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/downtown.aspx
Gastown
The birthplace of Vancouver, originated in Maple Tree Square – the zero hundred block of Water Street where it intersects with Carrall Street – where Jack (Gassy) Deighton opened his saloon and the city’s first business.
In April 1886 Gastown and the surrounding forest was incorporated as the City of Vancouver, in June the same year it burned to the ground. The area is a collection of 19th century buildings and early 20th century warehouses. Threatened with destruction by freeway and urban redevelopment projects in the 1970s, Gastown was designated as a heritage district by the provincial government….
Granville Island
In the 1970’s, Granville Island began its successful transformation from an industrial wasteland to one of the most beloved public spaces in Vancouver.
As Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub, located in an urban, waterfront location and steeped in a rich industrial and maritime heritage, this unique destination attracts millions of visitors each year from Vancouver and around the world.
Granville Island https://granvilleisland.com/
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver.
Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park’s famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium.
Stanley Park https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx/
Totem Pole
The nine totem poles at Brockton Point are BC’s most visited tourist attraction.
The collection started at Lumberman’s Arch in the 1920s, when the Park Board bought four totems from Vancouver Island’s Alert Bay. More purchased totems came from Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) and the BC central coast Rivers Inlet, to celebrate the 1936 Golden Jubilee. In the mid 1960s, the totem poles were moved to the attractive and accessible Brockton Point…
Totem Poles https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/totems-and-first-nations-art.aspx
AquaBus
The Aquabus been serving False Creek and the surrounding area since its inception in June of 1985 by owners Jeff and Margot Pratt. Originally operating with only one boat, the service quickly took off and expanded to include three more of the now-iconic Jay Benford-designed rainbow boats by the time EXPO 86 arrived in town.
Seawall
The Stanley Park Seawall is a beautiful way to get some exercise while learning about the history of the land beneath your feet. A popular starting point for the Seawall walk is the east side of Stanley Park Drive by Coal Harbour. From there the circular path will take you past a full range of scenic vistas, landmarks, as well as monuments and sculptures.
As you walk, think about which cultures are reflected and how and what we choose to commemorate. Take a moment to think about what this area was like before, and think about how culturally and spiritually significant this area is for the people who lived here since time immemorial, the local Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. As you enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sights, imagine how for thousands of years Indigenous peoples lived here, raising their children, weaving and fishing. Take a moment to feel grateful that this land was cared for, and is still here for you to enjoy.
Seawall https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park-seawall.aspx
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver’s horticultural jewel, is a major draw for floral display enthusiasts and view-seekers, and as a popular backdrop for wedding photos. At 125 m above sea level, it’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore.
The 52-hectare park is home to the stunning Bloedel Conservatory. There is also a gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the arboretum with its collection of exotic and native trees, sculptures including one by internationally renowned artist Henry Moore, and diverse recreational offerings such as tennis, lawn bowling and pitch & putt. The park is also the perfect setting for fine dining at Seasons in the Park, a picnic or stargazing!
Queen Elizabeth Park https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx