Canada Place
Canada Place is one of Vancouver's most iconic landmarks and a popular gathering place on the downtown waterfront.
With its distinctive five white sails, Canada Place is an unmistakable icon of the Vancouver skyline. Originally built as the Canada Pavilion for the Expo '86 World's Fair, this landmark building now serves as a major cruise ship terminal, convention centre, and community gathering space. It offers stunning harbour views and a variety of free and ticketed attractions.
Why Visit Canada Place?
- Iconic Architecture: The sail-topped structure is one of Vancouver's most photographed buildings, recognized around the world.
- Stunning Views: Enjoy incredible, unobstructed views of the Vancouver harbour, Stanley Park, and the North Shore mountains.
- Hub of Activity: It's a bustling centre for events, from Canada Day celebrations to the FlyOver Canada ride.
- Ultimate Convenience: Located right next to Waterfront Station, it's one of the easiest landmarks to visit via public transit.
What to See & Do
- Walk the Canadian Trail: Stroll along the west promenade and learn about Canada's provinces and territories through informative plaques set into the walkway.
- Experience FlyOver Canada: Take a thrilling multi-sensory 4D flight ride that takes you across Canada from coast to coast. This is a ticketed attraction located at the north end of the building.
- See the Sails of Light: After dark, the five sails are illuminated with a mesmerizing display of constantly changing colourful lights.
- Hear the Heritage Horns: Listen for the first four notes of "O Canada" played by the ten powerful Heritage Horns, which sound daily at 12 noon.
- Visit the Olympic Cauldron: Just to the west of Canada Place is the impressive cauldron from the 2010 Winter Olympics. It's only lit on special occasions but is a great photo op day or night.
Food & Drink Options
- Food Court & Cafes: A food court inside the convention centre and various cafes offer quick and casual options.
- Pan Pacific Hotel: The hotel, located within Canada Place, has several restaurants and lounges with spectacular harbour views.
- Nearby Restaurants: The surrounding area has a huge variety of dining options, from pubs to fine dining.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Walk the Entire Promenade: For the best views, walk the full loop around the building, from the Canadian Trail on the west side to the cruise ship viewing area on the east.
- Canada Day: If you're in Vancouver on July 1st, Canada Place is the centre of the city's largest Canada Day celebration, with free live entertainment and evening fireworks.
- Watch the Cruise Ships: During the summer cruise season, it's a great spot to watch the massive ships arrive and depart.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Gastown: Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, with Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and unique shops, is just a short walk east.
- Vancouver Convention Centre: The west building, with its living roof, is an architectural attraction in its own right and is connected to Canada Place.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No (fees for some attractions)Canada Place Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4, Canada
Phone: (604) 775-7200
Official Website: Canada Place
Canada Place Reviews
Rated out of 5
This iconic commercial destination is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a perfect blend of functionality and beauty. The area is bustling with vibrant restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, travel agencies to plan your next adventure, and rental services for adventure gear that cater to thrill-seekers and explorers alike.
At night, the place transforms into a visual treat with beautiful lights reflecting off the water, creating a magical ambiance. The waterfront views are spectacular—you can watch water airplanes gracefully landing and taking off, as well as vessels berthing and cargo being loaded and unloaded, adding a touch of maritime charm.
The cleanliness of the area is commendable, making it a pleasant spot for families, friends, or solo visitors. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal, planning your next adventure, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, this commercial hub has something for everyone. Highly recommended for both locals and tourists!
Lalit Kaswan - 5 months ago
This is a distinctive even iconic part of downtown Vancouver. Many tours and trips start here but it is also a destination because of its distinctive architecture and amazing views over Vancouver harbour. It is a great place to visit at any time of the day but in the evening it is special. This is definitely a must visit place in Vancouver.
Bernard Savage - a month ago
A dreamlike and elegantly designed building that serves as an icon of the Vancouver waterfront and represents the transformation of this cities since the 1980s. Originally made for the World's Fair/Expo in 86, it serves as a vibrant and sophisticated symbol of progress and cosmopolitan refinement. Do not miss the tunnels here, which contain beautiful art and, most captivating to me, torches and medals and even an actual podium from the 2010 Olympic games in this classy city. Explore this elaborate building, with its sail like roof, and wander through the surrounding area. (The Olympic cauldron is nextdoor and shouldn't be missed.)
Joshua Fagan - a month ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo, Canada & Millennium Lines | Waterfront Station | ~2 Minutes |
How to get to Canada Place by SkyTrain
No bus needed. From Waterfront Station, exit and walk west on Cordova and go right (north) on Howe Street. The iconic sails of Canada Place are straight ahead.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Canada Place:
Photo Gallery
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Enjoying the view from the Promenade around Canada Place -
It is free to learn about Canada's history along the Canadian Trail -
Canada Place with the sails lit at night. -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
![Glasses [IMG_0787]](https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/53902876036_0a3bc5ed0e.jpg "Click to Enlarge")
Photo Credit: Kesara Rathnayake (kesara.lk) - cc license via Flickr -
![Canada Place - Vancouver [IMG_0783]](https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/53900392870_ae68639308.jpg "Click to Enlarge")
Photo Credit: Kesara Rathnayake (kesara.lk) - cc license via Flickr -
![Seagull [IMG_0757]](https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/53889231367_7e89d87dd3.jpg "Click to Enlarge")
Photo Credit: Kesara Rathnayake (kesara.lk) - cc license via Flickr -
![CANADA [IMG_0752]](https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/53884956257_5651f2cbcb.jpg "Click to Enlarge")
Photo Credit: Kesara Rathnayake (kesara.lk) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr
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