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
Canada Place is one of those spots in Vancouver that instantly makes you pause and take it all in. With its iconic white sail design against the waterfront, it’s as photogenic as it gets. The promenade gives you sweeping views of the harbor, the North Shore mountains, and the constant movement of seaplanes taking off — a scene that feels uniquely Vancouver. It’s especially beautiful around sunset when the city lights start to glow and the mountains fade into silhouettes.
Walking along the pier feels calm yet vibrant, with locals jogging, tourists snapping photos, and cruise ships occasionally docked nearby. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, and the fresh sea breeze adds to the charm. Inside, there’s a mix of exhibitions and cafés, but honestly, the real magic is outside.
Tip: Go in the late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. If you’re into photography, bring a wide-angle lens to capture both the sails and the skyline. And don’t skip the “Canadian Trail” along the west promenade — it’s a short but scenic walk that tells a story about the country.
Canada Place may be touristy, but it’s also the kind of place that reminds you why Vancouver is loved for its balance of city and nature.
Hung Ho - 2 weeks ago
I was walking in the downtown area and spotted this area by accident. This place is located by the bay with an amazing view. There are many great restaurants and two big ships sitting right by the harbor.
Many tourists eat shipping and dining here mostly because the transportation is very convenient with lots of bus stops, train stations, and harbor crossings at the same location.
I was lucky that I came here this time because I managed to get my first compass key holder and charged 20 CAD.
There is a mandatory deposit of 6 when you want to buy a new card. I decided to bring it home as a souvenir so I don't have to come here again for a refund. It's cheaper to use Compass stored value to pay for the bus or skytrain. It saves me a lot of money.
Nan Liu - 2 weeks 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 -
![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 -
Photo Credit: Ken Lund - cc license via Flickr
