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 that reminds you why Vancouver is special. The sail-like roofline is iconic, and the waterfront views are unreal on a clear day. You get mountains, ocean, cruise ships, and skyline all in one place.
It is a great area to walk around, especially along the promenade. You can grab a coffee, sit by the water, and just take it in. At night, the lights reflecting off the harbor make it even better.
Whether you are showing someone around the city or just clearing your head after work, Canada Place always hits.
Sarah Dawson - a week ago
Canada Place is a truly serene and memorable destination. From the moment you arrive, there’s a calm, refreshing atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and just take everything in. The mountain views are absolutely stunning—towering, majestic, and perfectly framed by the waterfront. Watching the water, the sky, and the mountains come together is incredibly peaceful.
One of the highlights of the experience is FlyOver Canada. It’s immersive, exciting, and beautifully done, giving you a breathtaking aerial journey that makes you appreciate the country even more.
Adeniran Jacob A - 2 months ago
Place du Canada is an impressively large and beautifully designed public space right in the heart of Vancouver. The area is open, welcoming, and very well laid out, making it easy to walk around and explore. It’s a truly pleasant attraction, whether you’re visiting for the first time or stopping by again.
There’s always something happening here—events, activities, or just the natural buzz of people enjoying the space. It feels vibrant and full of life, yet still comfortable enough to relax and take in the surroundings. The mix of scenery, atmosphere, and things to do makes it a great place to spend some time. Overall, Place du Canada is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Vancouver.
Daniel Cadieux - 3 months ago
Canada Place is iconic and you’ll see the seaplanes, cruise ships and famed whale statue and Olympic Cauldron. Perfect place to walk along the harbor, shop and enjoy the many restaurants. It’s usually busy given that it is by the convention center and many cruise ships dock in the area.
There is also a very fun ride, FlyOver Canada that will make you feel that you are actually flying, suspended in air with an aerial and jaw dropping views of Canada. Nice activity if it’s a rainy day.
CW - 3 months 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
