Sinclair Centre

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Sinclair Centre comprises four restored heritage buildings offering upscale shopping in Downtown Vancouver

Sinclair Centre is a landmark in downtown Vancouver, housing high-end retailers and government offices within a stunning complex of four restored heritage buildings. While it is currently closed to the public for a major redevelopment, its beautiful exterior architecture remains a point of interest for visitors.

A Glimpse into History

The centre is an architectural treasure, uniting four of Vancouver's historic federal buildings:

The Post Office (1910): An elegant Edwardian Baroque building that once served as the city's main post office.
The Winch Building (1911): Vancouver's first skyscraper, a testament to the city's early 20th-century boom.
The Customs Examining Warehouse (1913): A robust structure that played a key role in Vancouver's port activities.
The Federal Building (1937): A more modern addition with Art Deco influences.

In 1986, these individual structures were masterfully restored and connected by a spectacular glass-covered atrium, creating the Sinclair Centre we know today—a blend of historic charm and modern utility.

The Future of Sinclair Centre

The complex is undergoing a significant redevelopment to preserve its heritage character while upgrading its facilities. This project aims to revitalize the space, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of downtown Vancouver for years to come. While the interior is inaccessible, the exterior provides a fantastic photo opportunity and a lesson in the city's architectural history.

Pro Tips & Local Insights

Architectural Walk: Even while closed, Sinclair Centre is a key stop on a walking tour of downtown's historic architecture.
Photo Opportunities: The detailed facades of the four distinct buildings offer excellent subjects for photography.
Convenient Location: Its proximity to Waterfront Station makes it an easy landmark to spot when arriving downtown.

Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)

Gastown: Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, with cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture, is just a short walk east.
Canada Place: The iconic cruise ship terminal and convention centre with its white sails is located two blocks north.
Vancouver Lookout: Get a 360-degree view of the city from the nearby Harbour Centre tower.

See the complete line of Vancouver Experiences on Viator

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Free to view from outside

Sinclair Centre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Address: 757 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1A1, Canada

Phone: (604) 312-0653

Official Website: Sinclair Centre

Sinclair Centre Reviews

Rated 4.1 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating This place is a good place for some alone time A lot of the stores actually probably are local mom paw shops It's usually quite quiet in there but I'm never there in like the hustle bustle of the day when Ben told centers like thriving but you got Canada services and the passport office there The building is something else and they've rented it quite a bit but I mean man oh man it's cool to see that history
toni gallos - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating This is a wonderful place for a little cozy afternoon people-watching as you seek refuge from the blizzard raging outside! The caveat here is that you are strictly forbidden from people watching in this centre, the security is most insistent that you are only in the building with purpose. On top of that, rarely is this building geographically situated so that you would be caught in a blizzard outside and need to seek refuge - it's just not that kind of climate. Still, the general scent inside the building I would describe as "pretty much neutral, mostly," and maybe that's worth going in, just for a minute? You decide!
Mike B. - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating A very nice place, a beautiful labyrinth. The good thing is that they have a very attentive security service that guides you to your destination. It is best to bring a fully charged phone and a plan for the wait.
Adolfo Roberto Zambrana Bendaña - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating Nice & Clean. Good service. Answer every question. Very fast. If you prepare everything. It will be super fast.
Orawee Seelphong - a year ago

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Directions

SkyTrain Line	Nearest Station	Walking Time
Expo or Canada Line	Waterfront Station	1 Minute

How to get to Sinclair Centre by SkyTrain

No bus needed. From Waterfront Station, Sinclair Centre is just across the street. Use the main station exit to Cordova Street or the Granville Street exit for the Canada Line. The complex occupies the entire block between Hastings, Granville, Cordova, and Howe streets.