Sinclair Centre
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.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Free to view from outsideSinclair 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 out of 5![]()
Sinclair Center is a modern and well-equipped facility designed to serve as a hub for professional, educational, and community-focused activities. The center offers a welcoming environment with contemporary infrastructure, convenient accessibility, and a range of services aimed at supporting growth, learning, and collaboration. Known for its organized management and quality standards, Sinclair Center provides a reliable space for individuals, businesses, and organizations to connect and thrive.
Ghalib Shah - a month ago
This is a quite building mainly visited for Services Canada offices for immigration and passport related queries. The staff is very polite and professional here. If you want to save time, please get an appointment in advance. Otherwise you may have to wait for some time to get your turn.
Ash H - in the last week
Luckily, there's a passport photo store here, across from the Passport Office. The photographer was fast, efficient and friendly. Unfortunately, when I crossed to the Passport Office, it was busy with a moderate number of people in the line up but with many more people seated waiting to be called, so I opted not to spend the better part of my afternoon waiting and left. I will go back another day. December, I suspect, is a busy month for them.
Lyndall McCormack - a month ago
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 - 9 months ago
I rode the sky train and walked off 1 block to get here. Quick place to pick up a passport. I avoided pick up in Richmond in case of the potential strike or loss.
Tara Chic - 3 months 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Sinclair Centre :
Photo Gallery
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Atrium roof in Sinclair Centre -
Sinclair Centre former Customs Examining Building

