Waterfront Station
Vancouver's grand 1914 railway station, now a bustling transit hub and a beautiful historic landmark in its own right.
As the main transit hub for downtown Vancouver, it's almost certain you'll pass through Waterfront Station during your visit. But more than just a place to catch a train, this grand and majestic building is a destination in itself. Built in 1914 as the western terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway, it stands today as a beautifully preserved piece of Vancouver's history, connecting the city's past and present.
Why Visit Waterfront Station?
- Stunning Architecture: Admire the grand neoclassical style, from the stately exterior columns to the magnificent main hall with its high ceilings and historic details.
- The Heart of Transit: It's the only station that serves all three SkyTrain lines (Expo, Millennium, and Canada), as well as the SeaBus to North Vancouver and the West Coast Express commuter train.
- Historic Significance: Feel the history in a building that once welcomed transcontinental passenger trains from across Canada.
- Prime Location: It serves as the perfect gateway to historic Gastown on one side and the Canada Place cruise ship terminal on the other.
What to See & Do
- Admire the Grand Hall: Look up to see the beautiful paintings of Canadian landscapes and the two large, historic clocks on the east and west walls.
- Take Photos: The station's symmetry, columns, and period details make it a favourite spot for photographers.
- Start Your Journey: Use the station as your starting point to explore the city. Grab a map and plan your day's adventure.
Food & Drink Options
- The station building contains a food court with a variety of quick-service options.
- A popular A&W restaurant is located right in the main hall.
- The surrounding area, especially Gastown, is packed with some of the city's best pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Don't Just Rush Through: Even if you're catching a train, take a moment to pause in the main hall and appreciate the architecture.
- It's More Than SkyTrain: Remember this is also your connection to the SeaBus for a scenic trip across the harbour to North Vancouver's Lonsdale Quay.
- Look for the Details: Notice the terrazzo flooring and the original brass fixtures that add to the station's historic charm.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Gastown: Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood is right next door.
- Canada Place: The iconic cruise ship terminal and FlyOver Canada attraction are a short walk west.
- Vancouver Lookout: Get a 360° view of the city from atop the nearby Harbour Centre.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: 601 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1, Canada
Phone: (604) 953-3333
Official Website: Waterfront Station
Waterfront Station Reviews
Rated out of 5
Interesting and historic train station with lot's of meaningful history regarding Vancouver. It's worth a visit even if you aren't traveling out of it. There are several places to eat within the building and nearby there are several vantage points looking out over the rails.
Alex Merryman - a year ago
always Beautiful this iconic historic place to this city and fun /economic way to travel between Vancouver downtown and north Vancouver and beyond . Got food places and a Starbucks and other restaurants & shops .....tons of travel connection options of skytrain/ Canada line /sea bus / west coast express trains / busses all from this popular waterfront station 🚉
Louise Boilevin - 6 months ago
A beautiful station .. connecting every side .. airport , Richmond , king George .production way , this is main hub of trains ..
Ahmad Wajid - 2 months ago
Easy to access to Canada line station, to king George, to surrey, seabus to Northvan, express train. Bars and restaurants across the area and mini convenient store. Built over one hundred years ago to handle transcontinental trains, it has renaissanced into a twenty-first century transit
Travelwithlife - 3 years ago
The main gate doesn’t open until 7 am, please find the “Granville Entrance” if you need to travel early.
Reading Hui - 4 months ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo and Canada Lines | Waterfront Station | 1 Minute |
How to get to Waterfront Station by SkyTrain
If coming on the Canada Line, exit onto Granville and walk north one block to Cordova Street where you can enter the Grand Hall. The Expo Line exits directly into the Grand Hall of this historic Vancouver landmark.
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 Waterfront Station:
Photo Gallery
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Beautiful Details and Architectural Features Highlight the Main Hall of Waterfront Station -
View showing the back side of this historic building -
Symmetric Arches and Columns Leading into the Main Hall of Waterfront Station -
Photo Credit: vancityvisual - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: IQRemix - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: sillygwailo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr
