City: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Downtown That You Shouldn't Miss
Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Vancouver Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,335 reviews
Your Vancouver sightseeing experience starts at the Vancouver Lookout!!! Where else can you enjoy a 360-degree aerial view of Vancouver, "the most beautiful city in the world"? Your adventure starts with a 40-second glass elevator ride, whisking you 170metres (450ft) skyward to our panoramic observation deck. Enjoy views of cosmopolitan Vancouver, historic Gastown and bustling Coal Harbour. Past. Present. Future. Our multi-lingual team provide complimentary guided tours with fascinating facts about Vancouver's history, infrastructure, local community, current trends and future expansion. Our iconic Vancouver attraction tops the Harbour Centre complex, a recognizable landmark in the heart of downtown.
Reviewed By Sami473 - Kuwait, null
Vancouver look out is almost 550 ft high observation tower right in the heart of the Downtown. Ists location is fantastic as it is near coal harbour in the old Gas town. The humming sound of downtown you can feel while coming from Robson street to port side. The journey starts from the elevator and you go up to observe a 360 degree view of the city. More you can enjoy to go more up in the revolving restaurant and enjoy meal revolving and seeing the beautiful city.
2. Library Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765
It was completed in 1995 (pretty close to 2000) and fulfilled the architect's design mission of creating a multi-use hybrid structure combining retail, dining, an atrium, entertainment, and (of course) a library (but not in the traditional sense). The library is a 9-floor structure with a roof-top garden. This was (and is) a highly innovative approach to public spaces; it is practical but still remains inspiring. We found the best view of the crumbling coliseum from across the street, down an alley. The outside walls, as well as the color, evoke ancient Rome's influence. We stopped on every floor, did some exploring, appreciated that there were places for people to bring their lunch and eat in spaces designed for that purpose, and had children's areas for postcard making. In the days of ancient Rome, the coliseum was built for the people and today, so too, is his treasure of a building (and its atrium-covered interior mall space). This unique design is a real head-turner!
3. Engine 374 Pavilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
The Engine 374 Pavilion houses CPR Locomotive No. 374 which arrived in Vancouver in 1888, hauling the first transcontinental passenger train in Canada. The Pavilion is free to the public and open 7 days a week, 10am-4pm in summer and 11am-3pm in winter.
4. Terry Fox Memorial
5. Maple Tree Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Worldtravelinfo - Mosta, Russia
As a tourist you cannot miss the opportunity of not visiting Maple Tree Square This idyllic location formats part of the intersection of 4 streets - Namely Alexander, Carrall, Powell and water streets!! Full of interesting historical information going back to when Vancouver was known as Granville Townsite. Also am other interesting fact of a guy by the name of John “Gassy Jack” Deighton opened the first salon. We were told that the first council meeting was held under the maple tree which still stands. There are places to eat and have a coffee etc in the area and it is an easy walk..A truly lovely experience.
6. Steam Clock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,678 reviews
Reviewed By Worldtravelinfo - Mosta, Russia
If you like a mixture of history, restaurants, art galleries, shopping than Gastown area is the place to go! The whistling Steam Clock is the first attraction you will find which is fun to watch, followed by Victorian buildings to see. There are plenty of places to eat serving great food and places to visit for last minute souvenirs or intuit art to take home. Loved the area and even though we were visiting in the winter it was still an enjoyable trip
7. Waterfront Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By pratiknruparel - Calgary, Canada
This is the first/last station for the Vancouver sky-train! Very nice architecture and very scenic! Could be crowded if visited during certain time of the day but still worth visiting!
8. Angel of Victory
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765
The number of railway soldiers was staggering: 1,116 Canadian Pacific Railway employees answered the call and paid their share of the price demanded for a world free from tyranny. And then came WW II and another sacrifice was exacted. The dates for WW II were added to the plaque's memorial. This exceptional piece (a copy) was sculpted in 1922; the original resides in Quebec. Another copy can be found in Winnipeg. It is a seven-foot tall sculpture in bronze. and the angel holds the remains of a laurel wreath in her hand but there is silence as to what became of the wreath. The intention was to crown him when the ascent to heaven is complete. His uniform is authentic WW I; I tried to imagine a soldier, all dressed up like that, scaling trenches, storming machine gun nests, and battling hand-to-hand in defense of the free world. This is a very sad piece.
