Thing to do
Granville Island Public Market
Opened in 1979 in a converted industrial building, Granville Island's indoor Public Market has around 50 vendors selling seafood, produce, baked goods and international food.
Canada Place
Built for Expo 86 under white fabric sails on Burrard Inlet, Canada Place combines a cruise terminal, convention centre and a public promenade with harbour views.
At a glance
- Type
- Waterfront promenade and landmark
- Area
- Downtown waterfront, Vancouver, Canada
- Opening
- Open daily · 07:00–22:00
- Official site
- canadaplace.ca
Good to know
- Free promenade
- Cruise terminal
- Illuminated sails
- FlyOver attraction
Why we recommend it
Canada Place juts into Burrard Inlet from the downtown waterfront, and its white fabric roofs, shaped like sails, are one of the city's best-known sights. It was built on the site of the old Canadian Pacific Railway Pier B-C, with construction starting in March 1983, and opened in May 1986 as the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86. The architects were Eberhard Zeidler and Barry Downs, working through a joint venture of three firms, with Geiger Engineers as structural engineers. It is one of two Expo 86 buildings that still shape the skyline; the other is the geodesic dome that now houses Science World at the end of False Creek. Today it is run by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
The building does several jobs at once. It is the main cruise terminal for the region, where ships leave for Alaska, and a berth was added in 2001. It also houses the East Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, which opened in January 1986 with 503 rooms and suites, the Vancouver World Trade Centre and the FlyOver virtual flight ride.
For visitors the main attraction is the promenade, which wraps round the building and is free to walk. It gives wide views over the harbour and Burrard Inlet. Listen out at midday: ten Heritage Horns on the roof of the Pan Pacific sound the first four notes of O Canada at noon every day. After dark the sails are lit in changing colours for Sails of Light, and the port authority publishes separate schedules for August to October and for November to December on the Canada Place website.
Canada Place is open from 7am to 10pm. It hosts events through the year, including Port Day in summer and Christmas at Canada Place in the festive season, along with conventions and expos.
This is an easy, free stop for anyone, from families to people on a short visit. It is also the main pick-up point for the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, so many visitors start their day on the North Shore from here. The Vancouver Lookout and the historic district of Gastown are both within walking distance on the downtown side.
Canada Place FAQs
Is Canada Place free to visit?
Yes. The outdoor promenade is free to walk.
What are the opening hours?
Canada Place is open from 7am to 10pm.
What are the Heritage Horns?
Ten horns on the Pan Pacific Hotel roof that sound the first four notes of O Canada at noon every day.
When was Canada Place built?
Construction began in March 1983 and it opened in May 1986 as the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86.
Do cruise ships leave from Canada Place?
Yes. It is the region's main cruise terminal, including for Alaska cruises.
What is Sails of Light?
The illumination of the building's fabric sails in changing colours after dark, with seasonal schedules.
What else is inside?
The Vancouver Convention Centre East Building, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, the World Trade Centre and the FlyOver ride.
Is there a shuttle to Capilano from here?
Yes. The main pick-up for the free Capilano Suspension Bridge Park shuttle is at Canada Place.