Vancouver's Most Notable Landmarks

Stanley Park

Named for Lord Frederick Stanley, Governor General of Canada in 1988, Stanley Park was not the brainchild of one designer, but a masterpiece that was the result of the "[evolution of a pioneer city's hopes and dreams](http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park-history.aspx)." Stanley Park is the largest city park in Canada and covers over [400 hectares of land](http://www.tourismvancouver.com/pdf/selfguideditinerarystanleypark.pdf). It is one of Vancouver's most iconic landmarks and today, it is enjoyed by millions of visitors who partake in a multitude of outdoor activities.

Canada Place

Canada Place is an important cultural landmark in Vancouver and was originally the site of a [cargo pier](http://www.aviewoncities.com/vancouver/canadaplace.htm). Once the harbour's beauty was fully appreciated, the city of Vancouver decided to turn the building into a structure that would draw in crowds during various festivals and events. The tall sails that tower over the building represent the sails of a boat and are indicative of Vancouver's maritime roots.

Lions Gate Bridge

In the 1930s, the Guinness family considered investing in land in West Vancouver, thus the original development of the Lions Gate Bridge began. The family purchased 4,000 acres of land for $75,000 dollars [($18.75 per acre!)](http://hp.bccna.bc.ca/Library/WestVan/history/Thumbnails/lions_thumb.htm). Although there were protests regarding its construction and the number of lanes it should have, the bridge was built between 1937 and 1938 with two lanes. West Vancouver boomed as a result of this new connection to downtown Vancouver and later, a third lane was added to accommodate this increase in volume.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Once a large quarry (evident from the concave shape of the park), Queen Elizabeth Park was originally owned by Canadian Pacific Railway until it was later sold for $100,000 in [1928](http://www.miss604.com/2011/07/vancouver-history-queen-elizabeth-park.html) to what is now the City of Vancouver. The quarry was eventually transformed into gardens and was named after King George VI’s consort, Queen Elizabeth. The park is used today for a large variety of [arts, cultural and sporting events](http://queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/whats-on/events) as well as a spot to just enjoy the sunshine and a family picnic.

Ilanaaq Inukshuk

Perhaps one of the most iconic images of Canada today is the Inukshuk, and this grand two-storey Ilanaaq Inukshuk that lives in English Bay is just that. Built by [Alvin Kanak](http://www.venturevancouver.com/inukshuk-first-beach-english-bay-vancouver#ixzz3iWpzbS1O) from the North West Territories and given to Vancouver for the World Expo, this sculpture is also the symbol for the 2010 Olympic Games. Visit the Inukshuk at sunset to capture its magnificent silhouette.

Gastown Steam Clock

Despite what some may believe, Vancouver's infamous Steam Clock is not as old as Gastown itself—it was built in [1977](http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2012/06/05/inside-vancouvers-hidden-past-the-secret-history-of-the-gastown-clock/) during the regeneration of Gastown and the steam powered engine represents the industrial past of the area when steam pipes were used to power machinery. Today, the Steam Clock is a focal point of Gastown and is a large tourist draw for many who visit Vancouver. You can catch the clock whistling every quarter hour.

Siwash Rock

From afar, the Siwash Rock stands tall along the Stanley Park Seawall as a unique natural creation unlike any rock other formation along Vancouver's coastline. Legend has it that the rock is a [noble spirited warrior man](http://robirda.com/legends/siwash.html) who fought for everything that was right. More specifically, this rock represents the tale of an Indian chief who was loved dearly by his tribe.

BC Place Stadium

BC Place Stadium opened in 1983 and has since hosted over 30 million guests at various famous events, including the [Royal Visit of Queen Elizabeth II](http://www.bcplacestadium.com/index.php/HistoryofBC_Place.html). Home of the BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Place sees a lot of action every year as both a sports and concert venue.

Digital Orca

[Douglas Coupland's](http://coupland.com/portfolio/digital-orca-2/) Harbour Spirit Digital Orca is a brilliant piece of aluminum and steel art in Jack Poole Plaza that stands tall as a nearly life-sized pixelated orca whale. Touching on the importance of technology and nature today, the statue stands to make [“a familiar symbol of the West Coast become something unexpected and new"](http://www.miss604.com/2012/03/vancouver-icons-digital-orca.html).

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery was erected in [1931](https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/media_room/pdf/The%20Building.pdf) with a single floor of gallery space and was later expanded to accommodate 157 works by Vancouver's own Emily Carr. Today, the gallery is the fifth largest in Canada and the largest in Western Canada housing over [10,000 works](http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/about-us/about-us.html) by many local and international artists, acquired through both purchase and donation.

Burrard Bridge

Opened on Canada Day, 1932, the Burrard Bridge was constructed to join downtown Vancouver and Kitsilano over False Creek. Engineer John R. Grant and architect George Lister Thornton Sharp designed enclosed spaces on either side with windows that look out at the traffic, but it is rumoured that these "[galleries](http://www.miss604.com/2010/10/vancouver-history-burrard-bridge.html)" were never used for anything and just hide the steel construction of the bridge.

The Old Woodward's Building

Built in 1903, Woodward's Building once stood as a landmark of Vancouver's premier retail shopping destination. The large "W" you see on the top of the building today was originally built on top of a 25-metre Eiffel Tower [replica](http://spacing.ca/vancouver/2013/01/30/a-short-history-of-the-woodwards-building/) (the original can be found in the courtyard near The Charles Bar). The building is now occupied by a variety of businesses and residential spaces.

Lonsdale Quay

Lonsdale Quay was opened in 1986 as a [carnival-style marketplace](http://www.lonsdalequay.com/aboutus.php) and since then, has transformed into a diverse retail market used by a variety of local shops and food stands. Today, Lonsdale Quay represents a hub for the lower Lonsdale area and can be spotted from afar by the large rotating "Q" on top of the building that is lit up at night.

Nine O'Clock Gun

Situated along the Stanley Park Seawall, this naval gun is anything but quiet in the evening. Every night at 9:00 pm, the gun electrically fires and makes a booming noise that can be heard along the coast for miles. The gun has a [rich and unique history](http://www.vancouverhistory.ca/archives_gun.htm) that dates back to 1816 when it was built by H & C King. The gun was 107 years old when it arrived in Stanley Park and was a gift from the British government in 1856 (one of 16 cannons given to the provinces of Canada).