the Vancouver Lookout

Waterfront seawall, Canada Place and FlyOver Canada

Best for: Families, cruise ship passengers, anyone who wants iconic Vancouver views without too much effort

From the Vancouver Lookout, head north towards the water. You'll reach the waterfront in about 10 minutes, and suddenly you're looking at mountains across the harbour and watching seaplanes take off every few minutes.

Canada Place is the large white building with the sail-like roof. It is also the cruise ship terminal and in summer there is usually at least one ship in port; super impressive when experienced up close.

FlyOver Canada located inside Canada Place is a flight simulation ride that takes you across Canada, from coast to coast and an experience not to be missed in this author’s opinion.

A 15-minute walk on the promenade around Canada Place gives you harbour views in every direction. The North Shore mountains are just across the inlet and seaplanes and helicopters buzz overhead. The seawall continues west towards Coal Harbour and Stanley Park, the path is flat, paved, and scenic.

Gastown's History and Walking Tours

Best for: People who enjoy historic neighbourhoods, anyone interested in Vancouver's history and photographers

The Vancouver Lookout is on the edge of Gastown; Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood dating back to the 1870s.

Wander the cobblestone streets and look at the architecture. The red brick buildings have lots of character; keep an eye out for historical plaques. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops as you wander along Water Street, Carrall Street, and Powell.

Discover Blood Alley, a narrow brick lane off Carrall Street, that earned its name because of the butcher shops that were once located there.

The Steam Clock on Water Street was built in 1977- you can’t miss it, just look for the most crowded corner (across from Lee’s Donuts – YUM). It whistles every15 minutes and does a full show on the hour.

Consider booking a walking tour. Forbidden Vancouver runs several different tours covering the neighbourhood's history, including the bits that don't make it into official tourism materials. The 'Lost Souls of Gastown' tour covers vice, crime, and early Vancouver. The 'Secrets of Gastown' tour is more general history. Both are about two hours and genuinely entertaining.

Getting Started

The Vancouver Lookout is located at 555 W Hastings Street, directly across from Waterfront Station.

For hours, directions, and ticket information, visit the CanaDream Club and Vancouver Lookout.