Canada Place is a waterfront complex at 999 Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, with a cruise terminal, convention centre, hotel and public promenade. Its five white roof sails are a familiar part of the city skyline. Walk beside Burrard Inlet for views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and the harbour, where cruise ships and seaplanes add movement to the scene. You can also visit the FlyOver Canada virtual flight attraction or see the Olympic Cauldron nearby. Allow time to explore the waterfront loop and stop for photographs.
A landmark built for the waterfront
Canada Place was built as the Canadian pavilion for Expo 86, the World’s Fair held in Vancouver in 1986. The complex reopened in time for the event and has since become part of the city’s downtown waterfront. Its white roof is made up of five sail-like forms, designed to echo the ships at the harbour. The structure is visible from the water and from surrounding parts of downtown.
The site combines several uses: it is home to the Vancouver Convention Centre, a hotel, the World Trade Centre and Vancouver’s cruise terminal. The public-facing waterfront areas give you space to walk beside the harbour even when the complex is busy with conventions or cruise departures. The terminal can handle several cruise liners at once, so activity around the building changes with ship arrivals and departures.
Follow the promenade and Canadian Trail
The promenade extends along the edge of Burrard Inlet, with views across the harbour to the North Shore mountains. From the elevated piers, you can also look towards Stanley Park and the glass towers of Coal Harbour. Cruise ships, seaplanes and helicopters are among the activity visible from the waterfront, though what you see depends on the day.
The Canadian Trail follows the west promenade. Its route represents Canada’s ten provinces and three territories. The wider walk around Canada Place is roughly 1 to 2 km, so comfortable footwear is useful. The Olympic Cauldron, created for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, is another nearby landmark to include on a walk around the area.
FlyOver Canada and getting there
FlyOver Canada is an indoor virtual flight attraction at Canada Place. The experience uses aerial imagery on a large curved screen, with seats that move and sensory effects including wind and occasional mist. It gives you a way to see scenes from across Canada without leaving the complex. Advance tickets are recommended.
Waterfront Station is close to Canada Place, making the waterfront easy to reach by train. The surrounding area also has restaurants and shops, though the complex itself is mainly a transport, convention and visitor hub. On a clear day, the harbour and mountain views are a strong reason to linger along the promenade; if you are going for the scenery, aim for midday, when visibility is said to be best.
Häufige Fragen
What can you see at Canada Place?
The waterfront promenade looks out over Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains and Stanley Park. You can also see the sail-shaped roof, cruise ships and seaplanes, and visit the nearby Olympic Cauldron.
Is FlyOver Canada at Canada Place?
Yes. The virtual flight attraction is located inside Canada Place. Advance tickets are recommended.
How long is the walk around Canada Place?
The walking loop is roughly 1 to 2 km. Comfortable shoes are useful.
How do you get to Canada Place by train?
Waterfront Station is close to Canada Place.
