The Vancouver Skyline

This article was published on December 3, 2012 and could contain information that has since changed or become out-of-date.
Please be mindful when reading, commenting on, or sharing this article.
Vancouver Skyline from Jericho Beach
Here are a handful of Vancouver’s skyscrapers.

Like many cities around the world, Vancouver has a unique and memorable skyline. Framed against the North Shore Mountains, the towers of the downtown core appear like glittering gems among the rocks.

Many of us can identify the CN Tower, the Willis (or Sears) Tower, the Empire State Building and other iconic structures. But can you name the landmarks in Vancouver? How about the elegant Art Deco-styled Marine Building? How about the green patina on the Sun Tower? Maybe the most recognizable are the billowing white sails of Canada Place, the Lions Gate Bridge rising majestically from Stanley Park or the observation decks of the Harbour Centre.

Ultimately, the tallest tower in Vancouver is Living Shangri-La at 196 metres with 62 floors. The Hotel Georgia recently had a new skyscraper added – topping out at 157 metres – just seven metres taller than the Wall Centre – but with the same number of floors: 48. The Harbour Centre is only 140 metres tall. The first highrise in Vancouver was the Dominion Building; completed in 1910 at 45 metres in height.

Yaletown
A view of Yaletown from False Creek.

Because of Vancouver’s status as film producing powerhouse, the city has worked its way into numerous productions – Tron: Legacy, Romeo Must Die, X-Men II, X-Men III, Twilight, and many more. How many movies (or TV shows) can you name?

Did you know that the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library is modelled after the famous ruins of the Coliseum in Rome? Or that the design of Canada Place invokes the image of white-capped waves or sails of the boats that grace local waters? Many of Vancouver’s structures draw inspiration from the local environment and designs from the world over.

Perhaps we should be thankful that the city protects the view corridor that leaves room for the mountains across Burrard Inlet. Although it seems lately this is being challenged by developers who want to construct taller towers.

Overlooking the city, the North Shore Mountains form an impressive backdrop, even moreso when capped with snow. Running west to east; Black Mountain, Hollyburn Mountain and Mount Strachan form the popular Cypress Bowl ski resort. Grouse Mountain, Goat Mountain and Mount Fromme are in the centre. To the east is Mount Seymour. Between Cypress Bowl and Grouse Mountain are the Lions, a pair of granite peaks that famously guard Vancouver and the surrounding communities.

Downtown Vancouver
Looking south from Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.

At night, the towers light up providing a unique photographic opportunity. The city looks even better during December when Canada Place becomes a canvas alternating the colours of Christmas; lights are strung atop the Harbour Centre to emulate a Christmas tree and the radiant glow from the crown of the renovated BC Place Stadium. Even the globe of Science World sparkles like a night sky or a bowl of diamonds.

 

Did you find a typographical or factual error in this article? Please let us know!