Architectural Buildings • Nature & Wildlife Areas
East Vancouver
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THE 10 BEST Vancouver Architectural Buildings
Architectural Buildings in Vancouver
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Central
Architectural Buildings
East Vancouver
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Granville Island
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Central
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Central
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Architectural Buildings
South Granville
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Fairview
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What travellers are saying
- bill gNorthumberland, UK156 contributionsI enjoyed my visit to the Conservatory. It was $5.50 and really worth twice the admission charge. It consists of a tropical garden/jungle with various species of birds from warmer and more humid climes. It was interesting and educational and suitable for both young and old. It is accessible, however it is possible that those with breathing conditions may find the humidity oppressive.Written November 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- springbankGreve, Denmark3,659 contributionsLocated in the city's Chinatown, it was the first Chinese garden built outside of Asia. It's a small intimate garden where you will find beautiful pavilions, covered walkways, a jade green pond with koi fish, and a collection of 150-year-old miniature tree. It think it brings a peaceful respite from the surrounding hustle and bustle.
You can explore the gardens without spending any penny. The garden is worth exploring.Written August 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CloudFrankfurt, Germany573 contributionsA must see for art deco lovers when in Vancouver. The fassade might not be promising, but the interiors are very beautiful and taken care of.Written November 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- platypus150Melbourne, Australia27,526 contributionsIt is a wonderful introduction to Gas Town and the port area. The station offers good transport connections and views to the port.Written September 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- platypus150Melbourne, Australia27,526 contributionsThere is a dusty park out the front patrolled by geese and inside there are security guards to deny you access to the platforms, so you have to enjoy the infrastructure from the people side and no train side. There is some good information about locations and travel and some food and souvenir stands. [The Rocky Mountaineer has its won station about 1.5km away]Written September 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- springbankGreve, Denmark3,659 contributionsThe building features a typical Edwardian design, with a blonde brick façade, bold cornice, Classical-style columns, and elegant glasswork visible just above the main floor.
Situated on a triangular lot, the building is designed in the flatiron style.
The building was constructed in 1908-1909. Situated on a triangular area formed by Powell Street and Alexander Street, beside the Maple Tree Square in Gastown, And becoming the first reinforced concrete structure in Canada and the earliest fireproof hotel in Western Canada.Written August 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,814 contributionsThis structure, located near Chinatown’s Millennium Gate, is unique in more ways than one. On the one hand, its “narrow” or “shallow” construction – just 4’ 11” on its ground floor and 6’ 2” on the 2nd level and basement – has earned it the title of narrowest commercial building in the world by Guinness World Records. On the other hand, this handsome edifice highlights the historic and ongoing theme of discrimination against the Asian-Canadian community in this city and, indeed, the country. In this regard, the Sam Kee Building is much more than a curious oddity – it tells a complex story and lesson for those willing to listen.
As always, a dive into history can reveal much: The lot on which the Sam Kee Building sits wasn’t always so narrow. In fact, when Chang Toy – who was known as “Sam Kee” in the non-Asian community – purchased the lot in 1902 it was a standard-sized lot of 30 feet. Ten years later, however, the City of Vancouver decided that it needed to widen one of the streets. As such, they expropriated 24 feet of Mr. Toy’s property, reducing it to its current size. Undeterred by the not-so-subtle anti-Asian sentiment, Mr. Toy wagered $10,000 with one of his friends that he could build a functional structure on the remaining parcel of land. Thus, the Sam Kee Building was “born” in 1913. Back then, the main floor functioned as business space; the basement housed a barber shop and hot bath; and, the upper level was used as sleeping quarters. In 1986, Jack Chow purchased the building and, to this day, it is used to sell insurance under the “Jack Chow Insurance” name, though the business is now run by Ron Chow who, pre-pandemic, also offered tours of the iconic narrow building.
The Sam Kee Building, then, is culturally significant to Vancouver’s Asian community: It stands as a strong and firm symbol of resilience. Mr. Toy was able to spite City Hall and not buckle to their pressures; instead, he worked within the rules and developed a successful business while unwittingly establishing a symbol of strength and encouragement – something the Sam Kee Building espouses to this day: In a recent feature on the CBC and GlobalBC, the Sam Kee Building was highlighted within the context of Chinatown. The historic narrative was told and a tour of the interiors given. I certainly appreciated this because, at the time of my visit, the building was still closed to visitors due to the pandemic.
While you can only view the exterior of the building (as of this writing), it’s still worth visiting. It has a story to tell – a social history – that’s timely and relevant today. Plus, it’s fun to take a selfie on the side of the building with arms outstretched ;)
Fun Fact: The Jack Chow Insurance sign is wider than the building!Written October 7, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JamesKMTanPetaling Jaya, Malaysia21,734 contributionsThis gothic stone cathedral is located right in the heart of the city and commercial centre near the Downtown Canada Line station and numerous high rise buildings and shopping centres.
It has nice stained glass windows and wooden benches to sit to contemplate and meditate. Come here for a break.Written October 12, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - rossdmdPanama City Beach, FL856 contributionsYou can't miss them if you stroll around Granville Island and they are definitely worth checking our from a distance. The detail is impressive and this area is big for art, so it just makes sense.Written May 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chris DNew Westminster, Canada3,136 contributionsNot much change to this edifice since I last visited about three years ago; but that is just the point. Vancouver is a young city, and 100+- year old buildings are few and far between. Not only is it interesting to examine the architectural style of this building, but to note that the other three corners of this prime intersection (many would say THE centre of downtown) have been redeveloped. So, look at the new chic hi-rises, then see what has stood the test of time. This building is indeed a real landmark.Written October 15, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,814 contributionsAs you’re strolling down Davie, and heading towards English Bay, you’ll inevitably come across a large mansion at 1523 Davie Street. Up until 2020, you could get some pretty decent views of this Victorian-era structure. Now, though, most of it is obscured by construction fencing, which itself is covered in graffiti. The end result is an attraction you can’t see much of and that’s a shame because this mansion is both architecturally beautiful and rife with history. And, in the current day, it’s only the history that’s of much interest. Here’s my Coles Notes version:
Gabriola Mansion – so named because stones were quarried from Gabriola Island for its construction – was built between 1900 and 1901 for BT Rogers, the founder of BC Sugar (better-known today as Rogers). After Rogers died, his widow moved into another home and “The Mansion” was converted into apartments in 1925. Beginning in 1978, “The Mansion” was converted into a high-end restaurant, Hy’s Mansion. By all accounts, the restaurant was a massive success and popular with some of Vancouver’s upper class. In 1994, Romano’s Macaroni Grill took over the space and operated it for just over a decade. Gabriola Mansion has sat vacant since 2008; however, it was purchased by Carrera Management Group in 2015 and they intend to “restore it to its former glory” by converting it into rental apartments and adding a couple of townhouses to the property. While it’s nice to know the building won’t be torn down to make way for yet another condo, the addition of townhouses seems rather off-putting. Anyway, it’s taken half a decade, but it looks like Carrera is finally getting on with the renovation and restoration work.
Like most old edifices, Gabriola Mansion has its share of ghost stories – some of which are rather intriguing and help add to the allure of this place (which, admittedly, is greatly reduced by all the fencing currently around the property). If you want to read about those, I recommend checking out the “Ghosts of Vancouver” site.
I really wish I could give this place a higher rating, but it’s incredibly difficult to appreciate the architecture and some of the detail work from afar. The history behind Gabriola Mansion is certainly interesting, but that alone doesn’t necessitate a visit to this mostly blocked off site.
Gabriola Mansion is a relic of times long past and it looks out of place in the current day. At one time, though, it was just one of many opulent homes in this part of Vancouver’s West End. Those have all gone the way of the dodo; thus, “The Mansion” is quite literally the last of its kind. Let’s hope that, once the renovation/restoration work is completed, we’ll be able to fully appreciate this historic home again.Written April 28, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,814 contributionsWhenever I’m in Vancouver, I tend to walk by this building on an almost daily basis. It’s never occurred to me that I should come here and play tourist, even if the lobby is considered a public space. For me, the HSBC Building is just one of many indistinguishable office towers in our city of glass. It certainly has its charm – built as it is with granite from Quebec and South Dakota – but as a “thing to do” in Vancouver . . . I don’t know. I just kind of struggle with it. I guess if one is on an artistic culture tour then the HSBC Building might merit a brief stop? The site carries with it an interesting history and, hey, it does feature art.
First opened in 1986 and home to HSBC since 1987, this office tower is built on the former site of the much lauded Hotel Devonshire (imploded in 1981). Over the last 33 years, the tower and – specifically – atrium have evolved into something of a minor artistic hub. In fact, the HSBC describes their atrium in this way via an information plaque found on the exterior of the tower: “The Atrium [. . .] is a public space dedicated to Vancouver’s citizens and visitors for the enjoyment of the arts and urban life.” It goes on to say that the arts and commerce have been brought “under one roof for the benefit of all.” In short, the arts have been combined with commerce to form a sort of gestalt. This might seem surprising at first, especially given the postmodern nature of the temporary art exhibitions, but if one thinks about it one quickly realizes that art and commerce have always walked hand-in-hand: Artists create objects – be they paintings, pictures, or whatever – that are part of our daily lives. They form, and inform, us regardless of how abstract they might be. The fact that the exhibits in HSBC’s atrium usually function as a “preview” of larger shows whereby pieces can be sold and people can network only makes their placement in a large banking tower all the more apt and appropriate.
Beyond the transient art exhibits, perhaps the most noteworthy attraction at the HSBC Building is Alan Storey’s impressive “Broken Column” pendulum. Installed in 1987, the piece has been described by Fodor’s as “one of the city’s more intriguing public-art installations.” While I might disagree with that characterization (the city is home to far more intriguing pieces of public art), I will agree that it is nevertheless an eye-catching piece. When I first visited the HSBC Building for business about 10 years ago, seeing the pendulum swing “to and fro” was almost mesmerizing. A decade later, it still carried the same effect on me. It was peaceful and thus represented a nice contrast with the hustle and bustle of Vancouver’s downtown core.
If I was a tourist in Vancouver, would I make a special trip just to visit the HSBC Building? No; however, if one is on a cultural tour of sorts, this attraction can very easily be added to an itinerary. After all, it is in the heart of downtown AND the Vancouver Art Gallery is literally right across the street. So, one can spend a few minutes here and then cross the street or vice versa.Written August 5, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - RStefanBKKVancouver, Canada583 contributionsGood place to do a little shopping. The food court in the basement has many options, my favourite being The Russian Spoon (Now called Harbour Spoon). I go to the center just to eat at that restaurant, then do a little shopping after. We have eaten at the Top of Vancouver as well, which is a great experience and very good food.Written July 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PookyCakeVictoria, Canada13,814 contributionsVancouver’s Sun Tower is one of those buildings I’ve walked by countless times over the years but have never really taken the time to appreciate it; in fact, it’s only been in the last year or so I’ve stopped to admire its façade in any detail – first covered in scaffolding and, now, refreshed anew. Classic structures like these – Sun Tower, Dominion Building, Marine Building, Dick Building, etc – really do offer a unique glimpse into Vancouver’s rich and ever unfolding history. It is indeed a beautiful thing if we have but the eyes to see and the ears to listen . . .
Called one of “Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks” by Scout Magazine, The Sun Tower was commissioned by Louis Taylor, mayor of the city at various points between 1910 and 1932, and built between 1911 and 1912. By the time construction had finished, the World Building – as it was then known – held the distinction of being the tallest building in Vancouver for a time. It was also recognized as the tallest building in Canada until 1913, which is when the Canadian Pacific Building opened in Toronto.
Originally playing host to the “Vancouver World” newspaper owned by Louis Taylor, the building was eventually sold to Bekins Moving Company in 1924. In 1937 (a good year!), the Vancouver Sun procured the building and changed the name to what we all know and love today: The Sun Tower. When “the Sun” moved out in 1965, the building retained the name (thankfully!). Admittedly, though, learning this information took some of the manufactured aura I’d developed about this building away. When I’d first learned about the “Sun Tower” a number of years ago, I always thought the name had something to do with its height and faux bronze dome . . . nope! It’s a vestige of the Vancouver Sun newspaper! Less exciting, but still noteworthy from a historical perspective!
An earlier review by Cindy L suggests you can “see all of Vancouver” from the tower, but I suspect she’s likely talking about the Vancouver Lookout (see my earlier review on this site), because no such public viewing tower exists here – something confirmed by Chris D in the most recent TripAdvisor report. All one can admire about the Sun Tower is the building’s exterior unless you’re a tenant or get special permission from the manager, which isn’t too likely. Still, the façade is definitely worthwhile.
Designed in an eclectic mix of architectural styles, the Sun Tower certainly sticks out amongst the overwhelming number of glass towers today. It has character. Everything from the terra cotta arches, brick, “nine maidens” by noted sculptor Charles Marega, and copper dome highlights the overall value of this historical building. Of note: In 2018, the building underwent a long renovation process, which finally concluded in 2022 after some delay. As part of this work, the faux copper dome for which the building was particularly known was replaced with REAL copper tiles. Apparently, in about 20 years, the brown of the copper will have oxidized to the green colour most people are familiar with. How cool is that?
Anyway, the building is definitely worth a look, be it up close or from afar, because it offers a clear glimpse into Vancouver’s rich history: Economic expansion, human geography, culture, politics and classic architecture. It’s all here, so enjoy!Written August 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Chris DNew Westminster, Canada3,136 contributionsDonated by the family of local pioneers, a great landmark on the western end of the Main Mall. Spend a moment, as I did, to learn of their contribution to British Columbia.Written September 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver
- These places are best for architectural buildings in Vancouver:
- Bloedel Conservatory
- Marine Building
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
- Waterfront Station
- Pacific Central Station
- These are the best places for kid-friendly architectural buildings in Vancouver:See more architectural buildings for children in Vancouver on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly architectural buildings in Vancouver:
- Marine Building
- Bloedel Conservatory
- Waterfront Station
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
- Pacific Central Station