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Vancouver Lookout is a sight to behold

Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre delivers breathtaking views of the city's stunning landscape

By Candice Ui /

Harbour Centre, Canada Place and the North Shore sparkle at dusk

Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre delivers breathtaking views of the city’s stunning landscape

Forty years ago, a skyscraper opened in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown district, and for the first time offered residents and visitors a 360-degree vantage point to stunning city, sea and mountain views.

Today, Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre Tower welcomes people from all over the world, who are whisked up 170m (553 feet) in a glass-encased elevator in 40 seconds to its observation deck. On a clear day, guests can see as far out as Burnaby Mountain, the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker.

People who come to Vancouver Lookout see and discover for themselves why Vancouver is one of the greatest cities in the world. “We have enjoyed one of our busiest summer seasons ever,” says Stacey Klyne, general manager of Vancouver Lookout. “We have seen numerous out-of-town tourists from the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.”

One of the best ways to learn about the city is by taking part in one of the Lookout’s complimentary 20-minute guided tours, which offer fascinating facts about Vancouver’s history, infrastructure, local community, current trends and future expansion. “We have multilingual tour guides offering tours in nine different languages,” adds Klyne.

Alternatively, visitors can opt to explore on their own by perusing the interpretive plaques, which tell the stories behind some of Vancouver’s top attractions and places, such as Stanley Park, Gastown, Canada Place, Metrotown and many others.

If you are planning an important business event, imagine the sound of a champagne bottle popping as your corporate team watches a spectacular sunset over an urban skyline, but from the top of one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks.

Over the years, Vancouver Lookout has hosted several affairs—cocktail parties fundraising events, product launches, meetings and press conferences—for several companies, including Facebook, Google, Tedx, Benjamin Moore and the Royal Canadian Mint to name a few.

To celebrate its 40th Anniversary (August 2017), Vancouver Lookout is planning several year-long events, in addition to a 40 per cent discount for B.C. residents who bring a guest(s) with them. Meanwhile, passes are valid all day, so visitors can return to watch the sunset.

 

Fun Facts 

  • The Lookout is one of the tallest buildings in Vancouver.
  • It is housed in one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Harbour Centre Tower.
  • Launched in 1928, Harbour Centre’s roots began with the Spencer Department Store, renowned for selling women’s clothing, perfume and jewelry. It was sold to Eaton’s department store chain in 1948.
  • In 1977, astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, officially opened the Vancouver Lookout.
  • During the dot.com boom of the 1990s, Harbour Centre was home to several up-and-coming tech firms, such as Stormix Technologies and NetNation. Today, it is still home to many high-tech firms.
  • The Lookout tower lights up the sky with a new state-of-the-art LED lighting system, allowing them to change the colours to tie in with local community events.