Canada Place

What are the most recommended things to do in Canada Place?

Walk along the iconic Canada Place promenade for stunning views of the harbor and North Shore Mountains. Visit the FlyOver Canada experience for a thrilling virtual flight across Canada. Explore the Vancouver Convention Centre and its waterfront park, or check out the historic cruise ship terminal. Don't miss the nearby Canada Place sails at sunset for an amazing photo opportunity.


Introducing Canada Place

Canada Place, a familiar symbol of Vancouver, served as the Canadian Pavilion at the 1986 Vancouver World's Fair. The building, clad in a giant tent, houses the Congress Centre, a marina, shops, hotels, and the five-star Pan Pacific Hotel. It also features a large-screen CN IMAX theater, which utilizes ultra-high-speed filming to create a more immersive experience. Designed specifically for the 1986 Canada Fair, this impressive complex resembles a sailing ship composed of small ships and now serves as an international conference venue.

Climate and best time to travel

Continental temperate coniferous forest climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day


Most Popular FAQs for Canada Place

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Canada Place opened in 1986 and was initially created for Expo 86. It has since become an iconic symbol of Vancouver, known for its distinctive white sails. It houses the Vancouver Convention Centre and is a major cruise ship terminal. Canada Place is a key site for visitors to explore Vancouver’s waterfront and maritime culture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Canada Place is located at 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, directly on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver. It is easily accessible by public transport, including buses, or by walking from nearby attractions. The Vancouver SkyTrain stations are a short walk away, and taxis and rideshare options are also available.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Canada Place is open year-round, with the promenade and public areas accessible 24/7. However, the FlyOver Canada attraction typically operates from 10 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds, especially during weekends and cruise season.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Admission to Canada Place itself is free, but some attractions like FlyOver Canada require tickets. Tickets for FlyOver Canada typically range from CAD 20-30, and can be purchased online or at the ticket booth on-site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is recommended to book tickets for FlyOver Canada in advance, especially during the summer months or cruise season. Tickets can be booked online for same-day or future visits, with booking usually available up to a few days in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to explore Canada Place, including walking the promenade, visiting FlyOver Canada, and checking out the area’s other attractions. If you plan to explore the waterfront and nearby parks, you might want to spend 3-4 hours in the area.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see areas include the FlyOver Canada experience, the historic cruise ship terminal, and the scenic waterfront promenade. The sails of Canada Place are also iconic and provide excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available for some areas, including the FlyOver Canada experience, where audio guides in multiple languages are offered. The Canada Place area also provides informational signage and displays for self-guided exploration.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are along the waterfront promenade, where you can capture stunning views of the harbor, mountains, and the cruise ships docked at Canada Place. The sails of Canada Place are particularly photogenic, especially during sunset or in the evening when they are lit up.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by walking along the Canada Place promenade for great views of the harbor and mountains. Then, visit the FlyOver Canada experience for an immersive virtual flight. Finish your visit by exploring the cruise terminal and taking photos of the iconic sails.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits to Canada Place are popular for viewing the illuminated sails. Special events and seasonal light shows occasionally take place. The nearby Vancouver Convention Centre also hosts occasional exhibits and events in the evening.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Canada Place can get crowded, especially during summer, weekends, and cruise season. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings on weekdays or off-peak seasons like late fall or winter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include public restrooms, water fountains, food vendors, and several restaurants inside Canada Place. The nearby Vancouver Convention Centre also has additional rest areas and shops. There are also souvenir shops within Canada Place and on the waterfront.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes, Canada Place is fully accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The area is wheelchair-friendly, and there are elevators, ramps, and accessible facilities throughout the site.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted at all facilities in Canada Place, including food vendors and shops. Cash is not necessary.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside Canada Place, there are several dining options including the Canada Place Café and restaurants like the Miku Vancouver for sushi and local seafood. Nearby, the Waterfront Station and Coal Harbour offer additional dining and café options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, Canada Place offers vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. Restaurants like Miku offer vegetarian dishes, and nearby Coal Harbour has cafes offering vegan options. Several international eateries in the area also provide halal choices.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby hotels include the Fairmont Waterfront, the Pan Pacific Vancouver, and the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown, all of which offer luxurious accommodations with easy access to Canada Place.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, and Granville Island. The Vancouver Art Gallery and Science World are also close by, making it easy to combine these with a trip to Canada Place.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Canada Place has several souvenir shops selling local arts and crafts, Vancouver-branded merchandise, and indigenous artwork. Popular souvenirs include T-shirts, hats, mugs, and locally made jewelry.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From Canada Place, you can take the SkyTrain to explore the city or head towards Stanley Park. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, or you can walk to nearby attractions like the Vancouver Art Gallery or Gastown.