jack poole plaza is one of those places where you can stand in one spot and have an entire vancouver postcard unfolding around you.
opportunistic seagulls hover overhead, helicopters cross the sky, and seaplanes are constantly taking off and landing across the harbour. everywhere you look, something is happening. the views are scenic in pretty much every direction, so even standing around and people watching becomes part of the experience.
tonight, there was an extra reason to linger: a special performance by the vancouver metropolitan orchestra, turning the waterfront into an open air summer concert venue, completely free to the public.
the programme was a little bit of everything. bolero brought the drums and clarinet, while familiar themes from game of thrones, jurassic park, harry potter, and titanic had plenty of people quietly recognizing the music before the notes even finished. the taiko drummers added an entirely different energy, bringing a powerful rhythm to an already lively setting.
and a very special shoutout to the no smoking signs along the see through glass railing overlooking the plaza. truly, thank you. with people sitting, standing, eating, listening to music, and taking in the views, it's nice to have one of the best waterfront vantage points in the city remain smoke free.
the plaza itself has some pretty recognizable landmarks, including the pixelated, lego like orca breaching out of the ground and the famous olympic cauldron nearby. both make easy photo stops, although with everything else happening around you, they almost become part of the scenery.
the plaza is flanked by cactus club and tap & barrel, so there are plenty of options if you can snag a table and want to grab a meal or drink while taking in the action.
there were people dining al fresco, but even more had simply brought their own chairs and blankets and settled in to watch and listen to the orchestra.
and that's probably what makes jack poole plaza so enjoyable: you don't have to spend a dime to enjoy the setting.
bring a chair. bring a blanket. find a spot along the railing and settle in.
watch the seaplanes skim across the harbour. listen to live music. people watch. take in the mountains and waterfront. enjoy the sunset. wait for the next helicopter to appear overhead.
there's always something else coming into view.
it's quintessentially vancouver: waterfront views, mountains, seaplanes, music, food, people, and a pixelated orca all sharing the same stage.
and honestly, where else can you sit and listen to an orchestra while a seaplane takes off behind it? read more