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    Vancouver Lookout

    4.1 (156 reviews)

    Vancouver Lookout Photos

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    Khondker I.

    Great place to view the whole city with 360 degree view. Both the views at day and night are excellent . There is a free audio apps you can download to enjoy. Wish they had a Photo Booth for pictures for the tourists.

    Only landmark you can really see clearly because it's next door
    Mel T.

    Whenever my husband visit a new city, we like to check out their observation decks. Unfortunately, this one was kind of wack. We came by on a Monday at around 12:30, and it was pretty empty. After visiting, I can see why because it was very underwhelming. We spent maybe about 20 minutes in total up there. It's a 360 deck, and they try to point out landmarks/key spots. However, most of the spots they are pointing out are actually covered by other buildings. The plaque will say something like "Gastown is behind XYZ building" without actually being able to see Gastown (just using Gastown as an example). Maybe the observation deck was built before all the other buildings came and covered it up but I don't think it really has any business calling itself an observation deck if it isn't going to be tall enough for you to see a lot of things. Tickets are $18 CAD, which isn't cheap considering what views you are getting. There are also ticketing fees if you go and buy it in person, and I believe on their direct site too. So it's actually slightly cheaper if you purchase via a third party site, like Viator, which is what we ended up doing when we got there. I wouldn't recommend this as an activity. Save your time and your money.

    I will admit that initially, I was a bit sceptical of giving this attraction a try, as in some cities like Toronto with the CN Tower, the price of admission is quite steep to the point where it should be considered a tourist trap. However, I was with a group of friends and they had never been up the lookout tower, so I was convinced enough to give this place a try. I must say that the price of admission was lower than I was expecting (maybe because I'm used to Toronto-like prices as an Ontario resident? Who knows) for an attraction like this. The views are beautiful, and they're even better if you go on a clear day like I did. I also found the lookout not too crowded and overrun with people. That's a good thing. There's also plenty of information about the city to take in while at the top, and my group and I found the staff quite pleasant and helpful. Make sure to take lots of pictures even if you don't feel like doing so. You will regret it later if you didn't. I know there's some reviews that might disagree with my take, but I think for the amount of time you'll spend up at the top, which is less on average compared to other attractions like the CN Tower and One World Observatory, it's worth it. Plan to spend a maximum of 30 minutes all in all here, don't set your expectations too high in that sense or you will be guaranteed disappointed.

    Layne D.

    I don't regret coming to the lookout, but you really are basically just paying to take an elevator ride up to see the view. Which is fine! But it's about $19 for an adult to ride up. Some may not think this is a good value. They do have a few plaques with information around the viewing area and apparently there is an audio tour you can access via your phone. It's a small circle though, we spent maybe 20 minutes tops looking around. There is no food or drink available for purchase either, so if you want to dine or have a drink you definitely want to look into the restaurant. That said; the views are awesome when visibility is good and the staff we encountered were friendly! I'm glad we did it, but I probably wouldn't do it again.

    Amy D.

    In our opinion, if a city has a tower, take advantage! Going up is a great way to see the city and surrounding areas. This was lovely because there was a voice tour you could follow on your phone to learn more. We took advantage of a beautiful day in early August to see around us. We got there around 4:30pm on a Friday and walked right on the elevator after buying a ticket from the counter. The elevator is quick and smooth. The views were stunning. We walked from our hotel, so I can't comment on parking.

    City view
    Todd P.

    Like most towers, this is a great overlook of the city. We were pleasantly surprised at the lack of visitors in the tower. We came on a weekday just after opening, and I don't believe there were more than 20 people in the place. There are 360° views and places to listen to commentary about what you're seeing as well as placards describing things in the background. We spent around half an hour looking at all the destinations and taking lots of pictures. We can recommend a stop here for a beautiful view of Vancouver.

    Jason V.

    A ticket (purchased from self-service kiosks on the ground floor, while employees who could be selling them to you watch, and occasionally help) is required to board the elevator to the viewing platform high above the city, and will net you some of the best views of the Vancouver metropolitan area, including Vancouver harbor, Mount Baker and beyond, but it prohibitively (and unnecessarily) expensive. There are plaques identifying and commenting on historical landmarks, as well as free wifi and a guided audio tour accessible from your phone or mobile device. When you're finished, you can head back down, or make your way further upwards to the Top of Vancouver revolving restaurant, which is also prohibitively expensive, so if the ticket(s) you just purchased didn't break the bank, a meal and a couple of cocktails upstairs definitely will.

    At the top of the lookout
    Jocelyn A.

    This is such a cool activity if you are not from the area and want to get a great lookout of all downtown. You can purchase tickets online, it was in a mall which closed earlier than the last elevator up, so make sure you park close to the lookout entrance or you'll have to walk all around the block. It is self paced and the worker tells you where in the elevator you'll be going to. There is the lookout on one level and a restaurant on the other. It was cool to see the downtown area, read some facts, and it was free to look through their telescopes. But it was super small, we finished in about 30 minutes or so. I think my expectation was like the Seattle's space needle. Nonetheless still cool to visit

    Vince L.

    When visiting a city, I like to find the tourist site where I can look across the city. This is the place to do it. There was a bit of rain the day we were here, but we lucked out with a bit of time when it was clear enough to appreciate the city. Vancouver is a beautiful place. Getting up and down via the elevators was very orderly. If you so desire, there are some gift shops at the first level. Plus, there are plenty of convenient stores and eateries around the location.

    Jessica W.

    I always go to each city that has a lookout or observation deck. This is a 360 city view once you are on the top. The elevator ride is an opened wondow ypu can see on one side of the city. Once on top, there are so many window frames around the lookout that throws off the view. And there isn't much to see while you are up there, for the price you pay. I was only there for 20 minutes and went down after. You won't miss much if you pass on this.

    Leilani G.

    The Vancouver lookout wasn't originally in our trip plans but we ended up with some extra time during our visit so we decided to buy tickets. It was so worth it! We went up on a Wednesday afternoon around 3pm and there were only about 10-12 other people up at the top. I enjoyed reading all the information and history and of course the views were absolutely gorgeous. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area, it is worth the price!

    Steve I.

    So yes I go to every observation deck I can find when visiting a city mainly because of my love of skyscrapers. So even if I have been to a city numerous times I will pay the $20-30 to go up again in case new buildings have been built since my last visit. Anyways this particular observation deck is small. Not much room to move around or hang out. Just a circular walkway around. Wonderful views of the skyscrapers, mountains, vancouver harbour, and the rest of the city. $18 for adults. I think you are about 500ft up (which is low compared to other cities observation decks). Quick access to the top as I dont think it ever gets super busy. Good starting point when visiting Vancouver.

    At Urban grind event. 633 steps to the observatory deck.
    Mari E.

    This review is about Urban Grind event hosted by Vancouver Lookout. Therefore I haven't paid regular admission. But instead of that, I paid $5 entry fee and $2 donation for coat check. I spent about 10 min agony to climb to the observatory deck but worth it to see the gorgeous view, free craft beer and $5 food voucher at downstairs food court. From 2019, they introduced time check tip and every day they post the best climber for both male and female. I really love this event and I'm sure I will be back next year.

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    U should check it out if ur in the area. It has such an amazing view of the Vancouver skyline and great for pictures.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Vancouver Lookout Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Vancouver Lookout

    I don't think you can have a better view of the entire city than from the Lookout at Harbour Centre.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Not only can you not lose because this is a FREE tour...but you will gain so much interesting info!…read more I'm sure hopping on and off a bus would be just fine, but for us, with just one short day in this vast city, we were looking for a quick connection, and that's exactly what we got on this recent Sunday. We met our tour guide, Ali at the designated time (11am) at the designated place, and 20 or so of us enjoyed an incredibly interesting walking tour of Chinatown. There is no way we would have gotten the feel for this city had we not taken this tour. Several folks were repeat tour guy visitors, so they must have enjoyed those as well. Our group had folks from several countries. It is a relaxed tour at a pace that is just right...not too fast and not too slow. Seriously, just right! And absolutely everyone in our group was happy to hand over generous thank you tips. Well-deserved. Ali was kind enough at the end of the tour to guide anyone who wanted dining suggestions or directions. For us, he was even kind enough to let us walk along with him since we were heading in the same direction. As a result, we were fortunate enough to get an extended tour, as he remained a wealth of Vancouver info as we went along. Highly recommend!

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    Sea Vancouver - Gotta take a pic with the Cap!

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    Vancouver Lookout - tours - Updated August 2026

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