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    Vancouver Lookout

    4.1 (153 reviews)

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    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.

    Jeff S.

    Great place to go if visiting Vancouver for the first time. Decided to come here to scope out the city and where we might go to during our stay. The elevators were smooth and the views were great. There is a free audio tour as long as you scan a QR code on your phone. We didn't bring headphones so I would recommend bringing some of your own prior to visiting. This location is right next to Gastown and Canada place, so it's easy to do something else after your tour. This stop will only take 30mins of your time if you decide to listen to the audio tour.

    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.

    Tigra C.

    This was very cool. We only had 2 full days in Vancouver, so I hopped at the 48-Hour HOHO tour that offered a free ticket to Vancouver Lookout. The Vancouver Trolley dropped us off a few hundred feet from the entrance. Inside the building, there weren't any signs directing us where to go, but security told us to go downstairs (so take the escalator down) to the ground floor. Once downstairs, there is a Vancouver Lookout desk. There you can purchase tickets to the lookout or exchange your voucher for an entry ticket. Once you have your ticket, enter the elevator (also on the ground floor), and press the button for the Lookout Tower. On your way up, you'll be treated to an ascending view of the city via the exterior facing glass door on the elevator. When we reached the top, we began our 360 view of the city. The skies were clear for the hour that we were there so we could see the city clearly. (A cloudy day would make this a wasted trip.) It was especially neat to see over the harbor and mountains from this view. I was told to return later to see the sunset and the city lit up in night lights. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to return that evening, but on the next trip to YVR, I'd return for a sunset viewing from the lookout tower. There is a small gift shop area up in the tower and their prices were very reasonable.

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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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    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.

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    Salt Building

    Salt Building

    (3 reviews)

    Granville Island/False Creek

    This is a nice space for an exhibit, really nice. It's spacious and when you get the tunes…read morespinning inside, it doesn't echo too much. Add to it the charm of a restored building, wow! I really like this. Came here for the annual 12X12 exhibit. This is a photgraphy competition, friendly of course, but there are catches., with a new catch for this year's 2012 competition. http://www.yelp.ca/biz_photos/salt-building-vancouver?select=L_6w9BcDkIY4mFJkwd59SQ#Tauo1LC-G8fbqfxbek4lVA Each competitor must: 1. Take 1 photograph of a theme announced once, every hour on the hour 2. Intepret the announced theme in a single shot 3. 12 shots in total meaning you're on the hunt to interpret a theme each hour for 12 hours. 4. The photograph is on film. Not digital. 5. This year's catch is.... black and white film only. I've come out to this exhibit every year since it's inception. They had it at another venue in previous years, but it was horribly crowded and stuffy. This was a welcomed change, much welcomed. Maybe next year I'll do it. I'll have to dust off one of my film cameras.

    What an entirely grand and beautifully restored heritage building. Seeing, and more importantly,…read morebeing able to enjoy spaces like this are rare, especially in cities like ours where there seems to be an overwhelming need to make everything shiny and new. (yes there are foundations in place to protect our heritage buildings, but I'm making sweeping generalizations here) When the Salt Building was first being revitalized during the pre-Olympic building-frenzy era, there was talk of the space being used as a pub or high-end restaurant or some other variation on that theme. Though it may have been entirely acceptable -- and maybe even great -- if that were the case today (and who knows, it may very well be the case in the future), but it almost seems as though that would be a bastardization of this minimal bare-bones structure. The building is gorgeous. Bookended with mammoth-sized windows, allowing plenty of light to pour in throughout the almost 14,000sq foot space, exposing the elaborate timber trusses and metal hardware, and shining of the polished concrete floor, there is not one thing I'd change here. It would be a shame to cover any of it up. A perfect event location, an ideal gathering space, an overwhelmingly stunning surprise in an area that is known for making everything "pretty," the Salt Building is, at this moment, a perfect homage to its historic past.

    Heritage Hall

    Heritage Hall

    (26 reviews)

    Mount Pleasant

    Stopped by Christmas pop up market, free admission and the first 25 guests got free $10 voucher to…read moreuse in the market. It was very pleasant and cool event. Mostly they were jewelry and soap/candle shops. What unique this time, they have a leather shop and it was dog friendly event. Pet dog could walking around and that was so cute. This building is so gorgeous. High ceiling makes me feel pleasant even in crowded event.

    I have passed by this prominent, very brown, very stately building on Main at 15th SO many times…read more It takes up nearly a city block and is 3 stories high, and has a very imposing clock tower, too! My kid had her high school prom here, and there are often various community events held here, as well as private parties, receptions and weddings. Today I finally got the chance to visit the building, though, as there was a weekend-long artisan fair held here. What a lovely venue! Outside, by the entrance, there is a plaque on the facade declaring this building as a "Heritage Building" (designated as such in 1974). The actual building was built in 1915 and was first used as a post office. For those who care about architectural and design styles, the building is classified as being done in the Beaux Arts Classicism style, with a lot of ornamentation on the sculptured columns and facade's stone. There are many sculpted faces and sandstone festoons visible on the first and second story exterior. Inside, the first floor used to be a grand ballroom, and it was recently re-done (in 2015), so now there is a terrazzo floor, and where once was a huge trompe l'oeil mural is now a blank wall (bummer). There still are beautiful chandeliers and an ethereal ceiling that's reminiscent of calming green-blue sea glass. Today at the artisan fair, there were tables lined up and creating aisles in the ballroom, so the room looked somewhat small. I'd imagine the venue appearing much larger and spatially impressive without all the tables. I was impressed by this building. It was lovely inside and out. The location on Main Street is awesome, too, with tons of parking on Main and the side streets, and so many fun shops, coffee houses and restaurants nearby.

    Ironwork Studio Productions - Our Event Space

    Ironwork Studio Productions

    (2 reviews)

    Downtown Eastside

    Ironworks is a really lovely venue for music, art, and events…read more The network of rooms, halls, and galleries combine to a moldable space. We attended a wedding here and the set-up worked perfectly. The gallery space, with its stage, was great for dancing and the rowdies. The other halls housed the food, cake, and more subdued folks. Ironworks is run by Astrid Sars who was a very welcoming host. The bar served cheap drinks and the bar staff were friendly and good-natured. All around a great venue to keep in mind for when you want to celebrate.

    I came here on the weekend for the VALT (Vancouver Alternative) Fashion Weekend, it was the first…read moretime I had even heard of this venue, so I was pretty stoked to check it out. The place is located down in gastown just on the cusp of the crust, meaning its just inbetween where the crackies meet the Vancouver nitelife, or if you're better with landmarks, kitty corner from the Number 5 Orange. Inside there are lots of old remains of ironworks bringing you industrial steampunk realness, and separate rooms to mingle and drink. Well, at this event there was a beer and wine selection so drink we did! A small glass of red went for $5 which is pretty decent, and they had a table of Geek Sweet Cupcakes for sale as well. YUM! The fashion show was fierce and they had some bands in between which were so-so. What I liked about this space was that there was space for a live band to play with a small stage, and there was also space for a runway (I'm not sure if that was brought in from somewhere else or something the venue rents) but it was pretty cool to have both, plus a separate room with a small bar set up, and a backstage area. What I'm sayin' is that this room is pretty diverse, and there's a lot you can do with it and I like that.

    Sea Vancouver - Gotta take a pic with the Cap!

    Sea Vancouver

    (10 reviews)

    Granville Island/False Creek

    Very bad business practice…read more We booked a 3pm tour. It was the last day that we are in Vancouver, we would be flying home that night. At 1:45pm, after we have planned our whole day around the excursion and checked out of the hotel in preparation of this tour, Sea Vancouver office called and said they are cancelling my tour because they "need a minimum of 4 people and only 3 people booked". I explained that we are leaving the city that day, and we planned our whole day around this, and if there is anything they can do. It is unreasonable to only notify me 75 minutes prior to departure time - we were already on the way to the departure point! The only thing they said was that they will refund me in full (I'd better hope so since you cancelled it with incredibly short notice!) I understand that it may not be economical to operate a tour based on fixed cost, but this was NOT written anywhere when I booked it on the official website, but they were happy to take my money when I booked. The confirmation email stated "We reserve the right to delay or cancel a departure for events beyond our control (e.g. adverse weather conditions, technical or mechanical issues, etc.)" -- well, operating a boat when there are "only" 3 paying customers is definitely in their control, they just choose to screw over their customers. This has put a really sour taste on my trip to Vancouver. I would encourage everybody to stay away.

    First of all, I would highly, HIGHLY recommend this for all! Specially if its your first time in…read moreVancouver or have not been around the harbor! This was our first time in Vancouver, and whats not a better way to experience it than by taking a boat tour! We honestly planned this boat tour super last minute, so we called a few places, but they were all closed. Fortunately, Sea Vancouver still had tours going out until 7pm which was the last one! The lobby is located in the Westin hotel and the ride is 90 minutes long, which takes you all around the harbor of Vancouver to the English Bay! There was so much to see at the waterfront and we even saw a few dolphins along the ride! We were hoping for orcas too but maybe next time haha. Overall the boat tour was absolutely amazing! Terry our captain, made the experience super educational a fun! Love that guy! Thanks Cap! And thank you Sea Vancouver!

    Vancouver Lookout - tours - Updated May 2026

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