Standing majestically in the heart of Vancouver, above the streets of Gastown, Vancouver Harbour Centre is one of Canada's most iconic buildings. It marks the crossroads between the city's contemporary Central Business District and the graffiti-laden streets of Gastown. Opened in 1977, it remains one of the tallest buildings in the city, a towering compass point that guides visitors towards the harbour and the city's post-industrial suburbs.
Most of Vancouver Harbour Centre is used as office space, topped by an observation deck that's open to the public. Revolving 360 degrees, the observation deck provides stunning views over the city. There's also a restaurant that provides the same insatiable vistas in a more relaxed atmosphere. A shopping centre and food court fill the lower two floors of the tower, as it's a bustling place to grab a snack at lunchtime and a place to sip on post-work drinks in the evening.
The pinnacle of the tower can be seen from all across Vancouver, and it feels as if the city's public transport is magnetically attracted to this compass point. Vancouver Harbour Centre is just a few metres from Waterfront Station, the transport crossroads of the city. Trains and buses meet here, both those coming from far across the country and those from within the suburban area. This station is also on the SkyTrain network where visitors will find the lift that takes them to the summit in just 40 seconds.
Neil Armstrong opened the observation deck, and his famous footstep was once imprinted on the cement. However, it mysteriously disappeared during renovations.