Canada Place

Originally the site of the Canadian Pacific Railway's Pier B-C, the area served as a primary hub for steamships traveling across the Pacific in the early 20th century. By the 1970s, the pier had become obsolete for modern shipping, leading the federal government to select it as the site for the Canadian Pavilion during the 1986 World Exposition. This decision marked the beginning of a massive urban renewal project that would redefine Vancouver's skyline and its relationship with the Burrard Inlet. Architect Eberhard Zeidler designed the structure to resemble a massive sailing ship, featuring five iconic white Teflon-coated fiberglass sails. During Expo 86, the pavilion hosted millions of visitors and served as a symbol of Canadian innovation and hospitality. The design was so successful that it became a permanent fixture, eventually being expanded to include the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Hotel, and the city's first World Trade Centre. Today, Canada Place serves as the primary cruise ship terminal for the region, acting as the gateway for thousands of travelers heading to Alaska each year. It played a pivotal role during the 2010 Winter Olympics as the main media center and continues to host major national events, such as Canada Day celebrations. The facility remains a masterclass in multi-use architecture, blending tourism, commerce, and public space seamlessly into the fabric of the city.