13 Impressive Buildings in Vancouver

Last Updated: June 2, 2026

5 min read

Modern building with a large black overhang supported by a central concrete pillar, surrounded by trees and urban structures.

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Walking around Vancouver, it’s impossible to go very far without noticing a cool building. Over the years, Vancouver architecture has developed into what is now known as the “West Coast Style.” We’re fortunate to have a mix of modern and historic buildings that add to the city’s culture and character, including works by renowned architects like Canadian Arthur Erickson. If you live in the city, you’ve definitely come across some of the Vancouver buildings on this list. And if you’re a visitor, you’ll want to check them out.

Black spiral staircase with metal railings inside a modern building with reflective surfaces and tiled walls.

13. Sinclair Building | 757 West Hastings Street

A beautiful Vancouver shopping destination carrying designer brands, Sinclair Centre is also a striking architectural landmark, with its marble and brass details and soaring glass atrium. For many, it also holds special significance as the place where they first became Canadian citizens. This Vancouver building is actually composed of four buildings joined together, including the Federal Building where the Passport Office is located. This building dates back to 1910, a rich piece of Vancouver’s history.

Tall historic building with red and yellow facade at a busy city intersection with pedestrians and cars.

12. Dominion Building | 207 West Hastings Street

A commercial building across from Victory Square on West Hastings, The Dominion Building is a Vancouver architectural landmark. This 13-storey structure was designed over a hundred years ago by architect J.S Helyer and is characterized by its impressive scale. It's rumoured to be haunted, but we have yet to experience any paranormal sightings ourselves.

Modern waterfront building with glass walls and green roof, city skyline in the background at dusk

11. Vancouver Convention Centre | 1055 Canada Place

The Vancouver Convention Centre is a standout example of Vancouver’s modern, sustainable architecture. With 466,500 square feet of meeting space and Canada's largest waterfront ballroom, it's a downtown marvel and inspiring event space. The West building itself boasts a six-acre roof – Canada’s largest non-industrial living roof – home to honeybee hives, 400,000+ native plants, grasses, and bulbs, plus local birds, insects and small mammals.

Modern high-rise building with reflective glass windows and a large circular rooftop planter holding a tree.

10. Eugenia Place | 1919 Beach Avenue

If you’ve ever gone for a stroll in the West End or hung out on the sandy shores of English Bay, chances are you’ve glanced up and noticed the apartment with a giant oak tree on the roof. This Vancouver building, known as Eugenia Place Tower, is instantly recognizable by the tree growing from its rooftop, which is said to have been named in honour of the developer’s mother. There are a few different interpretations of the tree’s significance, but one thing is certain. It’s not every day you see a 30-foot tree planted at the top of a building.

Curved modern office buildings with large blue-tinted windows under a clear blue sky.

9. Vancouver Public Library | 350 West Georgia Street

Our own “colosseum,” the Vancouver Public Library, or VPL, proves Vancouver architecture is far from boring. Designed by Moshe Safdie, the library is reminiscent of ancient Rome and is just as captivating on the inside as it is on the outside.

Modern glass building illuminated at night with visible wooden artifacts inside and trees on both sides.

8. Museum of Anthropology | 6393 NW Marine Drive

Another one of architect Arthur Erickson’s masterpieces is the Museum of Anthropology. It’s located on the University of British Columbia campus, one of the city’s most popular film locations. The MOA’s striking exterior draws inspiration from the West Coast landscape while reflecting the cultural traditions of Northwest Coast First Nations. Inside, the museum is home to more than 40,000 objects from cultures around the world.

Close-up of a historic brown brick building with decorative stonework, surrounded by modern glass and steel buildings.

7. Marine Building | 355 Burrard Street

Built in the 1930s, the Marine Building is one of downtown Vancouver’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. This Art Deco skyscraper is easy to spot thanks to its ornate exterior, often compared to a tiered wedding cake.

6. The Qube | 1333 West Georgia Street

Literally a giant cube, looking up at this Coal Harbour building is a little bit unnerving. Built in 1970 – originally as the West Coast Transmission building – the Qube was awarded the Design in Steel Award in 1970 by the American Iron and Steel Institute and is currently a residential space.

Cityscape with modern and historic buildings under a clear blue sky, featuring a large red W sign on a metal tower.

5. Woodward's Building | 128 West Cordova Street

One of the most desired-to-live-in buildings in the city is Gastown’s iconic Woodward's Building. It's the building with the giant “W” sticking out from the top that you just can’t miss whether you’re biking, SkyTrain-ing, or driving into the city. It's easily one of the most insta-worthy Vancouver buildings.

Concrete building with multiple triangular balconies covered in green vines.

4. Evergreen Building | 1285 West Pender Street

Nestled away in Coal Harbour on West Pender Street is the Evergreen Building. Surprise! It's another ridiculously cool addition to the city by Arthur Erickson. This mid-rise residential and office space is a pyramid adorned in moss-like greenery.

Narrow triangular brown brick building at a street intersection with cars and pedestrians under a partly cloudy sky.

3. Hotel Europe | 43 Powell Street

Standing at the intersection of Water, Alexander, and Powell Streets in historic Gastown stands the six-storey Hotel Europe. This flat-iron building is often photographed by both locals and tourists, and like the Dominion building, Hotel Europe is also apparently home to a few ghosts.

Outdoor dining area with tables covered in white and red tablecloths, green umbrellas, topiary plants, and a water feature in front.

2. Waterfall Building | 1540 West 2nd Avenue

One of Vancouver’s premier wedding and event venues is also one of its most striking. Formerly an art gallery, the Waterfall Building in Kitsilano reflects its creative past through soaring white walls and expansive glass panels.

Large group of people sitting on wide stone steps in front of a classical building with four large columns and a triangular pediment.

1. Vancouver Art Gallery | 750 Hornby Street

In terms of size and scale, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest museum in Western Canada and the fifth largest in Canada. The Vancouver Art Gallery’s former home was designed by local architects Sharp and Thompson and opened in 1931, with the original building constructed for just $40,000. Today, the historic building remains a notable example of Vancouver architecture in the heart of downtown.

Discover Vancouver Architecture

From historic landmarks to modern marvels, Vancouver’s buildings tell the story of a city that’s always evolving. Keep an eye out as you explore. You never know what architectural gem, rooftop tree, or unexpected detail you’ll discover next.

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