Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinOur Guide to the Vancouver Lookout: Vancouver’s Best 360° views
The Vancouver Lookout is one of the tallest and most iconic landmarks in Vancouver. Here, you’ll come across tourists and residents alike, all eager to see the city in all its breathtaking glory.
This observation deck, launched in 1977, won’t disappoint with its panoramic views of the city. So to make your visit worth it, here’s our guide to the Vancouver Lookout, where we fill you in on what to expect, where to stay, where to eat, and more.
How high is the Vancouver Lookout?
The Vancouver Lookout stands at 553 feet high (168 meters), treating guests to a full 360° view of the city’s famous spots like Stanley Park, Gastown, the North Shore mountains, and downtown Vancouver.
Designed by the talented folks at WZMH Architects, this lookout got its lift-off from none other than American astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person on the moon. Back in ’77, it was also the tallest building in town!
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Vancouver Lookout is from October to May, as this is the low season where you can avoid large crowds and long lines. Additionally, the weather during this time is generally mild and comfortable.
We’d recommend you visit during these months because the months after May tend to get hectic with more and more tourists flocking to the Vancouver Lookout.
Things to Know
Tickets here are valid all day!
The Vancouver Lookout tickets are valid all day, so you can go out for a quick bite to eat or go biking at Stanley Park and return to the lookout later in the day to enjoy the sunset! To give you an idea, here are the ticket prices for the Vancouver Lookout:
Opening hours change according to season
While the Vancouver Lookout is open all year, its operating hours actually change according to the low and high seasons as it adapts to the number of visitors.
From May to October (low season), the deck is open from 11am. to 6pm. During the high season, which is from November to April, the deck opens at 10am. and closes at 7pm., allowing visitors more time to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Limited public parking is available
If you’re going here by car, there’s limited public parking available on Cordova Street, just east of Seymour. This 600-stall multilevel parkade is open daily and costs $6/hr from 5am to 3pm and $2/hr from 3pm to 11 pm.
Service dogs and emotional support animals are allowed here!
If you’ve got a certified service dog or an emotional support animal, they’re more than welcome to join you at the Vancouver Lookout!
Just make sure to bring along their certification, present it to a Guest Experience Representative upon arrival, and you’re good to go. Oh, and keep them on a leash at all times.
The deck is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers
For guests who use wheelchairs or strollers, the Vancouver Lookout is accessible to everyone. The deck is equipped with ramps and elevators, and their washrooms are also accessible.
How to Get to the Vancouver Lookout
Public Transit: Board the Skytrain or Seabus and get off at Waterfront Station and walk toward the main exit onto West Cordova Street. The entrance is just from the mall on the ground floor.
Taxis: There are tons of taxi companies that you can hail from the street or book through various mobile apps. Companies such as Yellow Cab, Vancouver Taxi, and Black Top & Checker Cabs are some of the popular options.
Bike: If you’re going here by bike, the Vancouver Lookout has bike racks located off Hastings Street. Just make sure to bring your own bike lock.
Car Service: If you prefer a more personalized and convenient transportation option, Excel Limousine, City Limo, or Bookalift offers private car services that cater to your specific needs.
Where to Stay near the Vancouver Lookout
Hotel Le Soleil
Address: 567 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-632-3000
Pricing: $$
An 8-minute walk away from the Vancouver Lookout is Hotel Le Soleil. From the get-go, the hotel’s exterior is a throwback to 18th-century Parisian architecture with its grand entrance and magnificent decor.
Rooms here are designed with a blend of modern elegance and classic charm and are fully furnished with Biedermeier furniture. To add to that, there are a multitude of amenities, including a fitness center, an entertainment center, and a luxurious spa.
Delta Hotels by Marriott
Address: 550 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-689-8188
Pricing: $$$
Delta Hotels by Marriott is quite a convenient option, as it’s a minute’s walk from the Vancouver Lookout. Amenities here include wake-up calls, a dry cleaning service, daily housekeeping, and 24/7 service requests.
Plus, there’s a lovely restaurant in the foyer with customizable charcuterie boards. It’s pricey, but it’s got an unparalleled local menu.
Fairmont Waterfront
Address: 900 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-691-1991
Pricing: $$
The Fairmont Waterfront seems to have it all—a great location, waterfront views, comfy beds, and walking distance to everything needed. The property has impeccable decor and furnishing, accentuated by modern design elements.
The pool area on the rooftop is a nice touch. Just make sure to watch out for beehives while you stroll around the garden.
Cambie Seymour Hostel
Address: 515 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3H6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-7757
Pricing: $
Nestled in one of Vancouver’s heritage buildings is the Cambie Seymour Hostel. This hostel feels too close to home, with its quaint and cozy atmosphere accentuated by its decor—bunk beds, colorful furniture, and warm lighting.
You’ll almost always bump into a fellow traveler here, as there’s plenty of common areas. Plus, the hostel has this policy where only foreign guests are allowed to stay, creating a diverse community.
EXchange Hotel
Address: 475 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2B3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-563-4693
Pricing: $$
With an AAA Four Diamond rating, EXchange Hotel is indubitably a luxurious spot to lay your head. Rooms here are a spitting image of opulence and sophistication, boasting elegant furnishings and modern furniture.
Rooms also have a ceiling cooling system that regulates the temperature without making any noise or blasting cold air at you.
Where to Eat In and around the Vancouver Lookout
Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant
Address: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2220
Pricing: $$$
With a 2020 Golden Plate Award, the Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant is an obvious choice for dining at the Harbour Centre. It’s right at the Vancouver Lookout, and it’s truly an ode to the city’s culinary excellence.
Get the stuffed mushrooms; they’re phenomenal. Also, try the stuffed salmon and lobster bisque, and let the taste of Vancouver’s finest seafood delicacies transport you to a world of culinary bliss.
Curry Hut Indian Bistro
Address: 445 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-1009
Pricing: $
The Curry Hut Indian Bistro is the way to go if you’re looking to get a taste of Vancouver’s diverse food scene. Have a bite of everything: chicken samosa, chili fish, kebab, paneer tikka, and naan.
Throw in a chutney mint to your meal and let the extra burst of flavor take your taste buds on a delightful journey.
Waves Coffee House
Address: 492 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-568-8568
Pricing: $$
This sunny spot along Hastings is the perfect brunch stop. They’ve got tasty pastries and a great variety of Canadian coffee to slowly wake you up before heading to the Vancouver Lookout.
You can also get some work done here, as there’s sockets everywhere and pretty reliable wifi. Oh, and on Wednesdays, you can get a free upsize on your drink!
La Taqueria Pinche Taco
Address: 322 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1K6, Canada
Phone: +1 778-770-9055
Pricing: $
You can never go wrong with Mexican food—unless you’re allergic to spicy ingredients, in which case you may want to look at other options here. But if you’re not, then La Taqueria Pinche Taco may just be your newfound gem.
This spot truly embodies Mexican cuisine, which is defined by good food, warm and friendly service, and deliciously spicy flavors. Get the fish tacos and indulge in the burst of flavors from the perfectly seasoned fish, tangy salsa, and creamy guac.
Nuba
Address: 207 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1K6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-1655
Pricing: $$
Vancouver’s first modern Lebanese restaurant, Nuba, is the way to go for European and Middle Eastern fusion. Here, you’ll find yummy pita wraps, delicious kibbeh, and juicy shish tawook.
Dishes here are great for sharing, so if you’re a group of four or more, get the Feast. It’s filled with a few different things to share at your table, and it’s quite filling.
Palate Kitchen
Address: 848 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1C8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-428-1313
Pricing: $$
Set in a 1920s building along Hastings, with an extensive brunch menu and weekend high tea, is the Palate Kitchen. With food crafted by a certified team of Red Seal chefs, food here is as visually stunning as they are delicious.
They have fantastic French toast and eggs benedict, delicious lattes, and flavorful mascarpone for a perfectly indulgent brunch experience.
Places to Go near the Vancouver Lookout
Check Out the Gastown Steam Clock
Address: 305 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
The Gastown Steam Clock is probably one of the first places you should visit before or after you head to the Vancouver Lookout. It’s right in the core of Vancouver’s historic Gastown district, known for its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture.
Built in 1977, this antique-style clock is a precious symbol of Vancouver’s history and heritage. The steampunk click at its heart is both an engineering marvel and a fun timepiece.
Explore the Neighborhood of Gastown
Address: Gastown, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Phone: 604-683-5650
There’s so much more to this historic neighborhood than just its famous steam clock. Head over to the many hip cafes, tourist shops, and fine restaurants that serve everything from classic comfort foods to gourmet sammies and local seafood.
Visit this area with plenty of time to wander around and take in everything this quaint, old area has to offer.
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-662-4700
Vancouver has a total of 21 museums, but arguably the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most renowned, and it’s a 12-minute walk from the Vancouver Lookout. Along with the impressive architecture, it’s adorned with unique and creative displays.
This gallery is also great for photos because each floor is packed with wonderful and magnificent paintings — including the work of First Nations artists.
Drop by Canada Place
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-9000
An iconic landmark in Vancouver, located on the Burrard Inlet, is Canada Place. Great views of the harbor, a walkable boardwalk, and scenic views of cruises going in and out of the harbor.
On top, you have FlyOver Canada, where you can soar through the air and get unbeatable views of Canada’s breathtaking landscapes. But maybe don’t do this on a full stomach, just to be sure.
Shop at Robson Street
Address: Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Phone: 604-669-8132
Near Gastown, you’ll find Vancouver’s shopping destination, Robson Street. This neighborhood stretches from downtown to the city’s West End, and there’s a wide range of stores, from familiar faces like Zara and Victoria’s Secret to local boutiques.
Whether you’re into Canadian souvenirs, clothes, books, home decor, or whatever floats your boat, you’ll pretty much find it here. It’s a pretty long street, and you might just find yourself happily wandering through all those cool shops.
Apps to Download for a Trip to the Vancouver Lookout
GPSmyCity: Self-guided walks over 1,000 cities in Vancouver, with built-in GPS navigation functions. Works both online and offline.
Yellow Cab: Book a taxi immediately or schedule a future pick-up time and date anywhere in the city.
Vancouver Travel Guide: Interactive city guide with tourist info on all must-see attractions in Vancouver.
Street Food Vancouver: Helps you find the best food trucks in Vancouver.
