Vancouver Lookout

Elevate your senses to new heights and be prepared to have your breath taken away! The iconic Vancouver Lookout has stood tall and proud in the skyline since its establishment in 1977. Offering an impressive 360° view of Vancouver from a staggering height of over 550 ft (168m) above the ground, you'll have the opportunity to take a 40-second glass elevator ride that ascends 553 ft (168m) up to the panoramic observation deck. The glass elevator provides a unique vantage point to peek at the city while ascending to the observation deck.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe as you soak in the stunning views of historic Gastown, Coal Harbour, North Vancouver, North Shore Mountains, and Downtown Vancouver's ever-changing skyline! Don't let the chance to witness this remarkable sight slip away! Book your tour now and take a ride on the glass elevator to experience the city from a whole new perspective. Trust us, it will be an adventure you won't soon forget!

What to Know

The Vancouver Lookout is part of Harbour Centre – the ultimate starting point for your Vancouver sightseeing adventure! Take in a breathtaking 360° view of Metro Vancouver, the majestic North Shore Mountains, and, on a clear day, even Vancouver Island just off the Pacific Coast. Your journey begins as you ascend the exterior of the building in a glass elevator ride whisking you from street level to the observation decks in a mere 40 seconds.

Once you reach the top, 167 meters above sea level, you'll be greeted with an unobstructed view of one of the world's most stunning cities. Behold the beauty of Vancouver in its entirety, from high above the city!

 

Best Time to Visit 

The Vancouver Lookout offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is a must-visit attraction for any Vancouver itinerary. If you're planning a visit, it's important to know the best time to go. The Vancouver Lookout is open year-round, but the hours of operation change seasonally. From mid-October to April, the Lookout is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, while from May to mid-October, it extends its opening hours from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm.

If you want to experience the twinkling lights of the city at night, we recommend visiting during the longer opening hours in the summer months. But if you prefer a quieter visit with fewer crowds, the shorter winter hours may be more to your liking. Regardless of when you visit, the Vancouver Lookout is a breathtaking experience not to be missed.

 

How to Get There

If you're looking to visit the Vancouver Lookout, getting there is easier than you might think. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver at 555 West Hastings Street, this iconic attraction is only a block away from Waterfront Station in one direction and a block from the entrance to Gastown in the other. While there are several ways to reach the Vancouver Lookout, the best option is to book a Vancouver Tour that includes pick-up and drop-off services, giving you a hassle-free and convenient way to see this spectacular city.  This guided tour includes admission to the tower so you won't need to buy your tickets online to ensure a smooth trip. Not only will you get to visit the Vancouver Lookout, but you'll also get to explore other Vancouver iconic landmarks such as the mighty Grouse Mountain, and the world-famous Stanley Park, with a local guide who knows the city inside and out. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to see Vancouver in all its glory!

 

Features

Visiting the Vancouver Lookout is a must for a complete Vancouver sightseeing experience! Imagine being 168 meters (553 feet) above the bustling downtown core, with a 360-degree view of the cityscape that surrounds you. It's an experience that's truly unmatched.

The Vancouver Lookout is located at the top of Harbour Centre, a famous Vancouver landmark in the Heritage District, and has been a fixture in the city's skyline since 1977. Accessing the observation deck is half the fun - a thrilling 40-second glass elevator ride takes you on a speedy, adrenaline-filled ascent to the top.

Once you reach the deck, take your time to explore and learn about Vancouver's storied history and infrastructure through incredibly informative panels located throughout the deck. A complimentary self-guided audio tour is also available so you can have a more immersive experience here! There's also free WIFI so you can share your unforgettable experience with friends and family.

This is a unique opportunity to soak in breathtaking views of the dynamic downtown skyline and the surrounding neighborhoods. When you're done with your tour, do stop by the Top of Vancouver Restaurant to feast on Continental cuisine as your eyes feast on the spectacular views of the city. Don't miss out on this must-see attraction during your time in Vancouver!

 

History 

Welcome to the Vancouver Lookout, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Back in 1977, the Sears Tower was a new addition to Vancouver's skyline, reaching an impressive height of 481 feet and claiming the title of Vancouver's tallest building. Today, this iconic building is known as Harbour Centre and is home to The Vancouver Lookout, a revolving restaurant, a mall, various businesses and tech firms, and one of SFU's downtown campuses.

Interestingly, the Top of Vancouver revolving restaurant (formerly Harbour House Restaurant) had a special guest on its opening day - the man who walked on the moon! You can still see Neil Armstrong's footprints he left in fresh concrete here! The building's location was once home to the old Spencer's Department Store, which was demolished to make way for Sears. Today, the David Spencer building still stands on the other corner, housing offices, and the SFU campus. Come visit the Vancouver Lookout to see stunning views of Vancouver and learn about the fascinating history behind this iconic landmark!