Top 5 Places to take Photographs in Downtown Vancouver

Posted on May 9, 2011 in photography, Vancouver

One of the more frequently asked questions our Concierge desk gets asked everyday (other than ‘what is a Japadog?’) is “Where is the best place to take photographs in Downtown Vancouver?”. To answer that question isn’t easy because there are SO many great places to take great pics in the beautiful Downtown area. Our city is home to beautiful streets, world renowned parks and some of the best forms of nature this world has to offer.

So while you can find beauty in just about any area in Vancouver, I’ve narrowed down my Top 5 places to take great pics in the city. These areas are definitely profile pic worthy!

1. Gastown Vancouver

To me, number 1 has to be Gastown Vancouver.

The brick cobbled town is rich in history and distinct in its culture and appearance. You can find the perfect balance between old and modern with some of the more unique architecture and monuments our city has to offer. Home of the famous Steam Clock and Gassy Jack statue, there are plenty of great pics to load up your camera with.

2. Stanley Park

The mother of all parks. Vancouver’s version of Central Park….only better!

Beautiful Stanley Park is the ultimate place to capture epic scenery and great backdrops in Vancouver. The park is located amidst the core of Downtown Vancouver and is located right on the waterfront. To fully photograph this park can take much more than a few hours as Stanley Park boasts over 1000 acres (400 hectares) of vast forestry and grassy pastures. A few great spots in Stanley Park include: Lost Lagoon, Prospect Point and the Siwash Rock. Also be sure to take in the seawall for great photos and a beautiful walk.

3. Vancouver Waterfront

Capture Downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver harbor and the Coastal Mountains, all in one photograph.

The Vancouver waterfront is home to the Vancouver Convention Center, Canada Place and of course US – the Pan Pan Pacific Vancouver! Walk along the Convention Center Pier or Canada Place Pier for some great shots right on the water; if you’re around in the spring or summer, be sure to capture the cruise ships leaving the harbor.

4. Granville Street

One of the more underrated places to take photos in Vancouver is Granville Street in the heart of the Downtown core. Known for being the entertainment and nightlife district of the city, there are plenty of sights to see and interesting people to watch.

The architecture ranges from modern to historic and in the evenings the neon lights brighten up the scene. Pound the streets of Granville and you’ll be sure to get the shot you’re looking for.

5. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens

Guaranteed to take your breath away, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens is an authentic representation of the “garden tradition” during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

With its asymmetrical arrangement of rocks and plants, its winding paths and corridors, and the vistas that overlook its courtyards, the Garden emulates the rhythms of nature.

Photo opportunities at the Garden are great during any season and offer a different effect in any weather. Also located smack in the middle of Downtown (Chinatown), the gardens are easy to access and reachable by transit.

And those are my Top 5 spots for photos in the Downtown area. If you have suggestions for great places to snap photos in the city, let us know in the comments!