Vancouver's architectural landscape is a striking fusion of historic preservation and modern innovation, showcasing over a century of urban design evolution. From iconic heritage buildings to glass-and-steel skyscrapers, the city’s skyline is a visual story of growth, creativity, and civic identity.

At the heart of downtown, Robson Square stands as a civic and cultural hub, designed by renowned local architect Arthur Erickson. Nearby, the Vancouver Art Gallery, housed in a neoclassical former courthouse built in 1906, is the work of Francis Rattenbury, who also designed British Columbia’s Parliament Buildings and Victoria’s Empress Hotel. Across the street, the grand Hotel Vancouver, completed in 1939, features a distinctive copper roof and remains one of the city’s premier architectural landmarks. Directly opposite stands the Gothic-style Christ Church Cathedral, which has been a fixture since 1894 and was declared a heritage site in 1976.

Downtown Vancouver is also home to several examples of modernist and postmodern architecture. Notable among these are the Harbour Centre, Vancouver Law Courts, and Vancouver Library Square—the latter designed by Moshe Safdie and DA Architects and inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. The revitalized Woodward’s Building, transformed by Henriquez Partners Architects, further adds to the city's modern architectural footprint.

Another prominent feature is the original BC Hydro headquarters, a bold modernist high-rise designed by Ron Thom and Ned Pratt, now converted into the Electra condominium. Just blocks away is the MacMillan Bloedel Building, famous for its unique “concrete waffle” design at Georgia and Thurlow Streets.

Perhaps the most dramatic shift in Vancouver’s skyline came with the rise of ultra-tall buildings. The Living Shangri-La, completed in 2008, is the tallest building in British Columbia, soaring to 201 meters (659 feet) with 62 stories. It is followed by the Paradox Hotel Vancouver at 188 meters (617 feet) and the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia at 156 meters (512 feet). Rounding out the list of top skyscrapers are One Wall Centre (150 m) and the Shaw Tower (149 m), contributing to a dense and dynamic skyline.

Outside the downtown core, architectural landmarks like City Hall and the Centennial Pavilion at Vancouver General Hospital, designed by Townley and Matheson, add historical depth. The Canada Place complex, with its distinctive sail-like roof structure and origins in Expo 86, remains a symbol of Vancouver’s global identity, incorporating a convention centre, cruise ship terminal, and the Pan-Pacific Hotel.

The city’s older commercial core, around Cambie and Hastings Streets, holds a treasure trove of Edwardian architecture. Buildings like the Carter-Cotton Building, Dominion Building (1907), and Sun Tower (1911) were once the tallest in the British Empire. These were eventually eclipsed by the Marine Building, an Art Deco masterpiece from the 1920s, celebrated for its ornate ceramic tile, brass-gilt detailing, and popularity as a film location.

Vancouver’s architecture stands as a testament to diversity in design, balancing preservation and progress. Whether through the stately charm of historic landmarks or the sleek elegance of modern towers, the city's built environment reflects a unique blend of West Coast creativity, heritage, and innovation.