The Tallest Buildings in Vancouver

The City of Vancouver is located in British Columbia, Canada. It is the fourth densest city in North America and is characterized by numerous modern high-rise buildings. In addition to being among the cities with the most high-rise building per capita, Vancouver has the highest number of residential high-rise buildings per capita in North America. There are about 650 buildings within the city, 50 of which have heights greater than 328 ft, and three are considered skyscrapers (≥492 ft).

The Tallest Buildings in Vancouver

Living Shangri-La

Living Shangri-La is the tallest building in both the city and the province, with a height of 659 ft. The 62-storey building features both commercial and residential units and was completed in 2008. A five-star hotel occupies the first fifteen floors, while condominium apartments fill the rest. A private roof garden is located on floor 61.

Trump International Hotel and Tower

The Trump International Hotel and Tower ranks as the second tallest building in Vancouver, with a height of 616 ft and 63 storeys. The tower opened on February 28, 2017, and is a mixed-use building that includes both commercial and residential units. The building features a 'hyperbolic paraboloid' design that twists gradually with height. It is owned by the Holborn Group and the Trump Organization.

The Private Residences at Hotel Georgia

The Private Residences at Hotel Georgia is the third tallest building in the city, with a height of 518 ft. Constructed in 2012, the 48-floor building is located close to the historic Hotel Georgia. The building includes both commercial and residential spaces.

One Wall Centre

The One Wall Center (Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre North Tower) ranks as the fourth tallest building in Vancouver, with a height of 491 ft. The 48-floor building is used for both commercial and residential purposes. One Wall Center was completed in 2001 and won the Emporis Skyscraper Award that same year.

Shaw Tower

Shaw Tower is the fifth tallest building in Vancouver, with a height 489 ft. The tower was completed in 2004 and includes 42 floors. The building is home to the headquarters of Shaw Communications Lower Mainland Operations. The lower sixteen floors are offices, while the upper 24 consist of 130 condominiums.

Harbour Centre

Harbour Centre is the sixth tallest building in Vancouver, with a height of 481 ft. It is characterized by a "Lookout" tower on the top floor. The tower is among the city's most prominent landmark buildings. The top floor of the building serves as a revolving restaurant and offers a 360-degree viewing deck. It was completed in 1977 and has 40 floors.

Timeline of Vancouver's Tallest Buildings

Between 1910 and 1912, the Dominion Building was the tallest building in Vancouver, with a height of 175 ft. In 1912 the Sun Tower at 276 ft was completed and became the tallest until it was surpassed by the completion of the 289 ft tall Canadian Pacific Building in 1914. In 1930 the 321 ft tall Marne Building became the tallest, and in 1939 the Vancouver Hotel held the title at 364 ft until 1972. In 1972 TD Tower became the tallest at 417 ft, but one year later it was overshadowed by the Royal Centre, which had a height of 464 ft.