Vancouver is one of most beautiful cities in the world, and if you don’t believe me I suggest checking it out from above at the Vancouver Lookout.
Being one of the city’s tallest buildings, this bird’s eye attraction gives breathtaking 360° panoramic views of Vancouver’s skyline and its stunning Pacific rain forest backdrop.
Here’s a quick guide on how to visit our epic observation deck – get the camera ready.
Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre
One of Vancouver’s tallest buildings is also known as Harbour Centre, just a 5 minute walk from the famous Steamclock in the heart of Gastown.
As one of downtown Vancouver’s top tourist attractions it provides visitors with stunning views of Vancouver’s skyline, the North Shore Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
You’ll be whisked away on a 40 second glass elevator ride up the side of the Harbour Centre Building to a stunning 360° panoramic view of downtown Vancouver and its surrounding nature.
Once you’re up top at the panoramic observation deck you’ll also have the option to explore on your own, or take a multi-lingual tour that’s a one stop Vancouver history lesson.
But it’s much more than just an observation deck!
The Harbour Centre Building also hosts numerous events throughout the year, and includes the popular Top of Vancouver Restaurant.
Related: Best Vancouver City Tours
Lookout Vancouver Hours
The Harbour Centre observation deck is open daily year round.
Vancouver Lookout opening hours change according to season:
- Winter (October-May): 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Summer (May-October): 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
How long does a visit to the Vancouver Lookout take? I recommend leaving 45 minutes to an hour.
Especially in summer, it is strongly recommended to get your tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line.
Also, if you book your smartphone tickets online you get a free audio guide that’ll make you an expert on all the Vancouver sights in front of you.
You can book your dates in a few clicks with the calender below:
Vancouver Lookout Prices
Tickets for this Vancouver observation tower go for the following prices:
- Adults: $18.25
- Seniors (60+): $15.25
- Students: $13.25
- Youth (13-18): $13.25
- Children (6-12): $9.50
*Children under 5 are free
Vancouver Lookout tickets are valid all day so why not come back for sunset?
| Curious yet? Read great Vancouver Lookout reviews from recent ticket buyers.
How to Get to The Vancouver Lookout
Address: 555 West Hastings Street
The Vancouver Lookout is located in downtown Vancouver right near Waterfront Station: a top transportation hub including Skytrain, Seabus, and West Coast Express.
If your hotel or hostel is near these systems I strongly recommend using transport.
To reach the observation deck with Skytrain:
- Take the Canada Line or Expo Line to Waterfront Station.
- Get off and use the main exit onto West Cordova Street.
- Look up! You can’t miss it.
- The entrance is from the mall on the ground floor.
- Just follow the signs
Arriving on a cruise? You’ll find this amazing tourist attraction just a 7 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.
For more information on how to traverse Vancouver’s public transportation system check out our Vancouver Public Transportation Guide.
Related: How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?
Top of Vancouver Restaurant
Cuisine: Fine Dining | Price: $$$$|555 West Hastings St
This famous Vancouver revolving restaurant is a dining experience like no other.
Here you’ll get fine continental dining alongside stunning panoramic views of the Vancouver skyline.
The restaurant makes one full rotation per hour and has floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring that diners receive breathtaking views in all directions.
It’s sophisticated yet surprisingly unpretentious and the perfect place for a date – or even a sunset proposal!
Look for an extensive collection of delicious pastas accompanying entrees such as grilled AAA New York steak and Cajun halibut.
Put it all back with a selection of fine wines and craft beers.
*Daily admission tickets are not required to dine at the Top of Vancouver.
Related: Best Walking Tours in Vancouver
Tips for Visiting Vancouver’s Best Observation Deck
1) Book Your Tickets Online
If you intend to visit during peak hours, especially in high season, it can be a very busy place.
Consequently, we recommend taking advantage of our skip the line tickets, to avoid spending more time waiting in line than checking out the views.
2) Visit on a Clear Day
It goes without saying that the views from Lookout Vancouver will be significantly better on a clear day.
Vancouver is infamous for it’s rainy and cloudy weather, particularly from October to April. You can expect to see a significant reduction in visibility during periods of inclement weather.
The city’s mountain scenery, likely to play a starring role in most photo opportunities, is particularly notorious for being veiled in cloud in such instances.
As a result, we recommend monitoring the weather forecast and planning ahead to ensure that you make your visit on a clear day.
3) Go up More Than Once
Tickets for the Vancouver Lookout are valid until closing time on the day of purchase, or on the day of validation for those who purchase them in advance.
To maximize value I recommend going up once during the day and returning later on at dusk, to see what promises to be one of the most amazing sunsets of your life!
The city lights also look amazing in the evening.
4) Grab a Bite to Eat
The Top of Vancouver Restaurant offers delightful continental cuisine accompanied by the most breathtaking views available anywhere in the city.
A dinner in this stunning revolving dining room is a perfect cap to your stay in downtown Vancouver.
Even better yet, it absolves you of the obligation to pay for the Vancouver Lookout, so the views are free!
Visiting the Vancouver Lookout FAQ
Where is the Vancouver Lookout?
The Vancouver Lookout is located at one of the city’s tallest buildings at 555 Hastings Street, a short walk from Waterfront Station on the edge of historic Gastown.
What is the Vancouver Lookout?
The Vancouver Lookout is a panoramic observation deck in downtown Vancouver.
It provides visitors with stunning views of world famous Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver, and the Vancouver skyline.
How tall is the Vancouver Lookout?
The Vancouver Lookout is situated 168 metres (or 553 feet) above Hastings Street below.
How much does the Vancouver Lookout cost?
Tickets to the Vancouver Lookout cost $18.25 for adults, $15.25 for seniors (60+), $13.25 for students and youth (13-18) and $9.50 for children (6-12).
When is the Vancouver Lookout open?
The Vancouver Lookout is open from 9:00am-9:00pm during the Winter (October-May) and 8:30am-10:30pm during the Summer (May-October).
Is there a restaurant at the Vancouver Lookout?
Yes, the highly regarded Top of Vancouver is located in the building. This Vancouver revolving restaurant offers award-winning continental cusines with the best views in the city.
Visiting the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre?
That’s Lookout Vancouver done and dusted.
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