Vancouver stands out as among the world’s most stunning cities. Doubters should witness its beauty firsthand by taking in the panoramic views from the Vancouver Lookout.
Perched on top of one of the city’s tallest structures, this aerial attraction offers awe-inspiring 360° vistas of Vancouver’s skyline against the backdrop of its magnificent Pacific rainforest.
Below is a brief walkthrough on how to experience our remarkable observation deck. Don’t forget to prepare your camera!
Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre
The Vancouver Lookout can be found in one of Vancouver’s tallest buildings, known as Harbour Centre. This stunning viewpoint is just a 5-minute walk from the famous Steamclock in the heart of Gastown.
It is just across the street from the Skytrain’s Waterfront Station, making it a convenient visit using Vancouver’s public transport system. And it is also just a short stroll from the Vancouver Cruise Port, making it a great option for those on shore leave.
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 Tower Vancouver 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 can 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 Vancouver Tower also hosts numerous events throughout the year and houses the popular Top of Vancouver Restaurant.
Vancouver Lookout Tower Hours
The Harbour Centre observation deck is open daily year-round. However, the Vancouver Lookout opening hours change according to the season:
- Operational Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
And remember, the last elevator ride up departs at 6:30 (during high season. So give yourself enough time to enjoy the attraction fully. But how long does a visit to the Vancouver Lookout take?
I recommend taking 45 minutes to an hour to get your money’s worth. And for those visiting Vancouver in summer, I’d strongly recommend purchasing 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 calendar below:
Vancouver Lookout Ticket Prices
Here’s the following Vancouver Lookout price:
- Adult: $19.16
- Student: $13.91
- Children (6-12): $13.91
*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.
Private Rentals
At the Vancouver Lookout, we extend a warm invitation for private event rentals outside of our regular operating hours.
With over 5,000 square feet of space available, our venue can be transformed to suit the needs of your event, whether it’s a private party, corporate meeting, reception, or meet-up.
With a maximum capacity of 200 guests, our venue-only rental option comes with a preferred vendor list for your convenience.
Additionally, included in your venue rental at no extra charge are essential amenities such as inventory, Wi-Fi access, and use of a caterer’s kitchen, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Related: Best Vancouver City Tours
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 that serves the Skytrain, Seabus, and West Coast Express.
I strongly recommend using transport if your downtown hotel or Vancouver hostel is near these systems.
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? This amazing tourist attraction is 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
- Book Your Tickets Online: The Vancouver observation deck can be a very busy place, particularly during high season. So we recommend taking advantage of our skip-the-line tickets to avoid spending more time waiting in line than checking out the views.
- Visit on a Clear Day: The views will be significantly better on a clear day. You can expect a significant reduction in visibility during periods of inclement weather. And the city’s mountain scenery may end up veiled in clouds. Monitor the Vancouver weather forecast before your visit.
- Go up More Than Once: Tickets for the Vancouver Lookout are valid until closing on the day of purchase or the day of validation for those who purchase them in advance. To maximize value, I recommend returning later at dusk to see what promises to be one of the most amazing sunsets of your life!
- Grab a Bite to Eat: The Top of Vancouver Restaurant offers delightful continental cuisine and the most breathtaking views anywhere in the city. A dinner in this stunning revolving dining room is a perfect cap to your stay in downtown Vancouver. Better yet, it absolves you of the obligation to pay for the Vancouver Lookout, so the views are free!
- Pair your visit with another attraction: Other Vancouver attractions like Flyover Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park, Gastown, and Chinese Classical Gardens are a short distance away. Furthermore, our partners at Tiqets often offer package deals with reduced entry fees when paired with the Lookout observation deck. Scroll down to the hand-picked combinations using the link below:
Visiting the Vancouver Lookout FAQs
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 Tower?
The Vancouver Lookout Tower offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck, providing visitors with a bird’s-eye perspective of Vancouver’s stunning skyline and surrounding natural beauty.
How much do Vancouver Lookout tickets cost?
Vancouver Lookout tickets cost $19.16 for adults, $13.91 for students, and $13.91 for children (6-12).
When is the Vancouver Lookout open?
The Lookout Vancouver is open from 10 am to 6 pm, seven days a week, with the final elevator accommodating guests until 5:30 pm. Any early or special closures should be noted.
Is there a restaurant at the Vancouver Harbour Centre?
Yes, there’s a restaurant at the Vancouver Harbour Centre. This Vancouver revolving restaurant offers award-winning continental cuisine with the best views in the city. Alternatively, there is a food court on the building’s bottom floor.
How high is the Vancouver Harbour Centre?
The Vancouver Lookout, situated on top the Harbour Centre in downtown Vancouver, stands at an elevation of 553 feet (168.6 meters) tall above ground level, providing unparalleled 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
How old is the Vancouver Lookout?
The Vancouver Lookout is 47 years old. It opened its doors in 1977, offering visitors a stunning vantage point to admire the city’s skyline and surrounding landscapes for over four decades.
Related: The Vancouver Attractions Passport
All ready to visit the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre?
That wraps up your Lookout Vancouver experience! Hopefully, you’ve gathered all the essentials for a fantastic visit.
If you found our recommendations helpful and want up-to-date info on Vancouver, please consider following us on Facebook. Feel free to drop any additional questions in the comments section below.
Otherwise, have a wonderful time exploring Vancouver Lookout.
And don’t forget to bring your camera!
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