With over 2 million residents in the metropolitan area, Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada - and beautiful to boot. Nestled between gorgeous mountains, harbours and ocean, this is definitely on my list of highly photogenic urban landscapes. There are many fantastic places where you can take unique and original photos of Vancouver's cityscape and mountains.
Having lived in Vancouver for several years I've been able to take photographs of the city in all seasons and now have a few favourite "go-to" places. Here are 10 great spots to take beautiful pictures of Vancouver. The nearest street address for each location is indicated, and I've also included Google links to help you find them.
University of British Columbia (5955-5975 NW Marine Dr Greater Vancouver V6T 1Z1)
The University of British Columbia is a sprawling centre of education, located at the western end of Vancouver. UBC has plenty of lovely parks and gardens, and if you have time it is worth exploring the University Endowment Lands. But for a good view of the city and North Shore Mountains, head up to the Rose Garden for some panoramic views. You might get some quirky students to pose for you while you're there.
Spanish Banks (Northwest Marine Drive, Vancouver)
It is not far from UBC to Spanish Banks, one of the quieter Vancouver beaches. Overlooking Vancouver's North Shore across the Burrard Inlet, this is a popular place for Vancouverites to picnic and walk their pooches. When the tide is out and the sun is low, you will be able to take gorgeous pictures of the North Shore Mountains with the rippled tidal sands stretching out in the foreground. You might be able to take some interesting people and dog shots too.
Jericho Beach Park (Discovery Street, Vancouver or Point Grey Road, Vancouver)
Heading back towards the city from Spanish Banks you'll find Jericho Beach Park, another Vancouver gem which doesn't generally feature on the standard tour routes. From Jericho Beach you can take wonderful photos of the sandy beach foreground, with yachts, skyscrapers and mountains in the background. Try taking some interesting shots of the massive logs lined up along the sand. In summer, Jericho Beach is a popular place from which to see the "Celebration of Light" fireworks display, usually held in July each year.
Kitsilano Beach (Cornwall Avenue & Yew Street, Vancouver)
Okay, so I know that Kitsilano Beach probably features on every Vancouver tourist guide, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention this as an excellent place to take photos of the city and its inhabitants. Kits Beach and pool is located across English Bay from Vancouver's West End, and is THE beach to be seen at. There is usually lots of activity in summer, such as regular beach volleyball tournaments. Head up the steps above the Kitsilano Beach Pool and take photos of the vibrant blue pool in the foreground with city buildings in the background. Kits Beach is also an excellent place to take people portraits, with a gorgeous backdrop of mountains, water, trees or buildings.
Spyglass Place ferry stop (Spyglass Place, Vancouver)
At the end of Spyglass Place you'll find an Aquabus ferry stop, which is a quiet little wharf that looks directly at the shiny glass towers in Yaletown. It's an excellent place to take urban photos with towers in the background, yachts and water in the foreground. Go early in the morning when the water is glassy and you'll get some beautiful reflective shots.
Coopers Park (Cooperage Way, Vancouver)
This little park is situated under the Cambie St bridge in Yaletown and looks back across False Creek towards Scienceworld and the Olympic Village. Scienceworld is the giant silver dome with colourful lights laced across it and is particularly interesting to photograph at dusk when the lights are switched on. This is a really neat spot to take photos of Vancouver.
Queen Elizabeth Park (Cambie Street, at 33rd Avenue, Vancouver)
Queen Elizabeth Park is the second most popular park in Vancouver, after the famous Stanley Park. Head all the way up to the conservatory car park at the top of the hill and you'll be rewarded with a lookout over the city and North Shore Mountains, an excellent place for panoramic Vancouver cityscape photos. For the gardening enthusiast there are also limitless opportunities to take photos of flowers and trees as well.
Burnaby Mountain (Centennial Way, Burnaby)
I may be biased because I live in the adjacent city of Burnaby, but I think there are some great views of Vancouver to be had from Burnaby Mountain. (This is otherwise known as Simon Fraser University.) I highly recommend heading up Centennial Way to the Burnaby Mountain lookout, particularly at dusk. You can indulge in a little fine dining at Horizons restaurant while you're there. From the lookout you’ll see almost the entire span of the Burrard Inlet, from Vancouver Harbour all the way around to Port Moody.
Seymour Mountain and Cypress Mountain
I'm lumping two places together, but the idea is the same. Get up high and take pictures of Vancouver from above. Skiers may be familiar with Seymour Mountain and Cypress Mountain as winter playgrounds but these two locations are also excellent places to visit in summer and take beautiful photos of Vancouver from on high.
To get to Seymour Mountain, head to North Vancouver and go up Mt. Seymour Road, all the way to the top until you get to the ski lodge. At the top of the Lodge Chairlift, you can look back across Vancouver and on a clear day you'll be able to photograph Mt. Baker, Washington in the background.
To get to Cypress Mountain, take Highway One across to West Vancouver and exit at Cypress Bowl Road. I recommend stopping at the clearly marked lookout for amazing pictures of Vancouver and the Strait of Georgia. On a clear day you'll be able to see Vancouver Island in the distance.
Lighthouse Park (Beacon Lane, West Vancouver)
Located in West Vancouver, this is one of the only places in the Vancouver area that was never completely logged. Walk through the beautiful forest, out to the end of Beacon Lane to the Lighthouse and look back over Vancouver and the Strait of Georgia. While you're there you may spot one of the area's 60 bird species.
Enjoy your photographic experiences of Vancouver. I guarantee you won't need to buy a postcard, but will be able to use your own wonderful and distinctive photos as keepsakes instead.
