photo: Jenn Chan Photography
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A picturesque residential area that boasts a multitude of high-rise condos and seemingly endless stretches of walkway and greenery, Coal Harbour. We may not all be able to afford to live in Coal Harbour, but luckily it doesn’t cost much to walk around and explore this luxury neighborhood where urban development intertwines with the beauty of nature.
Here’s our pick of must-see and do attractions in the area:
9. Vancouver Convention Centre
One of Canada’s largest convention centres, the Vancouver Convention Centre is a tourist hub. This modern, green, state-of-the-art facility offers one of the best harbour views in the entire city. Easy to navigate and even easier to spend the day enjoying a coffee or some bubbly while watching the cruise ships and float planes go in and out. Also, the starting point for the 32km long Seawall.
photo: Texting the City
8. Public Art Installations
Vancouver’s art scene continues to flourish, and Coal Harbour is a prime example of this. Urban art can be enjoyed throughout the neighborhood from the hauntingly beautiful Liz Major “Light Shed” installation at the foot of Broughton Street, overlooking Vancouver Harbour – to the striking and colorful First Nations totem poles in Stanley Park.
Photo: Lift Bar and Grill
7. Waterfront Dining
Every meal comes with a view in Coal Harbour. Relax and unwind in the summer on a sun-drenched patio with a glass of sav blanc or with a cognac cocktail in the winter while looking to the sea. Memorable all year round.
Photo: Yelp
6. Cafe Crawls
If you’re a coffee aficionado, you know that the coffee culture in Vancouver is world-class. Start your tour of Coal Harbour with a boost of caffeine – you’ll need it considering the amount of walking you’ll be doing! A few of our favourites include: Bellaggio Cafe, Cafe Villaggio, giovane cafe, Take Five Cafe, and 6 Degrees Eatery.
5. Coal Harbour Marina
Ogle in awe and perhaps envy at boats and yachts the majority of us ‘common folk’ can only dream of one day owning at the Coal Harbour Marina, while surrounded by shopping, restaurants and patios, and with world-renowned Stanley Park just a short walk away.
Photo: Google Images
4. Harbour Green Park
One of the best features of Coal Harbour is the number of green parks and spaces, including Harbour Green Park, a luscious spread of greenery perfect for a stroll-through, a picnic, or to hunker down for a few hours with a great read.
Photo: Local Lux
3. Vancouver Aquarium
Located in the heart of Stanley Park, The Vancouver Aquarium is a busy destination, frequented by both tourists and locals. Plenty to see from dolphins to fish as well as incredible and educational displays of marine ecosystems!
photo: Janet Chow
2. Jack Poole Plaza
Built for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Jack Poole Plaza is a MUST see attraction during your tour of Coal Harbour. This is where you’ll find the external cauldron built specifically for the games as well as the iconic Digital Orca – artist Douglas Coupland’s first Vancouver art piece.
photo: Christopher Martin Photography
1. Stanley Park
At the top of our list is Stanley Park, an oasis that is a huge part of what makes Vancouver so special. Enjoy views on views on endless views strolling or biking through old growth forests and along the scenic seawall, stopping at breath-taking view points like Prospect Point which overlooks the Lions Gate Bridge, and Lost Lagoon to name a few.
