Vancouver history

The history of Vancouver is rooted thousands of years in the past, when Indigenous communities flourished on these lands. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the territory of the modern city was home to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, who utilized the rich natural resources of the coast for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first European settlement appeared here in the 1860s around a sawmill. However, the true heart of the future city was a small saloon opened in 1867 by the enterprising Captain John "Gassy Jack" Deighton. The settlement that grew around his establishment quickly gained the unofficial name Gastown. In 1870, it was officially renamed Granville. A fateful moment in the city's history was 1886, when the settlement was incorporated under the name Vancouver, in honour of the British Captain George Vancouver, who explored these shores in 1792. This event was directly linked to the decision to make the city the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Key Factors of Development

Vancouver's rapid growth was driven by several interconnected factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated by the deep-water and storm-protected Burrard Inlet, which created ideal conditions for the development of a major seaport.
• Trade and Resources: Vast timber reserves became the foundation of a powerful logging industry. The Fraser River Gold Rush in 1858 also contributed to an influx of population into the region.
• Transport Infrastructure: A decisive role was played by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which connected Vancouver with the rest of Canada. This turned the city into a key transport hub for trade with Asian countries and the entire world.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In its early years, Vancouver was a typical frontier town, with an economy sustained by logging and port activities. In 1886, almost immediately after its founding, the Great Fire destroyed most of the wooden structures; however, the city was rebuilt in the shortest possible time, but this time using brick and stone. The construction of the railway attracted many migrant workers, laying the foundations for the multicultural character of modern Vancouver. The rapid development of the port and transport network secured the city's status as the leading commercial centre on Canada's west coast.

Key Dates in Vancouver's History

Vancouver, one of Canada's most picturesque and dynamically developing cities, has a rich history filled with significant events. From a humble logger settlement to a metropolis of global importance, each stage has left its mark on its appearance and character.

• 1792 — Captain George Vancouver explores Burrard Inlet, naming many local geographical features and laying the groundwork for future British claims to this territory.
• 1858 — The Fraser River Gold Rush attracts thousands of prospectors to the region, contributing to the founding of the first permanent settlements.
• 1867 — The opening of a saloon by "Gassy Jack" Deighton gives rise to the settlement of Gastown, which became the historical core of the future Vancouver.
• 6 April 1886 — The settlement of Granville officially receives city status and a new name — Vancouver, in honour of the British navigator.
• 13 June 1886 — The Great Fire destroys practically the entire city, but this tragic event triggers a massive reconstruction using more durable materials.
• 1887 — The first Canadian Pacific Railway train arrives in Vancouver, definitively cementing the city's status as the main port on Canada's west coast.
• 1888 — Official opening of Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, which became a symbol of the city.
• 1915 — The local hockey team, the "Vancouver Millionaires," wins the Stanley Cup, marking a significant event in the city's sporting life.
• 1938 — The Lions Gate Bridge opens, connecting downtown Vancouver with the northern suburbs and becoming one of its most recognisable symbols.
• 1956 — The Vancouver Aquarium opens in Stanley Park, the oldest and largest in Canada.
• 2 May 1986 — The World Exposition Expo 86 kicks off in the city, dedicated to transport and communication, attracting over 22 million visitors and radically changing the city's appearance.
• 12–28 February 2010 — Vancouver hosts the XXI Winter Olympic Games, attracting global attention and fostering further development of urban infrastructure.

Key Stages of Vancouver's Development

The transformation of Vancouver from a remote settlement into a thriving world-class metropolis was driven by a series of strategic events and decisions. These milestones shaped its economy, urban landscape, and cultural identity.

• Construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (1887): The arrival of the first train was a turning point that transformed Vancouver into the main gateway for trade between Canada and Asia. This event stimulated rapid port growth and attracted capital and labour to the city, laying the foundation for its economic power.
• Opening of the Panama Canal (1914): The new maritime route significantly reduced the time and cost of shipping goods, such as grain and timber, from western Canada to Europe and the American east coast. This strengthened the status of the Port of Vancouver as a key international transport hub and gave a powerful boost to trade development.
• World Exposition Expo 86: This event became a catalyst for the city's radical transformation. Preparation for the exhibition led to the construction of critical infrastructure, including the SkyTrain rapid transit line, BC Place stadium, and the Canada Place convention centre. Expo 86 attracted 22 million visitors, introduced Vancouver to the world, and launched the massive development of the False Creek area, forever changing its urban landscape.
• The Birth of "Vancouverism": Starting in the 1980s, the city pioneered a unique approach to urban planning known as "Vancouverism." This concept involves creating high-density neighbourhoods with mixed-use developments (residential towers on podiums with shops and offices), an abundance of public spaces, and priority for pedestrians. This approach has created a dynamic and comfortable urban environment that regularly earns Vancouver the title of one of the best cities to live in worldwide.
• Status as "Hollywood North": Thanks to favourable tax conditions, diverse locations, and the high professionalism of local specialists, since the late 20th century, Vancouver has turned into one of the largest centres for film and television production in North America. This industry has become an important part of the city's economy, creating thousands of jobs and bringing a creative atmosphere to the urban culture.
• 2010 Winter Olympic Games: Hosting the Olympics gave new momentum to the city's development. New sports facilities were built, transport infrastructure was modernised—including the extension of the metro line to the airport (Canada Line)—and public spaces were improved. The Games attracted immense international attention, strengthened Vancouver's tourism appeal, and left a valuable legacy that continues to serve the city's residents.

Vancouver's Architectural Look: From Gastown to the "City of Glass"

Vancouver's architecture is a unique reflection of its young history, stunning natural surroundings, and progressive approach to urban planning. Unlike older cities, you won't find Gothic or Renaissance styles here, but you can trace a fascinating journey from practical late 19th-century structures to futuristic glass skyscrapers of the 21st century.

Early Vancouver: Victorian and Edwardian Eras (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

After the Great Fire of 1886, the city began to rebuild using brick and stone. The historic district of Gastown still preserves the charm of that era with its Victorian architecture. The early 20th century was marked by the Edwardian commercial style, a striking representative of which is the Sun Tower (1912). This 17-storey building with a steel frame and a characteristic Beaux-Arts dome was the tallest in the British Empire at the time of its construction.

The Era of Art Deco and Modernism (1920–1970s)

The 1930s gifted the city one of its main architectural masterpieces — the Marine Building (1930). This building is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco in the world. Its façade and interiors are richly decorated with terracotta bas-reliefs featuring marine flora and fauna, as well as depictions of transport from that era, symbolising Vancouver's status as a major port. In the post-war years, the region developed its own architectural language — West Coast Modernism. This style, developed by architects such as Arthur Erickson, is characterised by the integration of buildings into the natural landscape, the use of natural materials (especially wood), open layouts, and large windows that blur the boundary between interior and exterior.

"Vancouverism" and Postmodernism (From the 1980s to Present)

A key event that changed the face of the city was the World Exposition Expo 86. It gave impetus to the development of a unique urban planning model known as "Vancouverism". This approach involves building high-density residential areas while maintaining a comfortable living environment. Its main features are slender high-rise towers on low multi-functional podiums (containing shops and offices), an abundance of public spaces, parks, and a mandatory emphasis on preserving views of the mountains and ocean. Striking examples of architecture from this era include the Canada Place complex (1986) with its sail-like roof and the Vancouver Public Library building (1995), resembling the Roman Colosseum. Due to the widespread use of glass in modern skyscrapers, Vancouver is often called the "City of Glass."

Prominent Figures Associated with Vancouver

Vancouver has been home or a significant chapter in the lives of many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to world culture, science, business, and sport. Here are some of them:

• Captain George Vancouver (1757–1798)
  British naval officer and explorer
  Although he never lived here, his name is immortalised in the city's name. In 1792, he detailedly explored and mapped the coast, including Burrard Inlet, which played a key role in the subsequent British colonisation of the region.
• John "Gassy Jack" Deighton (1830–1875)
  Entrepreneur, saloon owner
  Considered the founder of the settlement that grew into Vancouver. In 1867, he opened the first saloon on the southern shore of Burrard Inlet, around which a community quickly formed, gaining the name Gastown — now a historic district of the city.
• Emily Carr (1871–1945)
  Artist and writer
  One of the most famous Canadian artists, whose work was closely linked to the nature of British Columbia and Indigenous culture. Although born in Victoria, Carr lived and worked in Vancouver, and one of the city's main art universities is named after her.
• Arthur Erickson (1924–2009)
  Architect
  A world-renowned architect based in Vancouver. He is a key figure in the development of the "West Coast Modernism" style. Among his iconic works in the city are the Simon Fraser University campus, the Museum of Anthropology, and the Robson Square complex.
• David Suzuki (born 1936)
  Scientist, broadcaster, and environmentalist
  A prominent geneticist and environmental activist born in Vancouver. For decades, he was a professor at the University of British Columbia and became one of the most recognisable nature defenders in the world thanks to his television programme "The Nature of Things."
• Terry Fox (1958–1981)
  Athlete and humanitarian
  A national hero of Canada. Growing up in Port Coquitlam (a suburb of Vancouver), he began his "Marathon of Hope" — a cross-country run with a prosthetic leg to raise funds for cancer research. His courage and legacy are deeply honoured in Vancouver and across the country.
• Jimmy Pattison (born 1928)
  Businessman and philanthropist
  One of Canada's most influential people, who built his business empire, The Jim Pattison Group, after moving to Vancouver as a child. His activities have had a huge impact on the city's economy, and he is known for extensive charitable work.
• Ryan Reynolds (born 1976)
  Actor, producer, entrepreneur
  A Hollywood star of global scale, born and raised in Vancouver. He often speaks with pride about his Canadian roots and remains closely connected to the city, using the nickname @vancityreynolds on social media and regularly participating in local initiatives.