100 Facts About Vancouver – Quirky, Odd, Weird, and Random Insights

Vancouver British Columbia Canada, is a city that stands out for its stunning natural beauty, dynamic culture, and unique atmosphere. Beyond the postcard-perfect views and outdoor activities, there are layers of history, innovation, and quirky details that shape the character of this west coast gem. From unusual local customs to surprising architectural feats, Vancouver is full of strange, weird, and random facts that even some locals may not know.

Here, we’ve compiled 100 quirky, odd, weird, and random facts about Vancouver that will give you fresh insights into the city’s eccentric side. Whether you’re a visitor or a long-time resident, these facts might make you see the city in a new light.

1-10: Historical Facts

1. Vancouver wasn’t always called Vancouver – Before 1886, the settlement was named Granville. The name was changed to honor British explorer George Vancouver.
2. Vancouver is younger than Canada – The city of Vancouver was incorporated in 1886, nearly 20 years after Canada’s Confederation in 1867.
3. Gastown’s cobblestone streets – Gastown, one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods, retains its historic cobblestone streets and is home to the famous steam clock.
4. The Great Fire of 1886 – Shortly after the city’s incorporation, a fire destroyed most of the city in just 45 minutes. It was quickly rebuilt.
5. Gassy Jack gave Gastown its name – Gastown is named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman who opened the area’s first saloon in 1867.
6. Stanley Park predates the city – Stanley Park was designated in 1888, making it older than most of the city’s buildings and one of the largest urban parks in North America.
7. Lions Gate Bridge funded by beer money – The iconic Lions Gate Bridge was partly funded by the Guinness family, who also owned the famous Irish brewery.
8. Vancouver’s Dominion Building haunted past – The Dominion Building, once the tallest in the British Empire, is rumored to be haunted by its architect, who died during its construction.
9. The Burrard Inlet was once nearly a canal – Early planners considered turning Burrard Inlet into a shipping canal but scrapped the idea.
10. Canada’s first electric streetcar – Vancouver was the first city in Canada to introduce an electric streetcar in 1890, revolutionizing transportation in the city.

11-20: Nature and Wildlife

11. Vancouver is in a rainforest – The city is part of the temperate rainforest zone, which explains the lush greenery and frequent rain.
12. Orcas in Burrard Inlet – It’s rare but not impossible to see orcas swimming close to the city’s shores, especially in the spring and summer months.
13. Stanley Park’s giant trees – Stanley Park is home to trees over 1,000 years old, including massive Douglas firs and western red cedars.
14. Thousands of crows commute daily – Every evening, thousands of crows fly across Vancouver to roost in Burnaby. The “Crow Commute” is a well-known sight.
15. Salmon returning to the city – Efforts to clean up Vancouver’s waterways have resulted in salmon returning to areas like False Creek and the Fraser River.
16. Stanley Park’s coyotes – Despite being a popular urban park, Stanley Park has a population of coyotes, leading to periodic safety campaigns.
17. Eagle nests in the city – Vancouver is home to hundreds of bald eagle nests, many in unexpected urban areas.
18. A beaver dam in the Olympic Village – Beavers have returned to False Creek, and a visible beaver dam can be found in Hinge Park near Olympic Village.
19. Capilano’s suspension bridge was built in 1889 – The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s oldest tourist attractions, originally made of hemp rope and cedar planks.
20. Black squirrels in Stanley Park – These non-native creatures were introduced to Stanley Park in the early 20th century and have adapted well.

21-30: Infrastructure and Urban Design

21. No freeways downtown – Vancouver is one of the few major cities in North America without a freeway cutting through its downtown, thanks to a grassroots movement that stopped freeway expansion in the 1970s.
22. The world’s longest waterfront path – The Seawall, which circles Stanley Park and extends along False Creek, is the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world.
23. The narrowest commercial building – The Sam Kee Building in Chinatown is the narrowest commercial building in the world at just 4’11” wide.
24. Glass buildings galore – Vancouver is often called the “City of Glass” due to the sheer number of glass-walled skyscrapers designed to reflect the city’s natural light.
25. The revolving restaurant at Harbour Centre – Vancouver’s Harbour Centre Tower has a revolving restaurant that gives diners a full panoramic view of the city in just under an hour.
26. Vancouver’s bike-friendly ethos – Vancouver is one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America, with an extensive network of cycling paths.
27. SkyTrain was the first fully automated rail system – Opened in 1986, Vancouver’s SkyTrain system was one of the first driverless transit systems in the world.
28. The green roof on the Convention Centre – The Vancouver Convention Centre has one of the largest green roofs in North America, featuring over 400,000 indigenous plants and grasses.
29. Olympic Village’s sustainability – Built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Olympic Village is now one of the world’s greenest residential communities.
30. Burrard Bridge’s Art Deco touches – Burrard Bridge is one of the city’s architectural gems, with Art Deco detailing that often goes unnoticed by those crossing it.

31-40: Pop Culture and Entertainment

31. Hollywood North – Vancouver is one of the biggest film production hubs outside of Los Angeles, earning it the nickname “Hollywood North.”
32. The X-Files connection – The cult TV show The X-Files filmed its first five seasons in Vancouver, giving it its signature eerie, rainy vibe.
33. Deadpool’s home turf – The Deadpool films, starring Vancouver-native Ryan Reynolds, were largely filmed in Vancouver, with many references to the city.
34. Ryan Reynolds’ public transit cameo – Ryan Reynolds, a proud Vancouverite, temporarily voiced announcements on the city’s SkyTrain system in 2018.
35. Michael Bublé’s local roots – World-famous crooner Michael Bublé hails from Burnaby, a suburb of Vancouver, and still spends considerable time in the city.
36. Supernatural’s Vancouver stint – The long-running TV show Supernatural filmed all 15 of its seasons in and around Vancouver.
37. Battlestar Galactica filmed here – Much of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series was shot in Vancouver, using the city’s sleek architecture as a stand-in for futuristic settings.
38. The Power Rangers legacy – Several Power Rangers series were filmed in Vancouver, including Power Rangers Ninja Storm and Power Rangers Dino Thunder.
39. Riverdale and Vancouver – The hit show Riverdale is filmed in Vancouver, with local high schools and neighborhoods providing the backdrop for its storylines.
40. Seth Rogen’s SkyTrain PSA – In 2018, Vancouver-born actor Seth Rogen recorded humorous public service announcements for TransLink, Vancouver’s transit authority.

41-50: Cultural and Social Quirks

41. Vancouver’s diverse population – Over 50% of Vancouver’s population identifies as a visible minority, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
42. The East Van Cross – A large illuminated cross reading “East Van” is a symbol of the neighborhood’s gritty and artistic spirit.
43. No umbrellas? No problem – Despite Vancouver’s notorious rain, many locals refuse to carry umbrellas, opting instead for water-resistant jackets.
44. Vancouverites love their coffee – Vancouver has one of the highest concentrations of coffee shops per capita in North America, yet many claim the city’s best coffee is still a hidden gem.
45. Sushi capital of North America – With over 600 sushi restaurants, Vancouver is said to have some of the best sushi outside of Japan.
46. Polar Bear Swim tradition – Every New Year’s Day, hundreds of people take part in the annual Polar Bear Swim, plunging into the icy waters of English Bay.
47. Vancouver’s yoga obsession – Vancouver is known for its yoga culture, with yoga studios on nearly every corner and an annual outdoor yoga event at Kitsilano Beach.
48. Lululemon’s local beginnings – The yoga-wear giant Lululemon started in Vancouver in 1998 and has since become an international brand.
49. Vancouver’s love for plant-based food – Vancouver is a leading city in the vegan and plant-based food movement, with numerous restaurants catering to a plant-based lifestyle.
50. Poutine with a twist – While poutine originated in Quebec, Vancouver’s version often features unique toppings like pulled pork, kimchi, or even sushi.

51-60: Local Laws and Regulations

51. It’s illegal to swear in public parks – Swearing in Vancouver’s public parks can result in a fine under city bylaws.
52. No smoking in parks or beaches – Smoking has been banned in Vancouver’s parks and beaches since 2010, making the city one of the leaders in public health initiatives.
53. Vancouver’s ban on plastic straws – In 2019, Vancouver became the first Canadian city to ban plastic straws, aiming to reduce plastic waste.
54. Bicycles must have a bell by law – In Vancouver, cyclists are required by law to have a bell on their bikes, as well as lights at night.
55. No sandcastles on city beaches – Building large sandcastles is technically against Vancouver’s beach bylaws, although this rule is rarely enforced.
56. Dog poop fines – Not picking up after your dog in Vancouver can result in fines of up to $2,000.
57. Dogs need bus passes too – If you bring your dog on public transit, they need to have their own fare, though this is loosely enforced.
58. Loud car alarms are illegal – Car alarms that go off for more than 5 minutes can result in a fine, helping to reduce noise pollution in residential areas.
59. No fireworks outside of Halloween – In Vancouver, fireworks can only be sold for Halloween, unlike other Canadian cities where they are sold year-round.
60. Street performers need licenses – Buskers must obtain a permit to perform on the streets of Vancouver, and there are designated spots for performing.

61-70: Sporting Facts

61. Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics – The 2010 Winter Olympics brought global attention to Vancouver, and many of the Olympic venues are still in use.
62. Canucks’ long Stanley Cup drought – The Vancouver Canucks, founded in 1970, have never won a Stanley Cup, despite coming close in 1982, 1994, and 2011.
63. The Vancouver Millionaires won the Stanley Cup – In 1915, the Vancouver Millionaires hockey team won the Stanley Cup, the city’s only NHL championship to date.
64. The Vancouver Grizzlies’ short NBA stint – Vancouver had an NBA team, the Grizzlies, from 1995 to 2001 before the franchise relocated to Memphis.
65. The Sun Run – Vancouver’s annual Sun Run is one of the largest 10K road races in North America, attracting tens of thousands of participants.
66. The Grouse Grind – Known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster,” the Grouse Grind is a steep hiking trail up Grouse Mountain, completed by over 150,000 people annually.
67. Beach volleyball hub – Kitsilano Beach is one of the best places for beach volleyball in the city and hosts major tournaments throughout the summer.
68. Dragon boating culture – Vancouver hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival, drawing teams from around the world to compete on False Creek.
69. Vancouver Whitecaps – The Whitecaps FC, Vancouver’s professional soccer team, play in Major League Soccer and have a passionate local fanbase.
70. Vancouver’s curling obsession – Curling is a popular sport in Vancouver, with several local clubs and recreational leagues throughout the city.

71-80: Architectural Marvels

71. The tallest building in Vancouver – The Living Shangri-La, at 201 meters tall, is Vancouver’s tallest building, blending residential units with a luxury hotel.
72. The Sun Tower’s dome – The Sun Tower, built in 1912, once had the tallest copper dome in the British Empire.
73. The Guinness-funded Lions Gate Bridge – Opened in 1938, the Lions Gate Bridge was funded by the Guinness family (of beer fame) to connect Vancouver to the North Shore.
74. The Flatiron building in Gastown – The Hotel Europe, located in Gastown, is Vancouver’s version of New York’s Flatiron Building, with its distinctive triangular shape.
75. Canada Place’s iconic sails – The white sail-like structures atop Canada Place are one of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks, designed to evoke the sails of a ship.
76. The Vancouver House twist – The twisting structure of Vancouver House, a residential high-rise, makes it one of the most eye-catching buildings in the city.
77. Wooden skyscrapers at UBC – The University of British Columbia is home to the tallest wooden building in the world, Brock Commons, standing 18 stories tall.
78. The hollow core of Vancouver’s Marine Building – Once the tallest building in the British Empire, the Marine Building is an art deco masterpiece, featuring a hollowed-out core to minimize the use of building materials.
79. The revolving restaurant – The revolving restaurant at the top of Harbour Centre gives visitors 360-degree views of Vancouver’s skyline and the surrounding mountains.
80. The Vancouver Convention Centre’s eco-design – The Convention Centre has an innovative design, with a green roof and systems in place to recycle water and reduce energy use.

81-90: Local Festivals and Events

81. The Vancouver International Film Festival – Every fall, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) showcases films from around the world, highlighting independent and Canadian cinema.
82. Dine Out Vancouver – Dine Out Vancouver is the city’s largest food and drink festival, where restaurants offer special menus at discounted prices.
83. Celebration of Light – Vancouver hosts the Celebration of Light, one of the world’s largest offshore fireworks competitions, every summer over English Bay.
84. Vancouver Pride Parade – Vancouver’s Pride Parade is one of the largest in Canada, celebrating the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
85. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival – This annual festival at Jericho Beach attracts folk musicians from around the world for a weekend of live music.
86. Vancouver Fringe Festival – The Vancouver Fringe Festival is a theater lover’s dream, featuring performances from independent theater companies from around the world.
87. Car Free Day – Held annually in various neighborhoods, Car Free Day encourages Vancouverites to leave their cars at home and enjoy pedestrian-friendly streets filled with vendors, music, and art.
88. Greek Day on Broadway – This festival celebrates Vancouver’s Greek community with food, music, and traditional dance, held annually in the Kitsilano neighborhood.
89. The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival – Every December, the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival lights up Vancouver’s darkest night of the year with glowing lanterns and cultural performances.
90. Vancouver Christmas Market – Modeled after traditional European Christmas markets, this festive event at Jack Poole Plaza offers mulled wine, holiday treats, and handcrafted gifts.

91-100: Random and Miscellaneous

91. The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the oldest in North America – Opened in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium is a leader in marine conservation and research.
92. JapaDog’s cult following – JapaDog, a Japanese-inspired hot dog stand, became a local phenomenon for its unique toppings like wasabi mayo and seaweed.
93. Tacofino’s origins in Tofino – The beloved Vancouver taco chain, Tacofino, originally started as a food truck in the surf town of Tofino.
94. The world’s first vegan food truck – Vancouver is home to what’s believed to be the world’s first vegan food truck, called “The Loving Hut Express.”
95. Vancouver’s electric ferries – The SeaBus, which connects downtown Vancouver with North Vancouver, plans to introduce electric ferries by 2030.
96. Salt Tasting Room’s minimalist menu – This Gastown eatery focuses solely on wine, cheese, and charcuterie, offering a unique and pared-down dining experience.
97. The Woodward’s W – The red neon “W” that sits atop the old Woodward’s building is a Vancouver icon, symbolizing the city’s early retail culture.
98. Vancouver’s secret bunker – Rumor has it there’s an old Cold War-era nuclear bunker hidden beneath the Cambie Street Bridge, though its location is kept secret.
99. Vancouver’s public pianos – Every summer, brightly painted pianos are placed around the city for anyone to play, adding a touch of spontaneous music to public spaces.
100. The city’s “No Fun” nickname – For years, Vancouver was nicknamed “No Fun City” due to its early closing times and strict noise bylaws, though the nickname is slowly fading as the city’s nightlife and event scene grows.

Closing Thoughts

Vancouver is a city brimming with interesting contrasts and quirky facts that set it apart from other cities in Canada and around the world. Whether it’s the natural beauty, the vibrant cultural scene, or the surprising local oddities, Vancouver’s eclectic blend of the old and the new, the wild and the urban, keeps people fascinated. Each of these facts adds a little more texture to the city’s already rich tapestry. If you live here, perhaps you’ve discovered something new, and if you’re just visiting, consider this your guide to exploring Vancouver’s more unconventional side.

Which quirky Vancouver fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments, and keep exploring!