The City of Vancouver is an ever-evolving city, and thanks to the city’s archives, it’s incredible to see how it has transformed over the years.
From businesses that no longer exist to seeing sections of the city that are transit hubs today and were just regular city blocks yesterday, Vancouver has come a long way.
Here are some snapshots of the past that may blow your mind.
The City of Vancouver archives suggest the photos used in this piece were taken between the 1960s and the 1980s.
Broadway and Cambie
Some of the most stark transformations can be seen in spots that are now transit hubs, like Broadway—City Hall Station.
This is how the area looked sometime in the late 80s.
COV Archives/COV-S505-1-: CVA 772-319
Across the street from what is now the station used to be Fogg n’ Suds bar and a Thai restaurant called Orchid Garden.
COV Archives/AM757-S2-F3-: CVA 798-7.23 | Sharon Proctor
And we know how the area looks today as we brace for another transformation following the completion of the Broadway Subway Project.
Google Maps
Robson and Burrard
Another area that will see some changes soon is Robson and Burrard.
While there are certainly some similarities, maybe the most notable retailer at this intersection, lululemon, didn’t yet exist.
COV Archives/COV-S505-1-: CVA 772-282
What became the Victoria’s Secret building, and will soon be the location for a new Adidas store, was actually once the Vancouver Public Library.
Google Maps
Hastings Street
Columbia and Hastings
The Downtown Eastside is one part of Vancouver that has significantly changed over the years.
COV Archives/ COV-S505-1-: CVA 772-485
Today, the area is known for its concentration of folks struggling with poverty and homelessness and support services for people struggling with substance abuse issues.
Google Maps
Main and Hastings
The intersection of Main and Hastings, considered the core of the Downtown Eastside, doesn’t look very architecturally different today than it did 40 to 50 years ago.
COV Archives/COV-S505-1-: CVA 772-1079
Google Maps
Granville and Robson
Of course, we can’t forget about downtown Vancouver.
Remember when the former Nordstrom location was a retailer called House of Christmas? Neither do we.
COV Archives/AM1551-S2-: 2010-006.097/Reksten, Ernie H
The photograph from the late 60s is stunning, seeing how relatively quiet and quaint Robson and Granville used to be.
Google Maps
Here’s another shot of Granville and Robson from the 1970s looking down toward Smithe Street.
COV Archives/COV-S587-: CVA 69-25-: CVA 69-25.12
Another significant change in Vancouver is the amount of neon signage that used to exist but no longer does.
A Greg Girard photo of Vancouver from the 1970s pic.twitter.com/Qv3PimcMLy
— Old Canada Series (@oldcanadaseries) June 30, 2024
Are there other parts of Vancouver you’re curious to see how they’ve changed over the years? Let us know in the comments.