Building sights in Canada
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A
Sam Kee Building
This structure near the corner of Carrall St made it into the Guinness World Records as the world’s narrowest office building. It’s easy to miss because it looks like the front of the larger building behind, to which it is attached. A businessman’s vendetta against city hall led to the structure’s anorexic shape. Chang Toy, the Sam Kee Co owner, bought land at this site in 1906, but in 1926 all but a 1.8m-wide strip was expropriated by the city to widen Pender St. Toy’s way of thumbing his nose at city officials was to build anyway, and up sprang the unusual ‘Slender on Pender’ dwelling. It’s almost in the shadow of the towering Millennium Gate.
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B
Waterfront Station
Opened in 1915, this handsome, multi-columned heritage building at the foot of Granville St was originally the old Canadian Pacific Railway station and the western terminus for transcontinental passenger trains. These days it houses offices, cafés and shops, and acts as the main link between SkyTrain and SeaBus transit services (the West Coast Express commuter train also rolls into town here). It’s well worth boarding the SeaBus for the short hop across Burrard Inlet – you’ll have a lovely duck’s-eye view of the city as well as some bustling port life. Aim for a seat at the front of the boat for the best views.
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C
Sikh Temple
Not in the market, but close enough to be worth the extra trip, is the Sikh Temple. Designed by revered local architect Arthur Erickson, the building has the hallmarks of traditional Indian architecture. Visitors are welcome to look inside as long as they follow the prescribed customs: women need to bring a scarf to cover their head, and you’ll be asked to leave your shoes at the entrance. It’s off SE Marine Dr, near Knight St.
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D
Christ Church Cathedral
Built in 1853, the Christ Church Cathedral is a fine early example of the 19th-century revival of decorated Gothic architecture and has exquisite stained glass. The cathedral is particularly notable because it's very compact - tall for the short length of the building, yet with a balance and proportion that make the interior seem both normal and spacious.
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E
Burns Building
You can easily cover all 26 buildings on the walking tour in a couple of hours. Highlights include the 1899 Burns Building, which has a carved cow head over the door courtesy of its cattle-baron builder. And note that you'll be passing by some of the town's most refreshing cafés and bars…
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F
Canada Life Building
Push through the huge doors of the megalithic stone Canada Life building and front up to the lobby desk where you can collect a weather card that explains the mysteries of the 1950s beacon on top of the building. If it's flashing white, get ready for a big dump of snow.
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G
Drummond Medical Building
This university faculty building combines Art Deco with the 'Arts & Crafts' style that was popular in the 1920s. Check the branches, pine cones and flowers on the facade, and the lacy artwork in the lobby.
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H
White Pass & Yukon Route Station
One look at the majestic Yukon River and you'll understand why the waterfront is being reborn. The beautiful White Pass & Yukon Route Station has been restored and anchors the area.
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