Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinVancouver’s skyline is growing faster than ever. Buildings have been shooting up every year, and while they aren’t the tallest in Canada, they have become great storytellers of the city’s growth.
To add a fun twist to that, let’s measure the heights of these skyscrapers using a quintessential Canadian treat – Nanaimo bars. These rich, chocolatey bars are typically cut into 1-inch (2.54 cm) pieces for easy snacking and perfect portioning.
Imagine stacking them sky-high to match the skyscrapers. Join me on this free and fun tour around the city to see how our tallest structures stack up!
What are the tallest buildings in Vancouver?
Living Shangri-La
| Location | 1128 West Georgia Street |
| Height | 659 feet (201 meters) |
| Floors | 62 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 7,908 bars |
Living Shangri-La, built in 2008, is a 62-story marvel housing a 5-star hotel on the lower levels and upscale condominiums above.
Rising above Vancouver’s skyline, it’s as tall as 7,908 Nanaimo bars stacked end to end! You can imagine living in the clouds with stunning views of the city and mountains, making it a coveted address for residents and visitors.
The construction required 3.1 million man-hours, which made it one of the most ambitious projects in the city’s history and set the records for the deepest excavation in the city.
Pro tip: For a special treat, relax in the luxurious Chi, The Spa, located within the building.
Paradox Hotel Vancouver
| Location | 1151 West Georgia Street |
| Height | 616 feet (188 meters) |
| Floors | 60 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 7, 392 bars |
Designed by the famed Arthur Erickson, Paradox Hotel Vancouver‘s sleek triangular shape is as striking as its luxurious interiors. Every corner really gives off a feel of opulence.
This building was originally called the Trump Tower, and with a height equal to 7, 392 Nanaimo bars, its unique design and high-end amenities are a real standout in Vancouver’s skyline.
Pro tip: Check out the Paradox’s sky-high nightclub, which offers a chic setting with panoramic views of Vancouver’s skyline. It’s a perfect spot for an upscale night out.
The Butterfly
| Location | 1019 Nelson Street |
| Height | 587 feet (179 meters) |
| Floors | 57 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 7, 044 bars |
The Butterfly by Westbank, built in 2003 as one of the newest additions to the city skyline, stands as tall as 7, 044 Nanaimo bars.
Inspired by the pipe organs of the church next to it, its unique “waving clouds” design makes it not just a place to live but a piece of art that adds charm to the cityscape. Its architecture and upscale condos quickly made it a landmark in the city.
Pro tip: Visit the nearby Nelson Park, if you want to take a relaxing stroll after admiring The Butterfly.
One Burrard Place
| Location | 1289 Hornby Street |
| Height | 550 feet (167 meters) |
| Floors | 54 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 6, 216 bars |
One Burrard Place is an impressive tower standing as tall as 6,600 Nanaimo bars, and offering elite residential units with awe-inspiring views of the city, sea, and mountains.
The success of this project has led to plans for 2 Burrard Place, already set to stand back to back with One Burrard Place.
Pro tip: The residents’ exclusive amenities include a wellness center and a rooftop garden. If you have friends or family living there, ask for a tour to see these impressive features firsthand.
The Private Residences at Hotel Georgia
| Location | 667 Howe Street |
| Height | 518 feet (158 meters) |
| Floors | 48 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 916 bars |
Next to the historic Hotel Georgia, The Private Residences combines old-world charm with modern luxury.
Standing as tall as 6,216 Nanaimo bars stacked up, it offers premium views from cantilevered balconies, in a building that harmonizes beautifully with its heritage neighbor.
Surely, it has added quite a luxurious touch to downtown Vancouver since 2012.
Pro tip: Dine at the prestigious Hawksworth Restaurant at Hotel Georgia for an awesome culinary experience.
Vancouver House
| Location | 1480 Howe Street |
| Height | 493 feet (150 meters) |
| Floors | 49 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 916 bars |
Vancouver House is a work of art, with a shape-shifting design that transitions from a triangular at its base to a rectangular at the top.
Awarded Future Project of the Year in 2015, it’s a standout piece of modern architecture and a statement of artistic brilliance.
Pro tip: Visit the public art installations around the building, including the iconic spinning chandeliers under the Granville Bridge.
One Wall Centre
| Location | 1088 Burrard Street |
| Height | 491 feet (150 meters) |
| Floors | 48 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 892 bars |
One Wall Centre, also known as the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, is a mixed-use tower that combines hotel luxuries with residential comforts.
It’s initially designed in 2001 with a light glass facade to blend with the sky. Now, its exterior has a unified dark glass, which adds to its sleek appearance.
Pro tip: Enjoy a staycation and take advantage of their rooftop pool with stunning city views.
Rogers Tower
| Location | 1067 West Cordova Street |
| Height | 489 feet (149 meters) |
| Floors | 41 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 868 bars |
Recently renamed Rogers Tower after Rogers Communications acquired Shaw Tower, this building (built in 2004) stands out along Vancouver’s waterfront.
At 5,868 Nanaimo bars tall, it features 16 floors of office space and 24 floors of luxury condos, with an eye-catching blue and green light strip lighting up the skyline at night.
The tower’s new name was literally lifted into place via helicopter, which made headlines as the transformation took place.
Pro tip: Stroll along the waterfront near Rogers Tower and enjoy the scenic views of Coal Harbour. The area is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, with plenty of spots to relax and take in the views.
Harbour Centre
Media by @erwinyvr
| Location | 555 West Hastings Street |
| Height | 481 feet (146 meters) |
| Floors | 21 (plus Lookout Tower) |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 772 bars |
Harbour Centre first opened its doors in 1977, and since then, it has become one of the buildings that truly represents Vancouver’s growth.
Its 360-degree Lookout Tower and revolving restaurant are some of the most visited viewpoints to see the bustling streets below and the breathtaking mountains and oceans far off.
Locals and visitors alike definitely enjoy getting a bird’s eye view of Vancouver from this skyscraper.
Pro tip: Visit the Vancouver Lookout for a 360-degree view of the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to avoid the crowds and enjoy the view.
MNP Tower
| Location | 1021 West Hastings Street |
| Height | 469 feet (143 meters) |
| Floors | 36 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 628 bars |
Located in Coal Harbour, MNP Tower is a sleek, modern office space designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox in 2015.
Its construction was a feat of engineering. It preserves the facade of the historic Marine Building next door and the University Club at ground level, while integrating contemporary design elements in this 5, 628-Nanaimo bar tall building.
Pro tip: Explore the area around MNP Tower to see the historic Marine Building. It’s interesting to see how Vancouver’s architecture has evolved just by looking at old and new architecture sitting side by side.
Bentall 5
Media by @alessandra604
| Location | 550 Burrard Street |
| Height | 460 feet (140 meters) |
| Floors | 34 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 520 bars |
Bentall 5 is a key part of the Bentall Centre complex, rising 460 feet (or 5, 520 Nanaimo bars) above the city with its sleek, modern design.
This 1.5 million square foot office tower built in 2007 is known for its prominence in popular culture. It has been featured as Grey Enterprises in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film series.
Its contemporary glass facade and prime location in the financial district make it a dynamic addition to Vancouver’s skyline.
Park Place
Media by @atlasencontrol
| Location | 666 Burrard Street |
| Height | 459 feet (140 meters) |
| Floors | 35 |
| Height in Nanaimo Bars | 5, 508 bars |
Park Place is not just the largest office building by surface area in British Columbia but also boasts a unique and somewhat notorious address at 666 Burrard Street.
This 35-floor skyscraper (imagine around 5, 500 Nanaimo bars stacked) is a staple of Vancouver’s corporate landscape, with its expansive office spaces and a central location.
Its striking glass facade and prime business district location have made it a cornerstone of Vancouver’s architectural and commercial scene since 1988.
