Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinWhen we visited Victory Square, we initially thought that we were just visiting a normal park in the middle of some busy streets in Vancouver—a park that you just pass by on a normal day.
One day, as we were walking nearby, we decided to step in for a while so we could breathe a little after a very long meeting. While the streets were filled with busy working people, and honking cars, this park still magically gave us a calm surrounding.
So if you find yourself wanting to have a piece of serenity in the middle of the busy city, while paying tribute to those who gave their all during wartime, then it’s time for you to explore this often overlooked spot in Vancouver.
Victory Square: An Overview
Media credit: @vancitykat
If you want a good blend of history and a park experience, then Victory Square hits the spot. This small, peaceful park can be found between the streets of West Hastings, Pender, Cambie, and Hamiton, in Vancouver.
Established in 1886, Victory Square is home to the Cenotaph, a war memorial that commemorates the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Now, this 0.36-hectare trapezoidal site remains an urban open space.
Up to this day, the site is surrounded by grown specimen maple trees which were all planted in 1892.
Different important ceremonies such as the ANZAC Day and the Remembrance Day are also celebrated here at Victory Square.
Key Features of Victory Square
The Cenotaph
Media credit: @andyinstamatic
Of course, you won’t miss the Cenotaph while you’re here. After all, this spot brings the heritage value of Victory Square Park.
Located in a circular path, the Cenotaph is a three-sided vertical tapered granite shaft standing on top of a circular base, and a landscaped grass area.
If you get closer, you’ll see the engraved inscriptions that say: “Their name liveth for evermore.” on the Hastings Street facade. You can also spot the years 1914-1918 engraved within the stone wreath.
Meanwhile, the Hamilton street facade and the Pender Street facade got engraved inscriptions that say “Is it nothing to you” and “All ye that pass by”, respectively.
There are also embossed elements that you can see such as a sword, two wreaths, a laurel and a poppy—all twisted around maple leaves.
This spot commemorates the heroes and victims during the first World War. This is also where people from Vancouver and across all places gather around during Remembrance Day.
Nonetheless, you can still visit this site, pay respects, and even place flowers around on a random day.
In fact, we were surprised that this spot immediately brought us stillness and a calmer mind—we even sat for more than an hour just to think and observe the people around us.
Green Spaces
Media credit: @samvestor
This site is not just home to the Cenotaph, but is also a great spot if you’re in downtown and just need a quick breather.
While it isn’t a large space, this pocket of green space will immediately make you feel grounded, even with cars and buildings surrounding the place.
You can find specimen maple trees, such as the Sugar, Big Leaf, and Norway, marking the three sides of this 0.36-hectare trapezoidal site—all planted in 1892. So if you want to see the oldest street trees you can find in Vancouver, then make sure to visit this site.
Additionally, the trees and parks around the park block out the street noise. The best part is that the old buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian eras serve as your view while you’re here.
During our stay, we saw several people lounging around the green space, while working on their city sketches. So for the artists out there, we’re quite sure that there’s an interesting subject here at Victory Square.
You should also pay attention to where you’re walking, as it got a piece of heritage here too!
If you’re on the west side part of Hamilton Street, you’ll see granite pavements and curbs, including granite-paved lanes that will lead you to the eastern and western parts of the park.
You can also see the old concrete curbs and old fence posts around Victory Square.
Events at Victory Square
Victory Square Block Party
Media credit: @walkingtour
Victory Square Block Party is a free end-of-summer event here at Victory Square. It’s an annual event that happens at either the end of August or first week of September.
Aside from celebrating with the community, you can enjoy a little food trip with the local vendors. There are also random pop-up booths where you can purchase handmade products, and even vintage items.
While we were walking around the area, we even spotted two people working on their sketches. One even asked us to pose quickly so he could draw us with the historic buildings as our backdrop.
Here, you can also hear live indie music. And since this event is organized by CiTR 1 and Discorder Magazine, you can expect them to invite your favorite local bands, and even get a chance to hear new artists in the area.
ANZAC Day Commemoration
Media credit: @kiaoravan
Since Vancouver has a tight-knit Australian and Kiwi community, it just makes sense that Victory Square also celebrates ANZAC Day every April.
It’s an event where people get to honor Australian and New Zealand soldiers from World War I, most especially the ones who landed in Gallipoli.
So if you also want to hold space for the people who played a huge part in the national history, then you may consider participating in this event too. Normally, they facilitate the ceremony in front of the Cenotaph at Victory Square.
Many people start to gather around 5 in the afternoon, and the ceremony starts shortly after. You may also consider bringing your own wreath and lay it onsite.
Additionally, you should expect to see men in uniform, including veterans to commemorate this event with you.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Media credit: @caris_goncalves
Every November 11th, thousands of people attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony here in Victory Square, where they get to honor those who have sacrificed and served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
It has been an ongoing annual event since 1924, and has been considered as the city’s largest commemoration. We were able to attend the 100th anniversary last year, and even though it was quite chilly that day, everyone still gathered around the Cenotaph.
If you’re planning to go this year, you may consider going here around 10 in the morning. Expect to be greeted by instrumental music, setting the peaceful mood the moment you enter the place.
We also got to read and hear random poems from the students around Vancouver.
Then at exactly 11 in the morning, the people practice a complete silence for two minutes, soon after playing The Last Post. We suggest putting your mobile phones on silent mode, as we got a little bit distracted with the phones beeping around us.
After the two-minute silence, a 21-gun salute will take place. After that, you can start laying your wreaths or flowers at the cenotaph.
You can also enjoy the big parade, where you get to see veterans, cadets, policemen, firefighters, and other men of service marching along the streets.
Fair in the Square
Media credit: @vwhc_
Another big celebration that invites the whole community together here in Victory Square is the Fair in the Square, organized by the Central City Foundation and Vancouver Community College.
This annual event happens every June, where you get to hear live music, and watch local bands and cultural performances.
The best part of this event is that you won’t have to pay an entrance fee to enjoy everything. Just expect a really huge crowd as the organizers always expect more than 3,000 to attend this annual event.
Aside from the cultural performances, you can also learn more about the history of the Downtown Eastside by visiting several booths by non-profit organizations and social groups.
And of course, food is part of the celebration. Here, you can taste some great BBQ, coffee, and desserts—all for free!
How to Go to Victory Square
Victory Square is just a 4-minute drive from the city center, so you can conveniently drive your own car. But if you don’t want the hassle of finding a parking spot, then we suggest hailing a taxi or booking a ride-sharing service.
Meanwhile, you can also take the bus, if you prefer a cheaper option. There’s a direct bus departing from Eastbound W Georgia Street at Granville Street.
The Best Time to Go to Victory Square
If you want to avoid the crowd, the best time to visit Victory Square would be during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather is also better during these seasons, so you can spend more time in the park.
Additionally, for the artists out there, we spotted several people sketching around these times too, as the color of the trees and flowers add more depth to their artwork.
However, if you want to experience a festive scene in this heritage spot in Vancouver, make sure to attend their annual events and commemorative ceremonies.
Attractions Near Victory Square
Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery in Gastown
Media credit: @coastalpeoplesgallery
If you’re in Victory Square, consider walking to the nearby Gastown. Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery in Gastown is just a 1-minute drive or a 5-minute walk away from the park.
Aside from the art gallery, you can also spot fine and intricate jewelry, glass sculptures, and even totem poles.
Make sure to read the stories of each piece, as it’s an opportunity for you to know more about the cultures of the Arctic regions and Northwest Coast of Canada.
Gastown Steam Clock
Media credit: @andy_gogu
And since you’re already in Gastown, you wouldn’t want to miss the Gastown Steam Clock. Make sure to pose beside this clock so you have something to commemorate your visit to this piece of Vancouver’s history.
This steam clock was built in 1977 and was designed to cover Vancouver’s steam heating system. If you’re curious, this steam clock is used to power the whistles that ring every fifteen minutes.
Meanwhile, every time the clock’s big hand reaches twelve, the clock releases steam and plays the Westminster chimes.
The Vancouver Lookout
Media credit: @editzbyarnav
If you want a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city, then consider visiting The Vancouver Lookout, located on top of the Harbour Centre.
It will only take you a 40-second glass elevator ride, and you’ll find yourself 168 meters high above the ground. You also don’t need to book a guided tour, as the panels are complete with information about the city’s history.
There’s also a self-guided audio tour, so you can enjoy walking around at your own pace. You may refer to the table below for the ticket prices, inclusive of taxes and fees.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden
Media credit: @vancouverchinesegarden
You may also consider visiting Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first Chinese garden built outside Asia. This garden was made in 1986 using traditional materials and techniques by the artisans from Suzhou, China.
The design was also patterned from a Ming Dynasty scholar’s garden. Our personal favorite was the koi ponds, as the free-flowing water sounds add to the calming feeling inside the garden.
We also saw several elderly people taking early morning and afternoon strolls, so if you’ve got senior parents with you, then this spot would be an ideal stopover for them.
Of course, a Chinese garden won’t be complete without people doing Tai Chi. The park normally hosts Tai Chi workshops, so make sure to follow them on their social media pages or visit their website to book a slot.
Eat at Chambar Restaurant
Media credit: @chambar_restaurant
Website: http://www.chambar.com/
Address: 568 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3
Contact Details: +1 604-879-7119
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM;
- Thursday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM;
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM;
- 5Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
If you’re looking for a place to eat after visiting Victory Square, you may consider eating at Chambar Restaurant. We recently tried this restaurant, and we had no idea that this restaurant has been a local favorite since 2004.
Once you enter the restaurant, you’ll be welcomed by their exposed brick interiors and some 1960’s soul music.
Here, you can get to try a menu that offers Belgian, North African, and Mediterranean flavors. Consider trying their lamb shank tagine, halibut with cashews, and their mussels with fries.
For those who are here for brunch, you may try their sourdough waffles topped with prosciutto and cheese.
