A nostalgic photo showcasing the city of Vancouver, highlighting its urban landscape and culture.

30 Awesome Nostalgic Photographs Of Vancouver, BC

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Nostalgic Photographs Vancouver
Post Last Modified – April 21, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com

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Nostalgic Photos Of Vancouver, British Columbia

In this armchair photo journey, I invite you along, sharing a treasure trove of very cool …

📸 Nostalgic Photographs Of Vancouver

in British Columbia, Canada. From its bustling streets, city landscapes and much more, we take a stroll down memory lane, immersing ourselves in the captivating essence of its vibrant past.

30 Nostalgic Photos Of Vancouver, BC

Granville St Vancouver 1958

Granville St Vancouver 1958

As we embark on this photographic adventure taking a journey back in time, these nostalgic photographs capture glimpses of a bygone era, that shaped the Vancouver we know today.

Each photograph not only depicts some moments from the past, but also enhances the spirit of a city that continues to evolve today.

Lions Gate Bridge 1938

Lions Gate bridge 1938

Check out a few iconic landmarks like the; Lions Gate Bridge, Historic Gastown district and beautiful Neon Signs that lit the streets at night with immense color!

Lions Gate Bridge Today – Photo taken by me a few seasons ago.

Disney Cruise Ship Vancouver BC

There’s the {Old Street Cars} and later the familiar {Trolley Buses} from the 1940’s.

Streetcar Vancouver BC 1950’s

Streetcar Vancouver BC 1950's

Ones that continued to operate in the early 1980’s and which I actually drove in downtown Vancouver, in the late 1970’s for a couple of years. 🙂

BC Hydro Brill Trolley Bus

BC Hydro Trolley

Later, BC Hydro Transit became Metro Transit. The photo below shows a Metro Transit Bus, crossing over the old Cambie Street Bridge in 1981.

Old Cambie Street Bridge

Cambie Bridge 1981

 

World’s Expo Fair 1986 – Vancouver

Let’s not forget when Vancouver hosted the World’s Expo Fair in 1986, bringing millions of visitors to the city, from all over the world.

Expo 86 Vancouver, BC

Expo 86 Vancouver BC

In 1986, Vancouver hosted {Expo 86}, a nearly six-month-long, world’s fair. Vancouver’s also celebrated its Centennial in 1986. Records indicate this highly successful; World’s Fair, drew over 22 million visitors to the city from around the world.

Expo 86 Vancouver BC

The Theme for this World Exposition, was on; Transportation and Communication. Vancouver’s first rapid transit rail system, was completed in time for the Exposition.

The Famous … McBarge

McBarge Expo 86

One of the most remembered fixtures from this world Expo, was McDonald’s McBarge. As Vancouver is situated on the west coast of Canada and on the shores of the pacific ocean, it only seemed fitting to include this fast food floating restaurant.

Of all the displays from around the world, everyone who attended Expo 86, remembers McBarge! 🙂



An Era Of Neon Lights & Signs

Hastings Street 1969

Hastings Street 1969

It’s not just the grand developments that grab our attention in these nostalgic photos. The images also capture everyday moments of Vancouverites going about their daily lives.

Not too many decades ago, Vancouver was filled with a colorful display of Neon Lights & Signs.

Vancouver, British Columbia – A Journey Back in Time

Stanley Theater Vancouver

Stanley Theater Vancouver

These nostalgic photographs give you a glimpse into this beautiful city’s past.

December 1968 Vancouver

December 1968 Vancouver

A time when Vancouver was beginning to prosper and grow into one of Canada’s largest cities.

Granville Street 1975

Granville Street 1975

We see the old buildings that once stood proudly on these streets, their architectural beauty telling stories of a bygone era.

Hastings Street Vancouver BC

The bustling crowds captured in these images reveal the lively spirit and cultural diversity, that has always been a large part of the city. People from all walks of life came together, which as made this such a wonderful part of Canada today.

Historic Gastown Vancouver Steam Clock

Historic Gastown Vancouver Steam clock

From the historic Gastown, with its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture, to the vibrant streets of Chinatown, rich with cultural heritage and tradition.

Bayshore Inn Vancouver 1960’s

Bayshore Inn Vancouver 1960's

These photos transport us back to a time when these areas were still taking shape, becoming the iconic landmarks we know today.

Ho Ho Restaurant Chinatown Vancouver

Ho Ho Restaurant Chinatown Vancouver



Strolling Down Memory Lane – Nostalgic Photographs

Pacific Central Station Vancouver

Pacific Central Station Vancouver

As we continue our stroll down memory lane, I always enjoy viewing old photos of the city. At the same time, it’s great to be able to hold on to these nostalgic photographs for years to come.

Vancouver CN Station 1950's

With each step we take down memory lane, we move closer to understanding the essence of Vancouver in all its nostalgic glory.

Vancouver Milkman 1951

Vancouver Milkman 1951

I always enjoy viewing nostalgic photographs from around the world. Stepping back in time and viewing a bit of history, like these of Vancouver.

These photographs serve as a reminder to treasure the past and embrace the stories, that have shaped the city.

St. Paul’s Hospital 1969

St. Paul's Hospital 1969

Rediscover Vancouver through the lens of these captivating photographs. I hope they inspire you to create your own memories and stories, wherever you reside.

Pacific National Exposition Vancouver BC 1970

PNE Vancouver BC 1970
The Pacific National Exhibition {PNE}, has been an annual Vancouver fair for over 100 years. It’s filled with fair rides, live shows, farm animals, midway games, concerts and more.

It’s held in the month of August and just before the new year of school begins.

In the words of Ansel Adams …

“Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communication, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.”

 



 
Smilin Buddha Cabaret Vancouver BC

smilin buddha cabaret vancouver bc

Ovaltine Cafe Vancouver

Ovaltine Cafe Vancouver

Experience the enchantment of a journey through time and catch a glimpse of Vancouver’s past!

Brian Croft Painting Vancouver Nostalgic Photograph

Brian Croft Painting

1980’s Vancouver Police Car

1980's Vancouver Police Car

Oakridge Shopping Mall Vancouver 1970’s

Oakridge Mall Vancouver 1970's

Blue Boy Motor Hotel 1964

Blue Boy Motor Hotel 1964

Wally’s Burgers 1999

Wally's Burgers 1999

A step back in time, looking at a few nostalgic photographs of the City of Vancouver, BC located on the beautiful west coast of Canada.

Below, I’ve listed {British Columbia Magazines} website page. This long standing photo magazine, offers more superb professional photos of; Vancouver – Now & Then.

I’ve directed the link to their page on Vancouver, BC. Some more outstanding photographs!

British Columbia Magazine – Vancouver

Below, I have also included a link to the Official Vancouver Tourism website. You can access everything you need to know when planning a trip to this beautiful city.

Be sure to check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for Vancouver’s exact location.

Destination Vancouver Logo

Destination Vancouver

Stay tuned for more upcoming posts on nostalgic photographs of other cities, I’ve lived in over the years.

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Safe and Healthy Travels!

signature of author and owner Robert Tellier at https://gr8traveltips.com

All photographs on this post have been taken from public & shared; Facebook Group Pages, in which I am following and credit given to those who have posted them, for all to enjoy.

If you have any Nostalgic Photographs of Vancouver you would like to pass on, please do send me an …
email Contact Me and I will be sure to add it to this post.

✨  Did You Know …

“Almost All Of Vancouver Was Destroyed Back In 1886 By Fire.”

 
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