Marine Building

The basics

The Marine Building commemorates Vancouver’s maritime past and present—it’s still an important port city. On the building’s exterior, look for seahorses, lobsters, and steamships carved into the facade. Walk through the brass revolving doors, and an Art Deco sea of fabulous detail will greet you. Those with keen eyes might spot sea snails, crabs, turtles, scallops, seahorses, zodiac signs, plus various flora and fauna. Think of the building as a 3D painting.

Some Vancouver walking and bike tours will include a stop—or at least a pass-by—of the Marine Building. However you slice it, poke your head in for a minute of architectural amazement.

Things to know before you go

• Tenants rotate. The public is always welcome in the lobby, but little is guaranteed beyond that.

• Restrooms are typically closed to the public.

• If you’d like to peek inside, visit during business hours for your best odds of open doors.

How to get there

The Marine Building stands tall at 355 Burrard St. in downtown Vancouver. Take the SkyTrain to Burrard Station, and from there, the building is about two blocks away. And while you could drive and utilize city parking garages, it’s best to go for public transit—or walk—as downtown can be quite congested.

When to get there

Visit the Marine Building during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. (Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid crowds.) It shouldn’t take long: You’ll likely only need 5–10 minutes to admire the lobby. Check for special events or tours that offer increased access for a more substantial look.

The inside(r) secret

When the Marine Building was first built, it stood taller—the ground around it was raised. Now, floors that used to face the sun are entirely underground, and they’re totally spooky. Vancouver is loaded with oddball history like this, and city tours are a great way to catch this insider action.