Photographing the Vancouver Skyline

<p>I am heading to Vancouver for a week in July and would like to photograph the skyline at dusk/night. Stanley Park seems to provide some opportunities based on my Google Maps research. Any advice on other locations to consider would be greatly appreciated. I will be staying downtown and using public transport and walking.</p>

<p>I to am interested in Vancouver because I will be there for one week in June.</p>

We took the ferry from Vancouver to North Vancouver and there were good views. Terminal is near Gastown and the ferry runs frequently as I remember.

<p>Living in Vancouver, you see a lot of different perspectives. The two mentioned are great - anywhere in Stanley Park from Lost Lagoon through to the Brockton Point lighthouse will provide great views at any time of the day, with perhaps the exception of mid-day since you are facing due south. The seabus terminal and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver are great as well, although the city is some distance away - perhaps a long lens is better for that. <br>

One other thing to try is Granville Island and Vanier Park, on the south side of downtown. The views are stunning anytime from noon on through darkness, as you are looking north across false creek, with the mountains behind the city. I am also working on some new views that have come up in the past few years with the growth of the city into the old Expo land - I'm sure there are some wonderful shots from the Cambie Street bridge if I can figure out how to get some time there.<br>

Those areas are accessible by skytrain/seabus and some hoofing it - good luck. I'd love to see the results.</p><div></div>

<p>I was there in early May but I haven't done the post-processing and posted anything yet. Collectively, the Vancouver skyline provides an impressive panorama of a lot of high-rises but I found very few individual buildings of architectural interest.<br>

Also, since my return, I have been packing my possessions for a move and my Lonely Planet Vancouver is already packed away. It has numerous mentions of places to take skyline shots.<br>

The Landmark Hotel sits between Stanley Park and downtown and has a revolving and suprisingly affordable restaurant at the top. Unfortunately, it was already dark the night I had dinner there but a 6 or 7 PM dinner might yield some nice, unobstructed views with enough light for a non-tripod shot.<br>

A couple of my favorite spots for skylining require a car but I'll mention them nonetheless. 1. After you cross Lion's Gate Bridge and head west just an exit or two there is a road that heads up, I think, to a ski area. But before you get there, there is an observation point that provides a nice shot of the entirety of Stanley Park with skyline in the background. 2. If you take a late afternoon drive out to the University of BC along the north side of the peninsula (heading west) there are a couple of places you can get off of the main drag, head to the south shore of the inlet and get good skyline shots back toward downtown.<br>

At the north ferry terminal across from downtown, there is a circular staircase (at the Hotel Q?) that gives you an elevated view of the skyline. Unfortunately I was there at midday when the sun was behind rather than oblique to the skyline.<br>

Sorry to be so vague on some of this but an LP guidebook will allow you to sort it all out. Securing a rental car for a day or two will multiple your skyline photo opportunities. Also, just driving through the early/mid 20th C. neighborhoods south and sw of downtown is a visual delight as everyone takes great pride in their landscapes. Finally, on the rainy day you will surely encounter, the cultural museum at UBC is a must see. It is 30 to 45 minutes from downtown.<br>

Have fun</p>

<p>Hi,<br /> I used to live in Vancouver and a few spots to get the goods are...<br>

<br /> - Grey Point located in Kitsilano. Basically there is a beach that runs from Stanely Park and goes west... <br /> Just head to Kits beach and follow the coast line left(looking at the ocean). It can be from about a 10 minute walk to an hour. Some great foreground and city back drops with even Stanley Park in there.<br>

<br /> - Head up Cypress Mountain. On the drive up, there are look outs that are stunning at the right time of day (sunset/sunrise), but also if your into hiking on the mountain the ski resorts provide some amazing views of Vancouver.</p>

<p>- In North Vancouver, there is a big waterfront park. Not sure the name but if you ask where the automall in North Van is you can easily find it (It'ss on Fell street). Basically just drive to the water, very obvious and you will get another amazing view.<br>

<br /> - Another is head to Horseshoe bay and drive the highway back in to Vancouver... in the West Vancouver area there are some great views with marinas and the city. The views coming back from Britannia are stunning. Not so much city but very nice islands especially at low light.</p>

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<p>I live near Vancouver and I think for the skyline you are asking about Stanley Park is likely the best place. Many of the other areas mentioned above are great too - but for what I think of when I consider a noticeably Vancouver skyline - Stanley Park offers that angle. The new Trade and Convention Center is easily photographed from there as well.</p>

<p>http://photoblog.mrussellphotography.com/?p=1415</p>

<p>I also like heading to the north side of the park and photographing North Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge.</p>

<p>Thank you everyone, for your input.</p>