Centred in the heart of Vancouver, ARRAS boasts unparalleled ocean, city, and mountain vistas. Whether you are stepping out for a quick beach photoshoot or have planned something more elaborate featuring Downtown, South Granville, or even UBC, the options are endless, and all just minutes away! Read on for our favourite locations in the neighbourhood.
1. Granville Island
The Granville Island Public Market is a unique and lively place to shoot. From stands piled high with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables to cute boutiques filled with colourful flowers, wander around the stands inside and panoramic city views outside! Don’t miss the iconic neon ‘Granville Island’ sign!
Distance from ARRAS: 900 m
Tip: Book a private Aquabus and sail to Yaletown, Downtown, or David Lam Park!
Spyglass Dock
This aqua bus stop has become one of Vancouver’s most photographed spots in recent years. Located directly beneath Cambie Bridge, the pier offers a lovely view of the waterfront glass buildings downtown. It’s especially magical at night when all the buildings are lit up.
Distance from ARRAS: 2 km
2. Granville Bridge
Sitting at just over 27 metres above Granville Island, Granville Bridge is the second bridge to cross False Creek. As a result, it offers amazing views of Cambie Bridge to the east and Burrard Bridge to the west. It’s one of the best places to see what makes Vancouver so great – a city on the edge of the wilderness!
Distance from ARRAS: 500 m
3. The Burrard Street Bridge
Opened in 1932, the Burrard Street Bridge is one of three bridges to cross False Creek. It’s an Art deco style steel bridge and has become an iconic landmark. You can get stunning photos of the bridge from Granville Island, but many prefer the view from the bridge itself. Burrard Bridge offers sweeping views of Sunset Beach and the North Shore mountains in one direction, and Granville Island and False Creek in the other.
Distance from ARRAS: 1.5 km
Tip: Try to go for sunset if you can!
4. Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver and rightfully so! It’s views of Downtown, Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains are unmatched, Kitsilano beach is a beautiful spot to shoot any season or time of day.
Distance from ARRAS: 2 km
Point Grey Park
Tip: Further along the shoreline towards the University of BC (UBC), you’ll find a collection of smaller beaches with scenic views. These spots are generally a lot quieter than Kitsilano Beach and offer equally stunning panoramas of the city. Point Grey Park is a local favourite and is home to the famous ‘Insta’ swing!
Distance from ARRAS: 2.7 km
5. Downtown - Vancouver Central Library
Located in Library Square, Vancouver’s Central Library is an architectural gem which occupies a full city block. The colonnade design is reminiscent of the Colosseum in Rome and offers lots of opportunities for timeless photos.
Distance from ARRAS: 2.8 km
The ‘Not-So-Secret’ Rooftop
This iconic rooftop of 443 Seymour Street has become a popular spot with photographers to get some very cool urban shots!
Distance from ARRAS: 3 km
6. Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is the oldest museum in the city. From interesting exhibitions indoors to the gorgeous exterior of the museum, options are abundant! The white arch windows and patterned bricks make a lovely backdrop for portrait photo shoots.
Distance from ARRAS: 1.9 km
7. Gastown
Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Water Street has retained its historic charm. The Steam Clock is a popular tourist attraction but if you wander down the street you’ll also find vintage lampposts and well-preserved picturesque buildings which have been converted into shops, restaurants and galleries.
Distance from ARRAS: 3.5 km
8. The University of British Columbia - Nitobe Memorial Garden
Regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. It’s particularly photogenic in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, and also in fall when the maple leaves turn shades of gold, orange and red. You’ll find the garden near the corner of Memorial Road and Lower Mall.
Distance from ARRAS: 9.5 km
UBC Rose Garden
With a stunning ocean and mountain backdrop, the UBC Rose Garden is one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets. There are more than a dozen types of roses which bloom between June and September.
Distance from ARRAS: 9.3 km
9. Vancouver City Hall
Located at Yukon and 11th, City Hall is an underrated photography spot. The steps leading up to the entrance offer the ideal opportunity to get some creative photos.
Distance from ARRAS: 2.1 km
10. Queen Elizabeth Park
For a panoramic view of Vancouver, head to Queen Elizabeth Park. As the city’s highest point, the park has a clear view of the dramatic mountain-framed cityscape and has become a famed photoshoot location. If you take a walk around the park you’ll also find many other gorgeous places to take pictures.
Distance from ARRAS: 3.8 km
Bloedel Conservatory
Get some unique shots inside the glass-roofed garden which is filled with tropical plants and home to some very brightly coloured birds!