What’s the #1 New Year’s Resolution on most everyone’s list? Without a doubt, it would have to be keeping or getting fit, fitter, and fittest. And what better way to kick-start the year than to go for a walk, especially when your route takes you by some of the most fascinating public art pieces in the downtown area, conveniently located near The Auberge Hotel? So lace up your running shoes and do it!
Exit the Auberge Hotel on W. Hastings St to Burrard St until Cordova. Head west along Cordova until Thurlow.
Nike Goddess of Victory: To commemorate the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, this four-metre-tall, sleek bronze artwork sits resplendently at the median of Cordova and Thurlow, with wings spread. Since the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia, every city hosting the Olympic Games has been the recipient of various editions of this sculpture. Best angle for a picture? Stand on the northwest corner of this intersection for the best shot.
From Cordova and Thurlow, head north across the street to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The Olympic Cauldron: Continuing Vancouver’s Olympic legacy is a sleek, modern glass and steel sculpture, one of the most popular spots for photo ops. Although the Cauldron is usually unlit, perhaps you will be lucky enough to be passing by when it roars to life to commemorate special events and achievements a few times a year.
Digital Orca: Although novelist Douglas Coupland is best known for coining the term “Generation X,” he also has extensive training in the visual arts, and one of his most spectacular pieces is situated at Canada Place. Crafted from steel and aluminum, this mammoth killer whale, resembling Lego building blocks, garners much attention from visitors and locals alike.
The Drop: Perched right at the edge of the corner of the seawall outside the Vancouver Convention Centre, this bright blue 20-metre stylized raindrop punctuates the Bon Voyage Plaza with a big splash! It’s a playful reminder to passersby about the weather that’s characteristic of the Pacific Northwest.
From the Convention Centre, head down the steps to Coal Harbour Walkway adjacent to Coal Harbour Marina
The LightShed: Not unlike the house that landed on the Witch in the Wizard of Oz, this metal house on stilts seems exceedingly out of place standing on the corner of the Coal Harbour Harbour Walkway and gets the attention of anyone passing by. Many sheds, such as this representation by artist Liz Magor, existed along the water to repair fishing boats during the early days of Vancouver. And if you happen to be strolling along the walkway in the evening, you’ll see some actual light being shed from within the structure; get it?
Sliding Edge Waterfall & Sculpture: Situated on the wall of the walkway, a solitary bronze figure, posing as a sentry, stands atop an exquisite waterfall. Constructed of concrete, cast iron, and stone, the title of this piece of public art (taken from a line of a poem from Canadian writer Earl Birney) refers to the constant movement of the tides and the waves.
Solo: created by artist Natalie McHaffie for Vancouver’s centennial, this stainless steel and cedar plank spiral sculpture evokes mountains, planes, cargo cranes, as well as wind and water. It sits on the grass in Devonian Harbour Park, located on the outskirts of Coal Harbour and near the entrance to Stanley Park.
Exit the Coal Harbour Walkway, cross the street at Georgia and Denman, and head south on Denman.
Striking Laughter: In the heart of English Bay (ok, while technically not located in Coal Harbour, this is one of Vancouver’s most popular pieces of public art), a group of imposing statues stand in a huddle, smiling, grinning, even guffawing. Here’s your chance to strike a pose beside these gentle giants, and don’t forget to say cheese!
And now that you’re in English Bay, enjoy a glorious view of the Pacific Ocean along with all the activity on the water: freighters, boaters, paddlers, and, depending on the season, even windsurfers!
