Brockton Point

Brockton Point forms the easternmost tip of Vancouver's downtown peninsula and sits on the north side of Coal Harbour. The point is named after Francis Brockton, while the history of the site goes back to 1865, when Edward Stamp had the land cleared for a sawmill. Because of strong currents and a shoal off the coast, however, the plan was abandoned and the mill was built in Gastown instead. Before that, the point had served as a cemetery for early settlers. Starting in 1891, the cleared land was turned into sports fields, and Brockton Oval became an important venue for cricket and rugby. Famous players such as Donald Bradman visited the site and praised the beauty of the grounds.

Today, Brockton Point is best known for its cultural highlights. A group of ten totem poles draws numerous visitors every year. The poles originally come from various regions of British Columbia, including Alert Bay and Haida Gwaii, and were moved to their current location in 1962. Many of the historic originals have since been replaced by replicas, while the original pieces are kept in museums. A nearby visitor center offers more information on the history of these works of art.

Another striking landmark is the lighthouse, built in 1914 and designed by the British landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson. It replaced earlier signals that had been installed after several ship collisions. Today the tower is equipped with an automatic light system. The well-known Vancouver Seawall runs along the shoreline, inviting walkers to take a relaxing stroll through nature.