What Vancouver Looked Like in the 1970s Through These Vintage Snapshots

The ’70s were a transformative time for Vancouver. Just as in many parts of the world, this decade was a time of change, growth, and shifting societal norms. The city was blossoming, becoming the vibrant multicultural metropolis we know today.

But let’s set the scene properly. Imagine the skyline not dominated by glass skyscrapers, but by lower buildings that seemed to blend with the stunning natural backdrop. Streets were less crowded, there were fewer high-rises, and the pace was just a tad slower. The city was smaller, but that only made the community feel closer.

The spirit of the ’70s in Vancouver was all about freedom, expression, and activism. Hippie culture, which started in the ’60s, was still alive and well in Vancouver. The city was a hotbed for countercultural movements, with young folks rallying for peace, environmental conservation, and social justice.

One of the most significant events was the Gastown Riots in 1971, also known as “The Battle of Maple Tree Square”. What started as a peaceful protest against marijuana laws ended in a clash with the police, marking a pivotal moment in Vancouver’s history.

The planning and preparation for Expo 86 also began in the late 1970s. This world fair, themed “Transportation and Communication: World in Motion – World in Touch”, was a monumental event that boosted Vancouver’s global reputation. It led to significant infrastructure development, including the SkyTrain system and BC Place Stadium.

Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Vancouver was already paving the way. The ’70s saw the birth of Greenpeace, one of the world’s most influential environmental organizations. Founded in 1971 in Vancouver, it symbolized the city’s growing environmental consciousness.

Meanwhile, Stanley Park, the city’s green heart, was as loved then as it is now. People would flock to the park to escape the urban hustle, just like they do today. Only back then, you might have seen more frisbees and fewer smartphones!

Food in the ’70s was, well, interesting. Fondue parties were all the rage, and yes, pineapple on pizza became a thing (thanks to Greek Canadian Sam Panopoulos). On the local scene, Vancouver’s Chinatown was blossoming, introducing delicious dim sum and other Asian delights to the city.

#1 Ovaltine Cafe

11 Points

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#2 Lux Theatre – 1974

6 Points

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#3 Silver Grill Cafe – 1975

5 Points

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#4 Apartment Building, Howe Street – 1974

4 Points

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#5 White Rose Cafee – 1974

4 Points

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#6 Unpaved Parking Lot – 1981

4 Points

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#7 Men in Pool Hall – 1973

4 Points

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#8 Man Dining – 1974

4 Points

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#9 American Hotel – 1975

4 Points

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#10 Lucky Time Cafe – 1975

4 Points

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#11 Hong Kong Cafe, Chinaton – 1975

4 Points

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#12 Vancouver, July 1977

4 Points

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#13 E.Hastings at Vernon, Vancouver, December 1977

4 Points

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#14 Looking towards downtown from 124 W. 11th Ave., Vancouver, 1977

4 Points

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#15 Michelin Tires, Vancouver, 1977

4 Points

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#16 13th and Manitoba, Vancouver, April 1978

4 Points

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#17 15th and Cambie, Vancouver, March 1978

4 Points

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#18 5550 Kingsway, Vancouver, March 1978

4 Points

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#19 Dodge, Vancouver, May 1978

4 Points

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#20 High-Low, Vancouver, March 1978

4 Points

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#21 Main St looking north, Vancouver, April 1978

4 Points

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#22 Vancouver street scenes, March 1978

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#23 Woodward’s, Vancouver, March 1978

4 Points

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#24 Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, August 1979

4 Points

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#25 Arco Hotel – 1979

3 Points

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#26 Heinz Soup – 1973

3 Points

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#27 Girls in Snack Bar – 1975

3 Points

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#28 Chinese Voice. 1982

3 Points

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#29 Ships on Waterfront – 1981

3 Points

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#30 195 W. 23rd Ave., Vancouver, 1977

3 Points

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#31 Eye Scream/N.E.Thing, Vancouver, July 1977

3 Points

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#32 Ford Falcon, Vancouver, November 1977

3 Points

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#33 Pontiac Grand Prix, Vancouver, November 1977

3 Points

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#34 4th and Vine, Vancouver, February 1978

3 Points

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#35 15th and Arbutus, Vancouver, March 1978

3 Points

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#36 55 E.Broadway, Vancouver, May 1978

3 Points

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#37 155 East 11th, Vancouver, January 1978

3 Points

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#38 3722 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, August 1978

3 Points

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#39 4795 Kingsway at McMurray, Vancouver, March 1978

3 Points

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#40 Biltmore Motor Hotel, 395 Kingsway, January 1978

3 Points

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#41 Black Bart’s Cabaret at 6649 Kingsway, Vancouver, March 1978

3 Points

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#42 Clark Drive at East 3rd, Vancouver, November 1978

3 Points

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#43 Corner of Manitoba and West 13th Avenue, Vancouver, March 1978

3 Points

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#44 Dominion For Life/Elvis Forever, Vancouver , January 1978

3 Points

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#45 Looking north from 193 13th Ave. West, Vancouver, Spring 1978

3 Points

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#46 Mall parking lot, Vancouver, March 1978

3 Points

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#47 Morning view looking west on Hastings toward the Marine Building, Vancouver, February 1978

3 Points

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#48 Red Datsun F-10, Vancouver, April 1978

3 Points

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#49 Red Triumph TR6, Vancouver, May 1978

3 Points

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#50 Robson and Thurlow, Vancouver, February 1978

3 Points

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#51 The 2600 Block of East 24th, Vancouver, February 1978

3 Points

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#52 The Kobe Japanese Steak House on Alberni near Burrard, Vancouver, April 1978

3 Points

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#53 The yellow building is the Army and Navy store at 31 W Hastings and the blue building was the former Burns Block at 18 West Hastings, Vancouver, April 1978

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#54 Venables at Commercial Drive, Vancouver, March 1978

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#55 VW Type 3 Fastback, Vancouver, April 1978

3 Points

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#56 W.5th and Arbutus, Vancouver, January 1978

3 Points

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#57 With gas fill-up, Vancouver, March 1978

3 Points

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#58 Woodwards, Vancouver, 1978

3 Points

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#59 Vancouver, January 1979

3 Points

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#60 Man With Bag – 1975

2 Points

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#61 Man With Bandaged Nose – 1974

2 Points

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#62 Firebird at Spanish Banks, Vancouver, 1977

2 Points

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#63 Pink Wall/Green Datsun, Vancouver, October 1977

2 Points

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#64 Pontiac Grand Prix, Vancouver, November 1977

2 Points

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#65 5000 Block of Kingsway at Grimmer, Vancouver, March 1978

2 Points

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#66 Bekins Storage, Vancouver, February 1978

2 Points

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#67 Discount Foods, Vancouver, March 1978

2 Points

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#68 Furs By Karoway, 400 Block of Columbia, New Westminster, March 1978

2 Points

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#69 Gremlin, Vancouver, March 1978

2 Points

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#70 Oakridge Centre Mall, Vancouver, March 1978

2 Points

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#71 The gas station is now Super Save Gas at 5608 Kingsway, Vancouver, March 1978

2 Points

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#72 Vancouver, August 1978

2 Points

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#73 Lotus Hotel (Balloons) – 1982

0 Points

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#74 Stanfield’s is a Canadian garment manufacturer known for its underwear, Vancouver, July 1977

-1 Points

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