Olympic Cauldron

The Olympic Cauldron in Vancouver, at Jack Poole Plaza, honors the 2010 Winter Olympics with a striking design and scenic waterfront views.

The Olympic Cauldron in Vancouver is a striking landmark located at Jack Poole Plaza, commemorating the 2010 Winter Olympics held in the city. The cauldron, with its towering glass and steel design, is a symbol of unity, sportsmanship, and the Olympic spirit. 

Visitors can admire it up close along the waterfront, especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated. The surrounding plaza offers scenic views of Coal Harbour, the North Shore Mountains, and downtown Vancouver, making it a popular spot for photos and reflection on the city’s Olympic legacy. 

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Vancouver
Stanley Park Totem Poles
Brockton Point features a collection of Indigenous totem poles, one of the park's most photographed spots, representing various First Nations communities.
Brockton Point Lighthouse
Located in Stanley park, Brockton Point Lighthouse is a Vancouver icon with a distinctive white hexagonal tower that is still used for navigational purposes.
BC Place Stadium
BC Place Stadium, with its iconic retractable roof, hosts sports, concerts, and events, and is a landmark in Vancouver’s skyline.
Chinatown Vancouver
Vancouver’s Chinatown blends history and culture with markets, temples, restaurants, and the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Gastown
Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, charms with cobblestone streets, Victorian buildings, boutiques, cafes, and the iconic Steam Clock.
Nine o'clock Gun
The Nine O’Clock Gun in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour fires daily at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., marking time and celebrating the city’s maritime history.

Related Tours

The Ultimate Vancouver Tour: Private Full-Day Driving Tour

Vancouver is a city like no other, offering a captivating combination of nature, culture, and urban energy. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a foodie, or a culture vulture, this cosmopolitan corner of British Columbia has something to pique your interest. Our private full-day driving tour is a fantastic way to make the most of your time in the city, with an experienced local driver guide showing you the most important landmarks downtown, combined with a scenic drive to North Vancouver to enjoy the breathtaking views atop Grouse Mountain and the legendary Capilano Suspension Bridge.

On your 6-hour private driving tour, you will:

  • Explore the city highlights of Vancouver and the incredible nature of North Vancouver with a local guide;
  • Cruise through the city comfortably in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle;
  • Enjoy convenient hotel pick up and drop off at the location of your choice in downtown Vancouver;
  • Visit Stanley Park, a vast and innovative green space in the heart of the city;
  • Glide to the top of Grouse Mountain on an exhilarating “Skyride”, rising over 1000 metres in just 8 minutes;
  • Take in stunning panoramic views of the city and the natural landscape surrounding Vancouver;
  • Make your way to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to cross the famous bridge and enjoy the magnificent temperate rainforest in the canyon below;
  • Breathe in the sea air at the picturesque English Bay Beach;
  • Stop at Granville Island to discover its renowned market, a great place to get a taste of Vancouver’s food scene;
  • Stroll around the manicured lawns of Queen Elizabeth Park;
  • Uncover historic neighbourhoods with a myriad of stories to tell, such as Chinatown and Gastown;
  • Pass by iconic Vancouver landmarks like Rogers Arena, BC Place and the Olympic Cauldron.

Experience the very best of Vancouver from its exciting downtown to its compelling cultural heritage and awe-inspiring natural landscapes on this immersive full-day private driving tour. Your adventure starts seamlessly as your local driver guide will greet you at your hotel before setting off in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle for a day of discovery and unforgettable scenery.

Your exciting itinerary kicks off with a visit to Stanley Park, Vancouver’s crown jewel, where lush forests, totem poles, and sweeping ocean vistas create a serene escape right in the heart of the city. From there, you’ll journey across the iconic Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver and ascend the mighty Grouse Mountain aboard the Skyride, an aerial tramway that climbs over 1,000 metres in just eight minutes. At the summit, you’ll take in panoramic views stretching from the glittering skyline to the rugged mountains and the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean

Next, you’ll venture into the emerald depths of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, home to one of the world’s most famous bridges. As you cross the gently swaying span high above the Capilano River, you’ll be surrounded by towering evergreens and the peaceful sounds of the rainforest below, a true testament to British Columbia’s wild, untamed beauty.

Once you make your return to the city, you’ll breathe in the sea air at the lovely English Bay Beach before heading to Granville Island, a bustling enclave of artisans, galleries, and the celebrated Public Market. This is our recommended lunch stop for a taste of Vancouver’s culinary creativity (lunch not included). Later, the journey continues to Queen Elizabeth Park, where manicured gardens and sweeping city views provide a picture-perfect backdrop beloved by locals and tourists alike.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the historic neighbourhoods of Gastown and Chinatown, each offering a fascinating glimpse into Vancouver’s multicultural roots and evolution from a small port settlement to a world-famous metropolis. Along the way, you’ll pass major landmarks such as Rogers Arena, BC Place Stadium, and the Olympic Cauldron, while your guide shares captivating stories of the city’s past and present.

Your tour concludes at a central location of your choice in downtown Vancouver, perhaps your hotel, a local museum, or one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants or shopping areas. By the time you bid your friendly local guide farewell, you’ll have gained a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary city where urban sophistication and wild nature come together in perfect harmony.

The Best of Vancouver: Private Half-Day Driving Tour

Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver combines stunning natural beauty with a bustling urban sprawl to offer visitors an enthralling mix of nature and exhilarating city life. Setting out to explore such a vast metropolis can be overwhelming, so our private driving tour is a great way to navigate Vancouver with ease, seeing a carefully chosen selection of the most important sights with your friendly local driver-guide.

On your 3-hour driving tour, you will:

  • Discover the best of Vancouver with a local driver guide;
  • Travel around the city in comfort and style in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle;
  • Enjoy convenient hotel pick up and drop off from central Vancouver;
  • Stroll through Stanley Park, one of the largest parks in North America;
  • Take in beautiful views of the city at English Bay Beach;
  • Make your way to gorgeous ​​Granville Island and explore its bustling market and shops;
  • See BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena, and hear about all the different sports games and other events that take place there;
  • Learn all about Vancouver’s incredible cultural diversity as you wander through its famous Chinatown;
  • Pass by the distinctive Olympic Cauldron, and hear about what inspired this impressive public art installation;
  • Visit Gastown and trace Vancouver’s evolution from the voyages of Captain George Vancouver to the magnificent modern metropolis of today.


Begin your Vancouver adventure right from the comfort of your centric hotel, as your local guide whisks you through the city in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Your journey starts with a stroll through Stanley Park, one of North America’s largest and most beloved urban green spaces spanning over 1000 acres, where towering trees, scenic trails, and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean set the stage for a true Vancouver experience. From there, you’ll drive along the waterfront to English Bay Beach, pausing to take in sweeping views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline, a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the city’s relaxed vibe. 

Next, your tour winds its way to Granville Island, a vibrant hub of art, culture, and gastronomy. You’ll have the chance to explore the bustling public market, boutique shops, and artisan studios, and get a taste of the city’s dynamic local flavour. While the route itself follows a set path, your guide can adjust the time spent at each stop based on your interests. Later, your guide will share stories of the diverse communities that make up this remarkable city as you wander through Chinatown, a historic district brimming with fascinating architecture, heritage, and cultural landmarks.

No visit would be complete without seeing the Olympic Cauldron, an iconic symbol of the 2010 Winter Games, where you’ll hear the story behind this striking public art installation. Last but certainly not least, your journey takes you through Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and famous steam clock, before concluding along the scenic Yaletown seawall, a lively waterfront area that perfectly captures the city’s modern elegance and historic roots. Your tour ends at a central location of your choosing, leaving you inspired and ready to continue exploring this extraordinary city.

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