Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver: Complete Visitor Guide, History, Attractions & Events

Jack Poole Plaza is one of Vancouver's most iconic public waterfront spaces, located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver along the city's scenic Coal Harbour waterfront. Adjacent to the west building of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the plaza offers spectacular views of Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains, and the Vancouver skyline.

Best known as the permanent home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Cauldron, Jack Poole Plaza has become a major destination for visitors, photographers, cruise passengers, convention delegates, and locals. Throughout the year, it transforms into one of Vancouver's busiest event venues, hosting cultural festivals, community celebrations, sporting events, public gatherings, and seasonal attractions.

Whether you're visiting Vancouver for the first time or exploring your own city, Jack Poole Plaza is a must-see destination that perfectly captures the beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Vancouver's waterfront.

Where is Jack Poole Plaza?

Jack Poole Plaza is located beside the West Building of the Vancouver Convention Centre along Vancouver's downtown waterfront.

Address
1055 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC

The plaza is within walking distance of:

• Canada Place
• Coal Harbour Seawall
• Vancouver Convention Centre
• Digital Orca sculpture
• Cruise Ship Terminal
• Gastown
• Waterfront Station

Its central location makes it one of the easiest attractions to visit while exploring downtown Vancouver.

Managed by the Vancouver Convention Centre

Jack Poole Plaza is professionally managed and operated by the Vancouver Convention Centre as part of its extensive outdoor event facilities.

Together with the East Plaza, the Convention Centre offers more than 57,900 square feet (5,385 square metres) of outdoor plaza space that can be used for:

• Festivals
• Community celebrations
• Corporate activations
• Product launches
• Cultural events
• Public ceremonies
• Sporting celebrations
• Convention activities

Its open design, waterfront setting, and large capacity make it one of Vancouver's premier outdoor event venues.

Home of the 2010 Olympic Cauldron

One of the plaza's biggest attractions is the 2010 Olympic Flame Cauldron, originally built for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The impressive four-column glass-and-steel cauldron has become one of Vancouver's most photographed landmarks and continues to symbolize the city's Olympic legacy. Visitors from around the world stop here every day to take photos and learn about Vancouver's role in hosting the Winter Olympics.

Digital Orca Sculpture

Another famous landmark at Jack Poole Plaza is Douglas Coupland's Digital Orca, one of Vancouver's most recognizable public art installations.

The pixel-inspired sculpture depicts a black-and-white killer whale appearing to leap from the water, creating one of the city's favourite photo opportunities with the North Shore Mountains in the background.

Incredible Waterfront Views

Jack Poole Plaza offers some of the finest panoramic views in Metro Vancouver.

From the plaza, visitors can enjoy:

• Coal Harbour
• Burrard Inlet
• Stanley Park
• North Shore Mountains
• Seaplanes taking off and landing
• Luxury yachts
• Cruise ships
• Waterfront sunsets

Its wide-open design makes it a favourite location for photography, sightseeing, and simply relaxing by the water.

Restaurants and Outdoor Patios

Several premium casual restaurants and cafés surround Jack Poole Plaza, making it a popular destination for dining with a view.

Visitors can enjoy waterfront patios overlooking Coal Harbour while watching seaplanes, cruise ships, cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians along the seawall.

The area is especially lively during the summer months when outdoor dining is at its peak.

Events at Jack Poole Plaza

Jack Poole Plaza hosts numerous major events throughout the year and has become one of Vancouver's signature festival venues.

Popular annual events include:

• Canada Day celebrations
• Vancouver Christmas Market
• Pakistan Festival
• Mexican Independence Day Festival
• Canucks Autism Network Family Festival
• Cultural celebrations
• Community festivals
• Public art installations
• Charity events
• Outdoor performances
• Public gatherings and demonstrations

Because of its size and central waterfront location, the plaza regularly welcomes thousands of visitors during major events.

FIFA World Cup 2026 TSN Fan Zone

Jack Poole Plaza played a significant role during the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Vancouver welcomed fans from around the world.

From June 11 to July 7, 2026, the plaza served as the location of the TSN FIFA World Cup outdoor studio and fan zone, where live television broadcasts, pre-match analysis, interviews, and watch parties brought thousands of football supporters together.

The fan zone became one of the city's most vibrant gathering places throughout Vancouver's hosting period, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for locals and international visitors alike.

The Colombia vs. Switzerland Round of 16 match at BC Place on July 7, 2026, marked Vancouver's seventh and final FIFA World Cup match. Following the tournament, the TSN outdoor studio and fan zone were dismantled on July 8, 2026, closing an exciting chapter in Vancouver's World Cup history.

A Favourite Stop for Cruise Passengers

Located beside the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, Jack Poole Plaza is one of the first places many international visitors experience when arriving in Vancouver.

Every cruise season, thousands of passengers stroll through the plaza before exploring downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Gastown, and Coal Harbour.

Its convenient location and beautiful scenery make it a popular first impression of the city.

Why Visit Jack Poole Plaza?

Jack Poole Plaza combines history, architecture, public art, waterfront scenery, festivals, and world-class events in one spectacular location.

Whether you're photographing the Olympic Cauldron, admiring the Digital Orca, attending a festival, watching a sunset over Coal Harbour, or enjoying a waterfront patio, the plaza offers one of the best outdoor experiences in Downtown Vancouver.

No visit to Vancouver is complete without spending time at this iconic waterfront destination.