New & Tallest High-Rise Buildings in Vancouver Skyline [2025]

A New Shape to the Sky — Vancouver’s Skyline in 2025

Framed by coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the Vancouver skyline is one of the most visually iconic in North America. As the city continues its rapid vertical growth, its skyline is evolving — not just upward, but also in design, density, and ambition.

With dozens of high-rise developments either under construction or recently approved, 2025 promises to reshape how locals and visitors view the city from afar. From architectural marvels piercing the clouds to eco-conscious towers redefining sustainable design, the coming years will add new heights — both literally and symbolically — to Vancouver’s urban identity.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• The tallest skyscrapers and most iconic buildings currently defining Vancouver’s skyline

• Upcoming high-rise developments set to transform the city by 2025

• The design restrictions and urban policies shaping vertical growth

• Where to find the best views from Vancouver’s top condos

• And what the future might hold for high-rise architecture on the West Coast

Whether you’re a local, investor, architecture enthusiast, or someone simply in love with cityscapes, this is your insider’s look at Vancouver’s skyline — past, present, and what’s next.

Understanding Height Restrictions and Architectural Styles

Unlike cities that stretch upward without constraint, Vancouver’s vertical growth is intentionally curated. The city is governed by a unique planning concept known as the View Cone Policy — a regulation designed to preserve sightlines to the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park, and other natural landmarks.

What Are View Cones?

View cones are protected visual corridors established by the City of Vancouver to ensure that iconic vistas — such as the mountains from Cambie Street or the ocean from Queen Elizabeth Park — remain unobstructed. As a result, even centrally located towers are capped at specific heights depending on which view cone their lot intersects.

This policy plays a crucial role in shaping the silhouette of Vancouver’s skyline. While the city allows for tall, narrow high-rises, it discourages bulky, view-blocking structures. That’s why most buildings appear spaced out, with slim profiles and generous sky gaps between towers.

Common Architectural Styles in Vancouver High-Rises

• Glass-and-steel curtain walls dominate, reflecting both ocean light and urban energy

• Modernist minimalism is favored — clean lines, geometric massing, understated elegance

• Green roofs and terraced setbacks are becoming more common in new developments

• The use of sustainable building materials and LEED-certified design elements is growing, aligning with Vancouver’s eco-conscious ethos

This blend of policy, aesthetics, and sustainability gives Vancouver a skyline that’s both distinct and deliberate — one that balances urban density with natural beauty.

Vancouver’s Current Tallest Buildings: Iconic Skyscrapers

Vancouver’s skyline is a testament to its architectural ambition and urban planning. As of 2025, the city boasts several towering structures that define its cityscape. Here’s a look at the most prominent high-rises:

1. Living Shangri-La

• Height: 201 meters (659 feet), 62 stories

• Completed: 2008

• Use: Mixed-use (hotel and residential)

• Location: 1111 Alberni Street

• Notable Features: As the tallest building in Vancouver and British Columbia, Living Shangri-La combines luxury living with a five-star hotel experience.

  Official Site: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

2. Paradox Hotel Vancouver

• Height: 188 meters (617 feet), 60 stories

• Completed: 2016

• Use: Mixed-use (hotel and residential)

• Location: 1151 West Georgia Street

• Notable Features: Formerly known as the Trump International Hotel and Tower, this building is the second tallest in the city.

3. One Burrard Place

• Height: 167.4 meters (549 feet), 54 stories

• Completed: 2021

• Use: Residential

• Location: 1289 Hornby Street

• Notable Features: This is the tallest residential-only building in Vancouver, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.

•  Official Site: Burrard Place

4. The Butterfly

• Height: Approximately 168 meters (551 feet), 57 stories

• Completed: 2023

• Use: Residential

• Location: 969 Burrard Street

• Notable Features: Designed by the late Bing Thom, The Butterfly features a unique, undulating design inspired by nature.

•  Official Site: thebutterflyvancouver.ca

5. The Stack

• Height: 162.3 meters (533 feet), 38 stories

• Completed: 2023

• Use: Commercial (office)

• Location: 1133 Melville Street

• Notable Features: Canada’s first commercial high-rise to achieve Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard certification.

•  Official Site: thestackyvr.com

6. TELUS Garden

• Height: 143 meters (469 feet), 24 stories

• Completed: 2015

• Use: Mixed-use (office and residential)

• Location: 510 West Georgia Street

• Notable Features: Known for its sustainable design, TELUS Garden was one of the first LEED Platinum certified office towers in Vancouver.

•  Official Site: TELUS garden
  

New High Rise Buildings in Vancouver 2025

 

Vancouver’s skyline is undergoing a transformation with several ambitious high-rise projects set to redefine its urban profile in 2025. Here’s an overview of some key developments:

1. Sen̓áḵw Development

• Location: South end of Burrard Street Bridge, Vancouver

• Developer: Squamish Nation

• Overview: An Indigenous-led project comprising 11 towers, offering 6,000 rental units, with some buildings reaching up to 56 storeys. Notably, the development is exempt from local height restrictions. ​ Wikipedia

2. Oakridge Park Redevelopment

• Location: Cambie Street and West 41st Avenue, Vancouver

• Developers: Westbank and QuadReal

• Overview: A mixed-use redevelopment featuring residential towers, retail spaces, a community center, and a public park. The project aims to create a new town center in Vancouver. ​Wikipedia

3. The Stories at South Granville Station

• Location: 2488 Granville Street, Vancouver

• Developer: PCI Developments

• Overview: A 39-storey mixed-use tower integrating residential units, office space, and retail, directly connected to the upcoming South Granville SkyTrain Station.

4. Joyce II

• Location: 5083 Joyce Street, Vancouver

• Developer: Westbank

• Overview: A 36-storey residential tower adjacent to Joyce-Collingwood Station, featuring architectural design by Perkins&Will. ​STOREYS

5. The Archetype

• Location: False Creek Flats, Vancouver

• Developers: QuadReal Property Group and Hungerford Properties

• Overview: An eight-storey tri-mix development combining residential units, office space, and light industrial areas, aiming to foster a connected community. ​

High-Rise Living in Vancouver: Condos with the Best Views

Living in a high-rise condo in Vancouver isn’t just about elevation — it’s about experience. The city’s unique geography, flanked by ocean and mountains, makes views from above not just desirable but breathtaking. For many residents, the skyline isn’t just scenery — it’s home.

Whether you’re gazing over Coal Harbour’s marina, the North Shore Mountains, or watching the sun set behind the English Bay, certain buildings consistently offer some of the best vantage points in the city.

Notable Condos with Iconic Views:

• Living Shangri-La – Panoramic views of downtown and Burrard Inlet from the tallest building in BC

• The Butterfly – Unique architectural design creates sweeping corner vistas of English Bay and the city core

• One Burrard Place – High-floor units feature southern views of False Creek and Granville Island

• Vancouver House – Designed by Bjarke Ingels, this twisting tower offers uninterrupted views of the Burrard Bridge and waterfront

• Shaw Tower – Located at the edge of Coal Harbour, offering direct views of the ocean and Stanley Park

Best Neighborhoods for View-Focused Living:

• Coal Harbour – Waterfront living with direct views of Burrard Inlet and access to the Seawall

• Yaletown – High-density towers with vistas of False Creek and the marina

• West End (near Beach Ave) – Combines older high-rises with oceanfront perspectives and English Bay sunsets

• Cambie Corridor (Emerging) – Newer towers with mountain-facing exposures and skyline panoramas

For many buyers, a condo’s view significantly increases its value — both in lifestyle and in long-term investment. That’s why developers increasingly emphasize floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and angle-specific architecture designed to maximize every glance.

Future of Vancouver’s Skyline: Trends and Predictions

By 2025, Vancouver’s skyline will not only be taller — it will be smarter, greener, and more intentionally designed. As population growth accelerates and land availability tightens, the city is adapting its architectural and planning approaches to reflect new urban realities.

Sustainability at the Core

Vancouver continues to push boundaries with eco-forward high-rise design. Developments like The Stack, Canada’s first office tower built to Zero Carbon Building standards, point toward a future where buildings generate less emissions and consume fewer resources. Expect more towers with:

• Green roofs and vertical gardens

• Energy-efficient glass, including low-E and triple-glazed curtain walls

• Passive heating and cooling systems

• LEED® and WELL certifications

Vertical Urbanization and Density

With space at a premium, vertical mixed-use development is rising. Towers increasingly blend residential, retail, and office uses — creating self-contained urban hubs. Expect to see:

• Podium-level public plazas and community amenities

• Transit-integrated towers (e.g., Joyce II, Oakridge Park)

• Taller, slimmer towers that preserve sky views and meet view cone policies

Tech-Driven Design and Operations

Digital transformation is also reshaping the skyline. New buildings are leveraging:

• Digital twins for lifecycle modeling and real-time management

• Smart glass that adjusts tint to sunlight

• IoT-based systems for energy monitoring and predictive maintenance

What This Means for Residents and Investors

Vancouver’s high-rises are no longer just status symbols — they’re sustainable assets and technological platforms. Buyers are looking for more than just square footage; they’re seeking view, livability, walkability, and smart integrations. Developers who align with these values are likely to lead the next wave of skyline-defining projects.

Shaping the Sky — and Keeping It Clean

Vancouver’s skyline is more than an aesthetic marvel — it’s a living, evolving symbol of the city’s values: sustainability, innovation, and intentional urban design. From landmark towers like Living Shangri-La to new developments like Sen̓áḵw and Oakridge Park, Vancouver continues to grow upward — thoughtfully and ambitiously.

But as the city reaches new heights, so does the demand for specialized support to maintain these structures. High-rise window cleaning is no longer a simple maintenance task — it’s a high-skill service that preserves both the appearance and integrity of the buildings that define Vancouver’s skyline.

At Northern Touch Property Care, Our Window Cleaning Experts in Vancouver work with the architects and property managers who shape this skyline — offering WorkSafeBC-compliant, rope-access window cleaning solutions tailored to Vancouver’s coastal weather, architectural complexity, and glass-sensitive materials.

Whether you’re overseeing a landmark high-rise, a new LEED-certified tower, or a downtown residential icon, our team ensures your building looks as sharp on the outside as it is inside.

Explore our professional Skyscraper Window Cleaning Services in Vancouver to see how we help the city’s skyline shine — safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

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Strategic Benefits:

• Naturally ties in Northern Touch and the service offering without hard selling

• Reconnects skyline admiration to the functional need for expert maintenance

• Aligns brand with architectural ambition, eco-values, and urban sophistication

• Keeps the focus on Vancouver.