Digital Orca

Digital Orca is a modern sculpture at Jack Poole Plaza showing a leaping killer whale made from aluminum blocks. These colored pieces fit together like pixels on a screen, creating a jumbo digital image visible from every angle around the waterfront.

Created in 2009 by artist Douglas Coupland, the sculpture was commissioned to honor the workers who built Vancouver's harbor infrastructure. This installation became a defining landmark for the transformed waterfront area.

The sculpture bridges marine life and digital technology in a way that speaks to the harbor's character. The pixelated blocks transform a natural creature into something that feels both familiar and contemporary.

The sculpture sits next to the Vancouver Convention Centre and works well as a meeting spot for visitors. From here, you can easily reach the waterfront path and explore the harbor area on foot.

Each aluminum block in the sculpture carries colors taken from industrial materials found across Vancouver's working harbor. These individual touches become more obvious when you walk closer or see them at different times of day.

Website: https://coupland.com/public-arts/digital-orca

GPS coordinates: 49.28982,-123.11671

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58