Sun Tower

The Sun Tower is a Beaux-Arts skyscraper with an eight-story L-shaped base topped by a nine-story hexagonal tower and copper-colored dome, reaching about 82 meters high. The building houses multiple commercial offices and retail spaces throughout its floors.

Upon completion in 1912, the building held the record as the tallest structure in the British Empire, surpassing the nearby Dominion Building. Major restoration work began in 2018 to preserve and update the historic structure.

Nine terra cotta sculptures of female figures, created in Staffordshire, England, support the cornice line around the upper section. These ornamental elements reflect the craftsmanship and decoration typical of grand Beaux-Arts buildings of this era.

Located in downtown Vancouver on West Pender Street, the building is easily accessible and visible from street level. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and ornamental details from the sidewalk to appreciate its design and craftsmanship.

In 1918, climber Harry Gardiner scaled the exterior walls without safety equipment, adding to his record of ascending over 700 buildings worldwide. This daring feat was notable for its time, as such risky activities had virtually no safety measures.

Location: Vancouver

Inception: 1912

Architects: William Tuff Whiteway

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Elevators: 3

Address: 128 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC

GPS coordinates: 49.28100,-123.10800

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40