Stretching three levels, the old-established Pacific Centre has been going strong for decades since it was first built in 1973. The mall has been officially named CF Pacific Centre since 2015, housing over 100 stores including fashion heavyweights such as Canada’s Flagship Nordstrom & Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Canada Goose, and many more.
Other than shopping, the classy Pacific Centre Mall plays host to a modern food court on the lower level to delight your palate with large fast food chains and gourmet cuisines.
Read on to learn more about what to do and essential tips before visiting.
Where Is the Pacific Centre Located?
The Pacific Centre is centrally located in the core of downtown Vancouver. The old-established mall is sandwiched between four bustling boulevards including Granville Street, Howe Street, Robson Street, and West Pender.
Out-of-town visitors can frequent the mall by riding the SkyTrain to one of the nearby stations: Granville Station and Waterfront Station.
Just a stone’s throw southwest of the mall, you will get to Hudson Mall. Alternatively, go 7 minutes northeast and you will get to Canada Place as well as the bustling Vancouver Harbor area.
What Is Pacific Centre Famous for?
The Pacific Centre is consistently known as one of the most productive shopping malls in not only Vancouver but also North America. Dubbed the 7th busiest shopping center in the continent, the mall is home to over 100 stores including many world-renowned fashion brands and flagship stores such as Apple, Harry Rosen, and H&M.
Its central location right in the heart of Vancouver makes shopping and getting around a breeze. Plus, there is a highly-appraised food court offering high-quality food options from east to west.
Most of the shopping areas are underground, wearing a giant glass dome on top. The Pacific Centre stretches three city blocks and upholds its title as the only home for Nordstrom and Holt Renfrew in the Vancouver trade area.
3 Top Things to Do and See at Pacific Centre
1. Shop Til’ You Drop
There’s much to offer within this three-story mall. The first thing you notice is a huge offer of luxury items including the largest Nordstroms you may have seen. Such an enormous footprint expanding for multiple stories makes it a challenge to cover everything in one go. If you focus on the top floor, that’s where all the high-end jewelry and high fashion gather such as Sephora, Nordstrom, Cemarose, H&M, and Holt Renfrew.
For those who frequent the Pacific Centre often, don’t miss out on the LiVE shopping app released by Cadillac Fairview to track your gift card balance and check out the latest offers from the brands.
2. Kick Back with Cheap Eats at the Food Court
After a massive renovation, the food court at Pacific Centre has become one of the nicest food courts in the downtown core to grab a quick lunch. Today, you can kick back at one of the comfy seats in an expansive seating area, waiting for some yummy bites to be made.
Big fast food chains have settled at the Pacific Centre food court for a long time such as OPA! Of Greece, Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, and CHACHI’S stocking you up with tasty munchies every day.
Other than that, there is also a wide range of international cuisines brought to you by Edo Japan, Flaming Wok, Thai Express, Vina Vietnamese, Meinhardt, Living Foods, and much more.
Looking for more food spots to eat at? Take a peek at our best downtown Vancouver restaurants list.
3. Check Out What’s Happening Nearby
The Pacific Centre makes a perfect base to linger further afield the downtown area and famous sites of interest. Just across the street from Granville Street, Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s original and iconic department store, is one of its biggest competitors. And if you walk about two blocks toward Waterfront Station, that’s where you see the Vancouver Lookout, one of the most well-received scenic viewpoints in Vancouver. Go to the top and enjoy a sweeping wraparound vista of the busy skyscrapers and the far-flung mountains by the sea.
The historic Gastown and Coal Harbor are within walking distance, offering a series of old original brick buildings sheltering great pubs, restaurants, and boutique stores.
What Is the Best Time to Visit the Pacific Centre?
As the locals attest, the mall fits the bill whenever it rains in Vancouver as kicking back with a nice place indoors becomes our favorite pastime. The busiest times of the day center around 3 to 4 pm. However, the parking lot is huge so you won’t be running into any hassle.
Other than that, the mall gets pretty busy on weekends and evenings with lineups outside the stores. If you’d rather beat the crowds, steer clear from the peak hours.
Essential Tips to Know Before Visiting Pacific Centre
- The mall is open from 11 am to 9 pm.
- Pets are not permitted, except for service animals.
- The use of bicycles, scooters, and skateboards, is strictly prohibited within the center.
- All guests must be fully dressed and shoes must be worn at all times.
- No smoking, vaping, or any illegal drug use on the premises.
- Parking at the mall is with a fee and proof of purchase is required.
- Shopping at the mall is now supported by LiVE by CF, an app that allows you to track your gift card balance, keep posted with the latest offers, Tap to Pay, and plan your route beforehand.
- For dining, the opening hours vary by store so make sure you call ahead upon your visit.
- Cadillac Fairview has launched ‘Music at CF’, gathering local musical talents to perform at the Pacific Centre between 5 pm and 7 pm. Check out the latest updates on the website for schedules.
Parking at Pacific Centre
Paid parking is applied for all visitors with proof of purchase required if you park at its underground lot. Accesses to the parking lot are off Howe Street or Robson Street.
Address: 620 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T4.
Rate:
- CAD 4 per half hour
- Weekday Day Max. CAD 25.75
- Weekday Evening Max. CAD 11.50
- Weekend Day Max. CAD 12.50
- Weekend Evening Max. CAD 11.50
777 Dunsmuir Lot: Floor Level 2, CF Pacific Centre, BC V6C 1X8.
Rate:
- CAD 4 per half hour
- Weekday Day Max. CAD 25.75
- Weekday Evening Max. CAD 11.50
- Weekend Day Max. CAD 12.50
- Weekend Evening Max. CAD 11.50
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacific Centre
How Many Stores Are There in the Pacific Centre?
There are over 100 stores at the Pacific Centre with a wide series of anchor stores and high-end fashion retailers.
Is There Free Parking at Pacific Centre?
Pacific Centre doesn’t offer free parking at its underground lot. The fee is applied at CAD 4 per 30 minutes.
Who Owns the Pacific Centre?
Pacific Centre is owned and managed by Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited, a Canadian real estate investor.
Are Dogs Allowed in the Pacific Centre?
No pets are allowed into the mall except for service animals.
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