Expo 86 opened on May 2, 1986, and its impact on Vancouver's cityscape and culture remains highly visible. On the 40th anniversary of the fair that changed Vancouver forever, here's a collection of historic photos from the fair and the buildup to it.
Share current article via LinkedInExpo 86 opened on May 2, 1986, and its impact on Vancouver's cityscape and culture remains highly visible. On the 40th anniversary of the fair that changed Vancouver forever, here's a collection of historic photos from the fair and the buildup to it.
Canada Place was constructed to be the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86. Queen Elizabeth II attended a ceremonial concrete pour to start construction in 1983 and then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana helped cut the ribbon when the expo opened. Canada Place was constructed to be the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86.
Queen Elizabeth II attended a ceremonial concrete pour to start construction in 1983 and then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana helped cut the ribbon when the expo opened. Canada Place was constructed to be the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86. Queen Elizabeth II attended a ceremonial concrete pour to start construction in 1983 and then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana helped cut the ribbon when the expo opened.
Canada Place was constructed to be the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86. Queen Elizabeth II attended a ceremonial concrete pour to start construction in 1983 and then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana helped cut the ribbon when the expo opened. Canada Place was constructed to be the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86.
Queen Elizabeth II attended a ceremonial concrete pour to start construction in 1983 and then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana helped cut the ribbon when the expo opened. Canada Place was constructed to be the Canada Pavilion for Expo 86. Queen Elizabeth II attended a ceremonial concrete pour to start construction in 1983 and then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana helped cut the ribbon when the expo opened.
Originally intended to be a temporary structure, Science World was known as the Expo Centre during Expo 86. It reopened as a science museum in 1989 after a $19-million renovation campaign. Originally intended to be a temporary structure, Science World was known as the Expo Centre during Expo 86. It reopened as a science museum in 1989 after a $19-million renovation campaign.
Originally intended to be a temporary structure, Science World was known as the Expo Centre during Expo 86. It reopened as a science museum in 1989 after a $19-million renovation campaign. Originally intended to be a temporary structure, Science World was known as the Expo Centre during Expo 86. It reopened as a science museum in 1989 after a $19-million renovation campaign.
Originally intended to be a temporary structure, Science World was known as the Expo Centre during Expo 86. It reopened as a science museum in 1989 after a $19-million renovation campaign. Originally intended to be a temporary structure, Science World was known as the Expo Centre during Expo 86. It reopened as a science museum in 1989 after a $19-million renovation campaign.
Vancouver's SkyTrain rapid transit system was developed for Expo 86 and opened on Dec. 11, 1985, less than five months before the fair. Vancouver's SkyTrain rapid transit system was developed for Expo 86 and opened on Dec. 11, 1985, less than five months before the fair. Vancouver's SkyTrain rapid transit system was developed for Expo 86 and opened on Dec. 11, 1985, less than five months before the fair.
Vancouver's SkyTrain rapid transit system was developed for Expo 86 and opened on Dec. 11, 1985, less than five months before the fair. May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress. The Friendship 500, which housed a floating McDonald’s during Expo 86, seen in an image from the City of Vancouver archives.
May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress. May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress.
May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress. May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress.
May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress. May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress.
May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress. May 2, 2026, marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Expo 86. Photos from the Vancouver Archives show the fair in progress.
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