BC Sugar Refinery

BC Sugar Refinery is more than just a relic of Vancouver’s industrial past—it’s a sweet slice of the city’s history that dates back to 1890 when Vancouver was still in its infancy. Nestled along the East Van waterfront, this iconic site is home to Vancouver’s most recognizable industrial landmark: the brick warehouse that has stood sentinel by the CPR railway tracks for over a century. But don’t be fooled by its old-world charm—there’s much more to BC Sugar than meets the eye.

Spanning a whopping 13.5 acres, this historic property is a hidden world of its own. Behind the iconic brick facade lies a sprawling complex of 20 buildings, including sleek art deco structures from the 1940s, a mid-century modern office building, and a massive storage facility that’s 300 feet long and 50 feet high.

But BC Sugar isn’t just resting on its laurels. This fully operational refinery is still churning between 100,000 and 120,000 metric tons of sugar each year, accounting for nearly 10% of Canada’s total sugar production. While it may be one of the city’s oldest industrial sites, BC Sugar has found a second life as a sought-after location for film shoots, with over 120 productions capturing its unique charm in recent years. Vancouver Sugar Refinery offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich industrial heritage—one that’s still very much alive and kicking.