British Columbia's largest shopping centre, Metrotown, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Officially opened on September 25, 1986, the mall at 4700 Kingsway initially measured 1.1 million square feet and was anchored by two now-defunct department stores: Woodward's and Sears.
A Long Time in the Making
According to a September 23, 1986, article in The Vancouver Sun, the project was 14 years in the making. However, it took only three years after opening for the original mall to expand, adding both Eaton Centre and the Real Canadian Superstore. Renamed Metropolis at Metrotown after further expansion in 2005, the mall now spans approximately 1.79 million square feet.
Impact on Retail Landscape
It is difficult to imagine Metro Vancouver's retail scene without this behemoth. Fittingly, the mall's 40th anniversary coincides with Vancouver's commemoration of Expo 86, an event that also transformed the region.
Parking and Transit Evolution
While a 1986 advertising feature boasted, 'Parking is no problem at Metrotown Centre,' today finding a spot, especially on weekends, can be challenging. Fortunately, the Metrotown SkyTrain Station opened on December 11, 1985, a few months before the mall, helping ease traffic congestion. In 2024, it was the second busiest station in the SkyTrain system with 8.5 million boardings, not counting the adjacent bus exchange.
Iconic Attractions
One standout feature was the Rainforest Cafe, a jungle-themed restaurant that operated from 1998 to 2001. It featured animatronic animals, artificial thunderstorms, and aquariums, drawing families. The only remaining Canadian location is in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Another attraction was the two-story Playdium entertainment centre, a 40,000-square-foot arcade with a $1-million Indy car simulator.
Surrounded by other malls like Crystal Mall and busy Kingsway, Metropolis at Metrotown remains at the heart of one of the Lower Mainland's busiest commercial districts.
