Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Vancouver

The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre seamlessly combines history with art, craftsmanship, and leisure spaces, all housed within a venerable railway edifice nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, situated on Pacific Blvd between Davie and Drake streets. Erected in 1888, this intricate establishment stands as a testament to the city's past and remains steadfast in its original position.

Within the premises, a capacious hall offers an excellent venue for hosting diverse events. The Roundhouse encompasses a plethora of additional amenities, including a gymnasium, a theater, an after-school childcare facility, as well as art studios catering to dance, woodworking, and various other creative pursuits. Adjacent to the building lies an expansive plaza, serving as an outdoor venue for events. Catering to a wide range of age groups, the community center orchestrates an array of athletic, artistic, and recreational programs.

Historically, a "roundhouse" was commonly utilized to house and maintain locomotives. This was the Roundhouse Community Centre's original purpose, as it once sheltered CPR trains more than a century ago. In the 1980s, the site underwent renovation, transforming into an exhibit pavilion for Expo 86, eventually evolving into the vibrant community hub we know today during the 1990s.

Remnants of the train legacy persist within the Roundhouse, notably in the form of Engine 374, which famously marked Vancouver's inaugural passenger train arrival in 1887. While not an extensive exhibit, it remains open for free visits, representing one of the city's oldest and most cherished historic artifacts.