Neon signs are a surefire way to attract the attention of people passing by, and they've been lighting up the streets of Vancouver since the 1950s — bright and flashy enough to make anyone's head turn. That's exactly why so many establishments have continued to invest in glitzy neon signage, and Vancouver, British Columbia is no exception.
8 Landmark Neon Signs in Vancouver
1. Dayton Boots
Source: Road Architecture
The boot-shaped sign is a tribute to founder Charlie Wohlford, who in 1940 noticed loggers struggling to find a place to get their boots repaired. Encouraged by friends, he began making and selling his own handcrafted leather boots under the name Dayton, and put up a bright neon sign to draw in customers. Roughly 70 years later, the original sign still stands outside the store.
2. Helen's Children Wear
Source: Quietly
One of Vancouver's most iconic neon signs, it still shines in North Burnaby along East Hastings Street. Installed in 1955, the sign depicts a girl named Helen swinging back and forth. It survived the 1970s crackdown on bright neon signage and continued advertising the store until it closed in 2006 — today it stands as a landmark that has outlasted the business it once promoted.
3. Lonsdale Quay 'Q'
Source: Pinterest
A giant rotating neon ‘Q’ is hard to miss in North Vancouver. The Lonsdale Quay Market opened in 1986 for Expo 86, and its central ‘Q’ sign represents the surrounding Lower Lonsdale community. Visitors can even climb to the top for a view of Vancouver's skyline.
4. Smilin' Buddha Cabaret
Source: The Province
The Smilin' Buddha Cabaret hosted live concerts and music events until 1992, standing as a symbol of Vancouver's post-war entertainment scene. After the club closed, its neon sign was purchased and restored by the band 54-40, and is now on display at the Museum of Vancouver.
5. The Orpheum
Source: Storyblocks
One of Vancouver's most recognizable signs, it advertises the Orpheum theatre, built in 1927 for the Orpheum Circuit chain. The venue could hold 3,000 people and cost $1 million to build. The original sign read “New Orpheum” until it was replaced in the 1940s with the version seen today.
6. The Sylvia Hotel
Source: Vancouver Neon
The Sylvia Hotel's ‘S’ sign is a landmark in the English Bay area. Opened in 1913 as an upscale 77-unit apartment building, it later became the city's first cocktail bar. Now a hotel, it remains a local treasure — its neon sign framed by lush plant life along the building's exterior.
7. The Woodward's W
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Woodward's opened in 1891 as a department store, with its ‘W’ neon sign becoming a landmark for Vancouver residents. The store was known for its Food Floor and frequent sales. Today, the sign stands in the courtyard near The Charles Bar on West Cordova Street — and in 2010, a replica ‘W’ was even installed atop a mini Eiffel Tower.
8. Vogue Theatre
Source: Pinterest
Near the Orpheum sits the Vogue Theatre, an Art Deco venue topped by a 12-foot figure of Diana, the Roman goddess. Opened in 1941, it remains one of the few survivors of the original “Theatre Row.” Its neon sign stands 62 meters high, with lighting that shifts color over time — a genuinely iconic sight in the city.
Let Us Create a Neon Sign for Your Vancouver Business
Love seeing these attention-grabbing neon signs in Vancouver? Consider getting one for your own business — it's an easy way to catch the eye of anyone passing by, add character to your space, and give customers a wave of nostalgia (or a perfect backdrop for their next photo). Work with an experienced, trustworthy neon sign maker to ensure a quality, safe custom sign built to last.
Vancouver's neon history has echoes across the country — see the best neon signs in Calgary and the iconic neon signs in Montreal for more of Canada's classic signage.
