Let’s explore Robson…later! We love our city, especially in springtime when the daylight hours are longer and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, blanketing Vancouver in pretty shades of pink. How we miss the hustle and bustle of Robson Street – the shop windows, the people watching, the happy hour patio hangs. And despite our natural desire to venture out right now, we must instead stay close to home. Let’s all pledge to do our part, so that we can all get back to living life as soon as possible.
We recently shared with you our inspiration and tips for self-isolation as we all hunker down at home, but this time we wanted to reflect back on some of our favourite eras and moments #onRobson. Take a trip down memory lane with us!
Robsonstrasse: In the 1950’s and 60’s, Robson Street was known as Robsonstrasse, so-named because of the large concentration of post-World War II Germans that settled and set up shop. European style delicatessens, markets, bakeries and high fashion boutiques lined the street. Even back then, it was one of Vancouver’s most popular streets.
Kitty-corner Starbucks: Until spring of 2012, the iconic Robson and Thurlow intersection was home to not one, but two Starbucks shops…perhaps the start of Vancouver’s obsession with coffee! The southwest corner Starbucks, which is now a flagship Aritzia, 0riginally opened in 1988 and was the third Starbucks in Canada. The other Starbucks, located in the Manhattan building, was kitty-corner to the first, opening up one year later. 31 years later, the Manhattan Starbucks is still open and as busy as ever (pre-COVID-19, of course).
2010 Olympics: Vancouver was a perpetual sea of red Canadian pride during the 2010 Olympics, with people wearing the Canadian flag loud and proud and singing the national anthem from the stadium to the street. The epic energy and magical excitement felt #onRobson during the Winter Olympics, from the carrying of the torch to spontaneous flash mobs, was unparalleled to anything experienced before. Reflecting back on February 2010 and all the amazing moments puts a smile on our face.
2011 Stanley Cup Run: Just a year after the 2010 Winter Olympics, our city cheered on our hometown Vancouver Canucks, as they made a fierce run for the elusive Stanley Cup. Making it all the way to game 7 of the finals, the joy, pride and team spirit intensified and was felt all throughout Vancouver. The buzz and energy #onRobson was electric; people proudly donned the blue and green, shop windows displayed team spirit, and restaurants and patios were jam-packed for game viewings. Although our team didn’t bring the Stanley Cup home to Vancouver, they gave us all a reason to be proud!
Annual Pride Parade: The annual Vancouver Pride Parade is a staple of the Vancouver summer calendar. Year after year, this celebration fills Robson Street with colour, floats, costumes, music and a whole lotta love. We look forward to this celebration every year!
Bute Robson Plaza: Perched just off of bustling Robson Street, is Bute Robson Plaza. The former vehicle-oriented street was transformed into a temporary place for people during the summer of 2017 and quickly became a much-loved community hub. With breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet and North Shore mountains, it is the perfect place to gather, lounge and relax. The plaza also hosts live music and dance performances, as well as special events throughout the year.