With its asymmetrical towers, downtown's Holy Rosary Cathedral is a perfect example of Gothic Revival architecture. The pointed window and doorway arches, vaulted ceiling, exterior sandstone carving and tracery stained glass windows all reflect the Gothic character. Also notable is the full ring of the bells. All eight hang in the 66-meter east tower. This was the first church in Canada to ring a peal of Grandshire Triples to honor Dominion Day (now called Canada Day) in 1911. It lasted two hours and 59 minutes! Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Walk into this 110-year-old church and feel as though you've stepped back in time to a serene place. The historic cathedral, located across the street from the equally impressive Hotel Vancouver, features 29 striking Gothic and stained glass windows, each reflecting a story from the New Testament. The public art displayed in the lobby is also mesmerizing. The downtown landmark plays host to many choir recitals and concerts that are worthwhile for the acoustics alone. Check the website or call for information on special events and hours of worship.
Greater Vancouver is known as the home to people of different countries living here for work or studies. With this in view, all those who are looking for faith and a community feeling, irrespective of the language, their origins, are always welcome at Burnaby's Willingdon Church. The church offers special services on weekends for these non-native residents of the city in the form of sermons translated in to eight languages including Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Interesting community events, music services, prayer groups and activities for children, adults and older people are organized regularly. Check website for listening to sermons, watching videos of services and details on schedules.