Fairmont Pacific Rim - History
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The Fairmont Pacific Rim, fronting one of the city's best addresses, is a newcomer to an area rich in history and intrigue. With unobstructed views of the north shore mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour, guests at the Fairmont Pacific Rim are treated to the vistas that have transfixed travelers since Captain Vancouver arrived in 1792.
The original inhabitants were Coast Salish, consisting of Musqueam and Squamish bands that hunted, fished and trapped throughout the territory that is now Vancouver. The gold rush in the 1850's brought many hopefuls through the area and in 1859 a small seam of coal was discovered and the area was named Coal Harbour.
Although there was never commercial mining, it was home to a variety of other industries; a fishery, sawmill, shipyards; boat factory; rail terminal and warehouses. Over the years, businesses moved "uptown" and it was only after Canada Place was built for EXPO '86, that the area saw a return to, and renewal of, the waterfront. With a nod to the international influence and history of our city, it's interesting to note that our address "1038" translates from Chinese to mean "road to riches".
Much care and planning went into the design of Fairmont Pacific Rim by architect James K.M. Cheng. The neighboring Marine Building, claimed to be one of the world's best examples of art deco style, is cherished among Vancouverites. To ensure the vintage icon wasn't eclipsed, he created a "sculpting" effect to frame the building. For the best vantage point, stroll along the sea wall to Brockton Point in Stanley Park, stand by the Nine O'clock gun and face the city. Here every night since it was initiated in 1894 to assist sailors to synchronize their chronometers, the gun has announced the time.
Now, over 100 years later, the port of Vancouver has become a diverse and cosmopolitan city. Designed to five star standards, Fairmont Pacific Rim was designed to reflect an authentically local experience, combining the best of Asia and the west coast for a harmonious fusion for all the senses to enjoy.