Looking to the North

In a city with frequent cloudy days and limited direct sunlight, if people are constantly turning their faces to the north, it says something. In the northern hemisphere, to get more sunlight, you’d typically look south. But here in Vancouver, we have a special connection to the north.

Yes, by choosing north we might be turning our backs on the sun, but in doing so, we’re greeted by the mountains. They catch the light and reflect it back to us, filling our eyes with soft, shifting colors.

The mountains tell us of the past, while we look toward them to shape the future.

We leave. They stay.

Here’s a view of the mountains from Coal Harbour, 100 years ago and again in 2025. Stanley Park is also in the frame.

1895 (?)
City of Vancouver Archives
Reference Code: CVA 352-09

January 24, 2025
© Ozgun Ulusoy