Expo 86 officially celebrates its 30th anniversary today, Monday, May 2, marking an historic moment for Vancouverites who witnessed the event that put us on the map.
From the construction of major infrastructure such as the SkyTrain and Science World, Expo 86 changed the scope of Vancouver. Featuring pavilions from 54 nations and with a transportation theme, the event drew more than 22 million visitors over the course of six months.
To celebrate the anniversary, people have taken to social media to post their favourite memories of the massive event that turned Vancouver from a sleepy west coast town into an international city.
Here are 19 vintage photos of Expo 86.
throwback to #expo86 goodtimes & time flies. #family A photo posted by David Perron (@dsp888) on
yup. That’s me at #Expo86 with my twin brother. I am..fuuuck…40 today. Celebrating my inner manchild. I will be offline for over a week hiking through the remote B.C wilderness! #realmofcollectors #transformers #nerd #toycollector #toycollector #toysaremydrug #toys #retro A photo posted by doctor decepticon (@doctor_decepticon) on
#FunFact: did you know @lonsdalequay was built as a carnival-style market for #expo86? Celebrate their 30th this month with a series of events. Details in post up on our site. Cue 80’s music. #districtlocal #ontheDLtip #northvan #northshore #travelblogger #explorebc #vancouver #veryvancouver #lonsdalequay #1986 #throwback #thisisvancouver #canadianblogger #yvrevents A photo posted by District Local | Vancouver (@districtlocal) on
#expo86 #Vancouver A photo posted by Jason Vanderhill (@jasonvanderhill) on
Affectionately know an “Tuggy”, the MV Expo Tugger tugboat rests just outside @rivermrkt and @thefrdc. Originally built for Expo 86, Tuggy is now a unique attraction on the Fraser! #MadeInNewWest #expo86 #familyfun #springbreak #exploreBC A photo posted by Tourism New Westminster (@tourismnewwest) on
#TBT – That time #Vancouver invited the world for one big party. #Expo86. Image via Vancouver Archives. #604Now A photo posted by 604 Now (@604now) on
#NationalSiblingsDay Vancouver Expo 86 pic.twitter.com/3de1QoujvR — Carman K (@angelstar1632) April 11, 2016
#ThrowbackThursday 1983 America’s Cup winning Australia 2 outside the Australia pavilion at Expo 86. #WingKeel pic.twitter.com/Bt2VciMTic
— Rudy E (@Mr_Rudy_E) March 3, 2016