Old City Map of Vancouver by Cram, 1895: Stanley Park, Hastings Park, False Creek, Burrard Inlet, English Bay

The Official Map of the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, created in 1895 by the renowned cartographer George F. Cram, offers a captivating glimpse into the urban and natural landscape of Vancouver at the close of the 19th century. This meticulously detailed map highlights the city’s burgeoning development, framed by the striking natural features that have shaped its identity. From the expansive English Bay to the west to the bustling Burrard Inlet to the north, the map vividly portrays Vancouver’s connection to the Pacific Ocean, underscoring the city’s importance as a hub for maritime trade and commerce.

One of the most striking features of this map is its depiction of Vancouver’s green spaces, including the future Stanley Park, a vast area of wilderness that would become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. To the east, Hastings Park is prominently labeled, reflecting its early designation as a public recreational area. These parks, set against the backdrop of a growing urban grid, illustrate the city’s thoughtful planning and commitment to preserving natural spaces amidst rapid development.

The waterways on this map are particularly noteworthy, with False Creek extending deep into the heart of the city. This inlet not only served as a vital waterway for transportation and industry but also played a key role in shaping the surrounding neighborhoods. The inclusion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, prominently marked, further emphasizes Vancouver’s role as a transportation nexus, linking the city to the rest of Canada and facilitating its growth as a major port city.

This map also provides a fascinating look at the city’s early infrastructure and vision for the future. The proposed “second narrows” bridge, spanning the narrower part of Burrard Inlet, hints at the city’s foresight in planning for increased connectivity and expansion. Such details offer a window into the ambitions of late 19th-century Vancouver, a city poised for transformation as it embraced its role as a gateway to the Pacific and beyond.

George F. Cram’s expertise as a cartographer shines through in this map, with its clean design, precise labeling, and use of color to distinguish natural and man-made features. Known for his dedication to accuracy and detail, Cram’s work remains highly regarded among collectors and historians. This map not only serves as a practical guide to Vancouver’s layout in 1895 but also as a piece of art and history, capturing the spirit of a city on the brink of modernity.

Streets and roads on this map:

• Alexander Street
• Alberni Street
• Burrard Street
• Cambie Street
• Carrall Street
• Cordova Street
• Davie Street
• Denman Street
• Drake Street
• Dunsmuir Street
• Georgia Street
• Granville Street
• Hastings Street
• Howe Street
• Keefer Street
• Main Street
• Nelson Street
• Pender Street
• Powell Street
• Richards Street
• Robson Street
• Seymour Street
• Smythe Street
• Thurlow Street
• Water Street
• Westminster Avenue
• Yaletown Road
• York Street

Notable Features & Landmarks:

• Inset maps: Includes an index plan of Vancouver at the bottom left, offering a broader view of the city’s location and layout.
• Landmarks:
• Hastings Park: A designated public and recreational green space.
• Coal Harbour: A significant waterway adjacent to Burrard Inlet.
• Large parks:
• Stanley Park (future): Depicted as a large green area in the northwest corner of the city.
• Hastings Park: Clearly marked as a key recreational area.
• Water bodies:
• English Bay: A major body of water to the west of the city.
• False Creek: A prominent inlet extending into the city.
• Burrard Inlet: A crucial waterway to the north, connecting Vancouver to the Pacific Ocean.
• Proposed infrastructure: The "second narrows" bridge, marking early plans for connectivity across Burrard Inlet.

Historical and design context:

• Mapmaker: Created by George F. Cram, a renowned 19th-century cartographer celebrated for his detailed and accurate maps.
• Urban planning: Highlights Vancouver’s foresight in preserving green spaces like Stanley Park and Hastings Park amidst urban expansion.
• Transportation focus: Emphasizes the role of the Canadian Pacific Railroad and maritime connections in shaping Vancouver’s growth.
• Design style: Features clean lines, precise labeling, and thoughtful use of color to distinguish natural and urban elements.
• Historical significance: Captures Vancouver at a pivotal moment in its history, showcasing its transition into a modern, interconnected city.
• Geographical importance: Depicts Vancouver’s integration with key waterways and its strategic position as a gateway to the Pacific.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.