1. Super tall Eco-skyscrapers dominate the skyline
By 2100, Vancouver’s skyline could be defined by super-tall Eco-skyscrapers, reaching well beyond today’s high-rise towers. These buildings would be designed as vertical ecosystems: covered in trees, shrubs, and native plants that help absorb carbon, reduce heat, and support biodiversity in the heart of the city. Facades could be wrapped in energy-generating materials, turning entire buildings into giant solar panels that power themselves and even feed excess energy back into the grid. Instead of simply being places to live and work, these towers would act as living infrastructure, blurring the line between architecture and nature.
2. Floating districts expand the city’s footprint
As sea levels rise and waterfront land becomes more vulnerable, Vancouver may respond by building floating districts on Burrard Inlet and False Creek. These buoyant neighbourhoods could host housing, parks, shops, and community spaces that adapt to changing water levels rather than fighting against them. Floating platforms would be anchored but flexible, designed to gently rise and fall with the tides while integrating renewable energy, rainwater capture, and marine-friendly foundations. Over time, these districts could transform parts of the harbour into self-sufficient, low-impact communities that redefine what it means to live on the coast.
3. Autonomous aerial transit replaces most car traffic
By 2100, the daily traffic jams we know today could be a relic of the past. Instead of private cars dominating the roads, Vancouver might rely on autonomous aerial transit: electric sky-pods, drone taxis, and cargo drones flowing through regulated “air lanes” above the city. Ground-level streets could be reclaimed for bikes, pedestrians, and local delivery robots, making neighbourhoods quieter, safer, and more human centred. Transit hubs would connect aerial networks with rail, ferries, and walking paths, allowing people to move across the region quickly without owning a single car.
4. The Seawall evolves into a multi-level mobility corridor
The beloved Seawall could transform from a scenic path into a highly organized mobility corridor designed for multiple types of movement. One level might be reserved for pedestrians and runners, another for cyclists and micro-mobility devices, and a third for small autonomous shuttles or logistics bots. Smart surfaces could adjust lighting, signage, and even lane allocation in real time, based on congestion, weather, and time of day. Despite these upgrades, the Seawall’s core identity as a place to experience the ocean, mountains, and skyline would remain, just with far more people using it in more ways.
5. Climate-adaptive architecture becomes the norm
By the end of the century, Vancouver’s buildings will likely need to withstand more frequent heatwaves, storms, and heavy rainfall. Climate-adaptive architecture would respond automatically to these changing conditions: facades that open or close for natural ventilation, shading systems that move with the sun, and roofs that switch between absorbing and reflecting heat. Building envelopes might be embedded with sensors that monitor humidity, air quality, and temperature, feeding data into AI systems that optimize comfort and efficiency. Instead of being static structures, buildings would behave more like responsive organisms, constantly adjusting to protect residents and conserve energy.
6. Vancouver emerges as a global hub for ocean technology
Vancouver’s location on the Pacific coast positions it well to become a world leader in ocean technology by 2100. New innovation districts along the waterfront could host marine research labs, underwater robotics companies, and sustainable aquaculture facilities. These hubs might focus on issues like ocean cleanup, marine biodiversity monitoring, and climate-resilient coastal infrastructure. The city’s economy would benefit from a mix of high-tech jobs and blue-economy industries, helping Vancouver balance environmental stewardship with economic growth.
7. Renewable, locally generated energy powers the city
Fossil fuels are likely to be phased out in favour of a fully renewable, distributed energy system. Vancouver’s power could come from a blend of rooftop solar, offshore wind, tidal generators in local waterways, and geothermal systems tapping underground heat. Neighbourhood micro-grids would allow communities to generate, store, and share their own energy, increasing resilience during storms or grid disruptions. Instead of a one-way energy system where power simply flows from a distant plant to homes, Vancouver’s energy network would be dynamic, decentralized, and tightly integrated into the urban fabric.
8. Urban forests expand across buildings and infrastructure
By 2100, greenery in Vancouver might not be limited to parks and street trees. Urban forests could extend across rooftops, the sides of buildings, elevated walkways, and even overpasses, creating continuous green corridors for both people and wildlife. Native plant species would help cool the city, absorb storm water, and give pollinators new habitats in dense urban areas. Residents might move through a city where shade, foliage, and birdsong are present not only in natural parks but woven throughout the built environment.
9. Cultural districts blend physical and digital worlds
Culture in Vancouver may become increasingly hybrid, combining physical spaces with rich digital overlays. Through augmented reality (AR), visitors could see Indigenous histories, art, and stories appear on buildings, sidewalks, and landscapes as they move through the city. Festivals, galleries, and performances could exist simultaneously in physical venues and virtual layers, accessible from anywhere in the world. This blending of digital and physical would allow Vancouver to honour its past, celebrate its diversity, and share its culture globally without being limited by geography or physical capacity.
10. Climate-resilient waterfronts become dynamic public spaces
Vancouver’s waterfronts will likely be on the front lines of sea-level rise and coastal change. In response, the city could replace static seawalls with adaptive edges: terraced shorelines, floating plazas, flood able parks, and amphibious buildings designed to cope with higher water. These spaces would not just be defences against climate impacts, but vibrant public areas for recreation, gathering, and education. By turning resilience into an opportunity for better public space, Vancouver’s waterfront could remain a defining feature of the city long into the future.
Final Thoughts
Of course, these predictions are just my personal reflections on how Vancouver might evolve over the next 75 years. The future is shaped by countless decisions, innovations, and challenges—many of which we can’t yet foresee. But imagining what’s possible helps us think more boldly about the choices we make today. What do you think Vancouver will look like in 2100? Will it be a green utopia, a tech-driven metropolis, or something entirely different? I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and visions for the city’s future. Share your perspective, where do you see Vancouver heading in the next 75 years?