Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland

Sculpture · Downtown

Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland

Sculpture · Downtown

1

Vancouver Convention Centre West Building, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada

Photos

Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by lusinna (Atlas Obscura User)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by staceykenny11 (Atlas Obscura User)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by Wendy Cutler on Flickr (Creative Commons)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by Philip Jama on Wikipedia (Creative Commons)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by asherkaye (Atlas Obscura User)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by lusinna (Atlas Obscura User)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by PROFaruk Ateş on Flickr (Creative Commons)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by laetitietgrominet (Atlas Obscura User)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by mordekia (Atlas Obscura User)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by notoriousFIG (Atlas Obscura User)
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null
Digital Orca - Douglas Coupland by null

Highlights

Pixel-art orca sculpture blending nature & technology by Coupland  

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Vancouver Convention Centre West Building, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada Get directions

covapp.vancouver.ca

Information

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Vancouver Convention Centre West Building, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada Get directions

+1 604 689 8232
covapp.vancouver.ca

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Nov 2, 2025

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10 Wondrous, Waterless Whales

"Like something out of the movie Pixels, Douglas Coupland’s public art masterpiece, Digital Orca looks like it is leaping right out of a video game. Or maybe a giant Lego set. Coupland is better known for his writing than his abilities as a sculptor, but that doesn’t make Digital Orca any less whimsical. The statue was installed in 2009 for the Vancouver Convention Centre Art Project. Coupland created the whale to evoke the harbor area’s history with a common sight off the western coast, the killer whale. Given Coupland’s penchant for exploring technology in his prose, it is no surprise that he has also introduced an element of technology even when creating an homage to the natural world. Since it is permanently installed there by the seaside, the angular whale had to be built of of sturdy aluminum and coated with a protective powder coating making up the whale’s markings. Even though the whale is sturdy enough to handle the corrosive effects of the coastal weather, climbing on the craggy beast is not allowed. The landowners, a company called Pavco, wanted the computer-age Free Willy wannabe to represent the area, and while it does its job, it also represents Coupland’s vision of life in our digitized times." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/waterless-whales
View Postcard for Digital Orca

Grace Fernandes

Google
Digital Orca is such a unique and creative sculpture right by Canada Place. It’s a pixelated orca design that looks amazing against the backdrop of the ocean and mountains. A fun spot for photos and definitely worth a quick stop if you’re walking along the waterfront. Iconic Vancouver vibes!

Valérie

Google
You'll capture your best photos of this at different times of day or when the weather cooperates. Please don't stick your family or friends immediately in front of it and move away: they will be small and insignificant. First, find how you want to frame the pixelated orca, and secondly ask your subject to come in range where you can recognize their face. It will be a much better photo if you can recognize your people in it. Why not take one where you are kissing the orca?

Joe

Google
During a visit to Vancouver, we stumbled across the mesmerizing digital orca artwork, and it truly took my breath away. This stunning piece captures the essence of the ocean and marine life, perfectly complemented by the beautiful waterway backdrop. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the digital orca create an immersive experience that draws you in. It’s not just a visual delight; it also evokes a sense of connection to the rich marine environment of British Columbia. I found myself captivated by its beauty as I took in the surrounding scenery. This unexpected discovery was one of the highlights of my trip, and I highly encourage anyone visiting Vancouver to seek out this fascinating artwork. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and nature, making for a memorable experience!

Kirk Dewhurst

Google
Pixelated orca. Located on a plaza with a great view of the waterfront. It’s cool. Lots of other interesting things to see in the area. My wife and I had a great time. Washrooms are nearby.

Daniel Zhang

Google
A Surprising and Cool Public Art Piece! 🐋 I stumbled upon the Digital Orca by accident while walking around the Vancouver Convention Centre area, and I’m so glad I did! This isn’t your typical whale statue—it’s a pixelated, digital-looking orca made of steel, created by the famous Canadian artist Douglas Coupland. I love how it mixes nature with tech vibes, which feels so fitting for Vancouver’s modern waterfront. It’s bold, it’s creative, and it makes for such a unique photo—especially with the mountains and water in the background. I saw a bunch of people taking selfies with it, and I totally joined in! The sculpture was installed back in 2009, and it’s become a cool little landmark ever since. Whether you're into art or just looking for a neat spot to check out near Canada Place, the Digital Orca is totally worth a quick stop. Fun, free, and unforgettable!

Mortda Alkhardawi

Google
It’s been raining so the view wasn’t the best. I’ll probably come aging here for a walk when the weather gets better

Patrick S Callan

Google
Douglas Copland is a prolific artist with many large public art installations around the lower mainland. From afar, the Orca has a realistic look. I have included a few pictures of art installations in the Vancouver area, also created by Douglas Copland

P. M.

Google
The Digital Orca is a striking blend of nature and technology, perfectly capturing Vancouver’s modern spirit. Located at Jack Poole Plaza with a breathtaking waterfront backdrop, this pixelated orca sculpture is a must-see for art lovers and photographers. Its unique design is a symbol of the city’s fusion of natural beauty and digital innovation. Highly recommend stopping by!
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Tony H.

Yelp
I liked the orca statue, it's a cool thing to check out if you're near the convention center or walking along the water front. Not that I need to compare but it's a lot cooler looking than the Olympic sticks statue in the same area. The orca made up for the lackluster impression the Olympic structure left me with.
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Sarah C.

Yelp
This is a sculpture of a killer whale made in 2009 by Douglas Coupland. It is installed next to the Vancouver's convention center. It is an aluminum sculpture on a stainless steel frame and it kind of looks like legos or a pixelated image. It's located along the waterfront area near to Vancouver downtown. It's definitely worth taking a walk along the seawall here for great views, and why not stop at the Digital Orca for a fun photo while there!
google avatar

Soleil S.

Yelp
Vancouver has many art installations and this one is quite interesting. As I was trying to take a picture of it, so many people tilted their head one way and then the other to take a look at the digital Orca. Found right beside the Olympic cauldron, the Digital Orca launches itself out of the top patio and seemingly into the sky. Most people tend to walk past it but it's quite eye catching when you get closer. The artist is the famed author who wrote Generation X. Turns out he's multi-talented and also does art. I think it's an interesting sculpture for Vancouver. Orcas are common place but seeing how we're quickly advancing into the digital age... digital orcas can be a part of tomorrow as well.
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Josh B.

Yelp
This sculpture is actually quite cool. In the day and age of all things electronic and computers and the internet, it's cool to see an integration between an old consistent natural image of an Orca whale bursting the the surface of the water and the newer technique of digital pixelation of the image we see so often on our electronic devices. I came back at night and the image is illuminated within with LED lights that twinkle ever so slightly to bring a different visual air to the image almost making it a completely different composition. It's definitely something to see if you're passing by or near the Olympic Cauldron as I've never seen a sculpture like this before.
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Bilal S.

Yelp
Great snap on the way... you will enjoy a picture with Digital Orca a 2009 sculpture of a killer whale by Douglas Coupland. The area surrounding on a nice day can be enjoyed with the view of gorgeous scenery and watching the boats in the bay and the float planes landing and taking off... with Stanley Park and Mountains in the view. Its great for people watching! lol as well. They also have Olympic Cauldron in the area.
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Marcus S.

Yelp
Great piece of public art. Makes for great photo ops! The Olympic torch is right next to it. Be sure to watch the boats coming in and out as well!
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Caroline C.

Yelp
I haven't been to Vancouver pre-Olympics, so I can't say anything about what was around before, but the public art scene in this town is incredible. My favorite, absolute favorite piece, is the Digital Orca by the Convention Centre. Part trompe l'oeil, part 'killer' photo op, this piece is not to be missed. I made multiple trips back to see this fun, gigantic whale. Oh, and I know this part is obvious, but the Transient Orca is kind of an awesome species. Interestingly enough, the Olympic torch is directly adjacent, but far less popular. This is easily evidenced by the numerous groups that can be found around the Orca. Bravo, Vancouver.
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Nicole G.

Yelp
The Digital Orca is definitely cooler than the Olympic Flame. It also was the only Orca I saw when I was in the region. If you are in the area at 9 p.m., you will hear the 9 o'clock cannon. It's not gunfire! Seriously! People were freaking out pretty bad about it when we were there.
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M C.

Yelp
This is a great area to hang out on your lunch break to admire the view and this public art piece by Douglas Coupland. The author of Generation X and other books. After reading the nearby information sign, this supposed to be a pixelized version of the local orcas that are often seen swimming around Vancouver. Not really in Coal Harbour (too much traffic) but in the Salish Sea beside Vancouver Island where there is food for them. It is always nice to this amazing piece of art to brighten up the work day. His next art project is a golden version the hollow tree in Stanley Park that will be located beside Marine Drive Station and Cambie Street.
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Chris G.

Yelp
Very cool piece of art , saw a lot of kids around thinking it's made out of giant Legos ! If your kid is a Lego lover , ( like me , and I won't lie that's why I took the walk from Granville and Davie where I was staying to see it !)this might be a great way to get your child to appreciate outdoor art or art in general !!
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Shila B.

Yelp
I just walked by this the other day on my walk around the city from the Food Cart Festival. It was one of the few times I wish that I was able to take a pic of it. I liked it 'cause it reminded me of those large 80's Nintendo video games...heavily pixelated...just bigger. It was like being in the Pixels movie (okay bad comparison, however, you get the idea). I love how art like this makes our city look cool.