It’s surprising how much I remember about Expo 86, given that I was only 6 years old when the World Exposition on Transportation and Communication took over Vancouver from May until October in 1986. I remember going to Guildford Mall to get our family photos taken for our season passes. I had found something to cry about and threw a tantrum so the pass I used for those eventful months featured a soggy, red-faced, woeful little girl. My brother convinced me that I’d have to cry every time I entered the Expo 86 gates so that they knew I was the rightful pass holder.



Some of my family’s photos from Expo 86 Some of my family’s photos from Expo 86

I remember the gondola, the monorail on which I got lost as I boarded without my family. I watched the distance between us grow as the train left the station only to have us reunited on the next station’s platform.

I do have good memories of Expo 86 though. Getting my passport stamped at each pavilion, the unique little cars and boats that transported us over and around the fair grounds. The smell of the food wafting out of McBarge, the dance of the boom boats, riding Highway 86, and the enchanting theme song.

Here are a few images sourced from the City of Vancouver Archives, from the Ernie Reksten fonds, that just might bring back some fond memories for you too:

15 Nostalgic Photos of Expo 86



Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.395. © City of Vancouver Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.395. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.394. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.392 © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.509. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.409 © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.496. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.401. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.435. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.396. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.453. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.387. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.385. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.495. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.422. © City of Vancouver

Archives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.397. © City of Vancouver

See also: The Best Old PNE Photos 1914-1980 »





