St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church Vancouver
A historic, progressive church in Vancouver known for its stunning architecture, inclusive community, and vibrant events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Candlelit services offer peace
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church Vancouver
Best Time
Candlelit services offer peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, progressive church in Vancouver known for its stunning architecture, inclusive community, and vibrant events.
"A beautiful sanctuary with inspiring sermons and a truly welcoming, affirming community."
🎯 Progressive & Inclusive
Known for being an affirming and progressive church, welcoming to all.
🎶 Amazing Acoustics
The sanctuary boasts delicious acoustics, perfect for musical performances.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Sanctuary Architecture
Main Sanctuary
Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and impressive architecture of this historic church. A true visual delight.

Candlelit Contemplative Services
Main Sanctuary
Experience a serene Sunday evening service bathed in candlelight for a peaceful spiritual reflection.

Community Events & Concerts
Various locations within the church
Enjoy diverse events like Queer Prom or musical performances, showcasing the church's vibrant community role.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Community Spirit
Architectural Gem & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Progressive & Inclusive
Known for being an affirming and progressive church, welcoming to all.
🎶 Amazing Acoustics
The sanctuary boasts delicious acoustics, perfect for musical performances.
Best Church to visit today in Vancouver downtown what else to do today in downtown?
✨ Beautiful Stained Glass
Marvel at the very large and beautiful stained glass windows.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look for concerts, community events like Queer Prom, and special services.
Inclusive and progressive churches in Vancouver?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Progressive & Inclusive
Known for being an affirming and progressive church, welcoming to all.
🎶 Amazing Acoustics
The sanctuary boasts delicious acoustics, perfect for musical performances.
✨ Beautiful Stained Glass
Marvel at the very large and beautiful stained glass windows.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look for concerts, community events like Queer Prom, and special services.
📍 Central Location
Conveniently located at Nelson and Burrard in downtown Vancouver.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church for its deeply welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, vibrant community spirit, and inspiring sermons. The church's stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows are frequently highlighted as major attractions, alongside its role in hosting meaningful community events and serene services.
"Went to Sunday afternoon vespers with Sharon Minimoto quartet. A real treat. The host(pastor?) was sensitive and provided wonderful commentary and questions for the concert. The setting is very beautiful with very large stained glass windows and amazing architecture. Looking forward to hearing another concert soon."
duane r neufeld
"My thanks to Diane and Jen for allowing me to visit and photograph the sanctuary on April 10, 2025. My parents were married by the minister from there in 1955. I was baptized 1956 and raised in the church. And my parents Nancy and Stan Phipps final resting place is in the memorial garden on Nelson Street. Such beautiful stained glass windows and the seismic upgrades and restoration. A must see in Vancouver. Thank you again for letting me visit. My last time was the funeral of my father in 2010. David"
David Phipps
"Saint Andrew's Wesley United is an affirming and progressive place of worship within the Christian faith. The reverends and congregation are incredibly welcoming, treating you like family, because you truly are. The sermons always offer something meaningful to take with you, often leaving your day brighter, and the music is both uplifting and joyful.
There are so many opportunities to connect, from community events to wonderful programs for children and young adults. Returning to this church has been such a blessing, and I’m grateful to now call it my spiritual home. As a gay, disabled Christian, I feel deeply embraced here, and I can’t wait to continue growing in my faith while building my own community within the church.
If it’s been a while since you’ve gone to church, or if you’re looking for a new spiritual home, I can’t recommend Saint Andrew’s Wesley United enough."
Jess Redmond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church is centrally located at Nelson and Burrard in downtown Vancouver. It's easily accessible by public transit, with several bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are parking garages in the vicinity, though street parking can be limited.
Yes, the church is very accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes serve the downtown core, with stops within walking distance of the church. You can use TransLink's trip planner to find the best route from your location.
While street parking can be challenging in downtown Vancouver, there are several paid parking garages located within a few blocks of the church. It's advisable to check parking apps or websites for real-time availability and rates.
The church strives to be accessible. While specific details about ramps or elevators should be confirmed directly with the church, many modern renovations and seismic upgrades aim to improve accessibility.
Approaching from Nelson Street offers a good view of the church's facade. Many visitors find it a striking building to discover.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For regular services and general visits to admire the architecture, tickets are typically not required. However, for special events like concerts or community gatherings such as Queer Prom, tickets or donations may be necessary.
The church is generally open for services and events. Specific hours for visiting the sanctuary outside of scheduled times, especially for photography, might require prior arrangement. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly.
There are no admission fees for attending regular worship services. For special events, there might be a suggested donation or ticket price, with proceeds often supporting community programs.
Yes, visitors have been able to photograph the sanctuary, sometimes with prior arrangement. It's recommended to contact the church office to inquire about photography policies and best times to visit for this purpose.
The best way to stay updated on events is to check the official St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church website or their social media channels. They often announce concerts, community gatherings, and special services there.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The church is renowned for its welcoming, affirming, and progressive atmosphere. Visitors often describe it as a place of joy, community, and spiritual growth, where everyone feels embraced.
Sunday services are described as uplifting and joyful, with inspiring sermons and powerful worship. The congregation is known for its kindness and genuine community spirit.
The church offers unique experiences like Sunday evening candlelight services, which are described as contemplative and peaceful. They also host vibrant community events.
Yes, the church offers wonderful programs for children and young adults, making it a family-friendly spiritual home. The welcoming environment ensures families feel embraced.
The church is a beautiful example of historic architecture, featuring impressive stained glass windows and a grand sanctuary. It has undergone seismic upgrades and restoration, preserving its beauty.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the church itself is primarily a place of worship and events, it does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, community events might sometimes include light refreshments.
Being in downtown Vancouver, there are numerous dining options within walking distance. You can find a wide variety of cuisines, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Yes, the area surrounding the church is bustling with cafes and eateries where you can grab coffee, snacks, or a full meal. Many options are available just a short walk away.
The immediate vicinity offers a diverse culinary scene. Exploring the streets around Nelson and Burrard will reveal many popular spots for various dining experiences.
The church is known for its strong community focus, and it's possible they host occasional potlucks or community meals as part of their programming. It's best to check their event calendar for such opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
The main sanctuary, with its stunning stained glass windows and architectural details, is a prime spot. The exterior, especially the facade, also makes for a beautiful photograph.
Yes, photography inside the sanctuary is often permitted, especially for visitors admiring the architecture. However, it's always courteous to inquire with church staff or check their policy beforehand, particularly during services or events.
Late afternoon light can beautifully illuminate the stained glass windows from the outside. For interior shots, consider times when natural light is optimal, or when the sanctuary is thoughtfully lit for services or events.
While generally welcoming, it's wise to be mindful of services or private events. Avoid flash photography during services and always be respectful of worshippers. Confirming with the church is recommended.
Focus on the intricate details of the stained glass windows, the grand altar, the high ceilings, and the overall majestic presence of the sanctuary. The exterior stonework is also noteworthy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ Visitors & Allies
🎶 Music & Arts Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub of Community and Inclusivity
This inclusivity extends to the events hosted at the church. For instance, the 'Queer Prom' is a celebrated event that underscores the church's dedication to supporting and celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Such events demonstrate a commitment to creating safe and joyful spaces for everyone, reflecting the church's core values of love and acceptance. The positive feedback from attendees of these events further solidifies its reputation as a truly affirming institution.
Architectural Splendor and Serene Services
Beyond its visual appeal, the church offers unique spiritual experiences. The Sunday evening candlelight services, described as 'Candlelit Contemplative,' provide a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. These services are a highlight for many, offering a moment of calm and spiritual connection. Furthermore, the acoustics within the sanctuary are exceptional, making it an ideal venue for musical performances and concerts, which are frequently held there.
Social
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