From the beginnings of Grouse Mountain to a classic jailbreak attempt.
Vancouver in 2026 is a technologically advanced city with many of the modern benefits you’d expect in a globally connected city.
Vancouver in 1926 wasn’t quite the leading city it is now, but it was well on its way. However, there are several differences you might notice.
For example, the internet was still years off. That’s a thing you probably knew.
Here are five things you probably didn’t know about 1926 in Vancouver.
Lost Lagoon stopped being a true lagoon
The dictionary definition of lagoon typically mentions an attachment to the ocean or seawater.
Lost Lagoon is actually a body of freshwater. However, up until 1926 it was a proper lagoon, with saltwater coming in from Coal Harbour.
However, the causeway was finished in 1926, officially separating the lagoon from its briny neighbour, and the lagoon became more of a large pond or small lake.
Babe Ruth took to the stage at Pantages Theatre
Even though he was arguably the biggest name in baseball, Babe Ruth spent the off-season working on a sort of second career, touring a stage show.
According to a 1926 Vancouver Sun article, Ruth spent about 20 minutes on stage telling jokes and talking about baseball, even giving some batting pointers.
Ruth spent a week in Vancouver with several shows.
He then went back to New York and rejoined the famed Murderers’ Row at Yankee Stadium.
Classic jailbreak attempt
It sounds like something out of a poorly written film.
A jailbreak was attempted at a city jail, according to the Vancouver Province, after a prisoner procured a saw (he claimed someone lowered it from the roof of the jail).
The prisoner used the saw to cut the bars to his window, but as he was about to escape, he dropped one of the bars, alerting police to his attempt.
The first cross-Canada seaplane journey
It took Squadron Leader Earl Godfrey more than two weeks, but he set a record, becoming the first person to fly from an Atlantic port to a Pacific port in a seaplane.
His journey ended Sept. 19 in Vancouver’s English Bay, having left Montreal at the beginning of the month. He then travelled more than 3,200 miles, with stops in several small towns (with lakes) across the country.
To be fair, much time was spent on land. The total flying time was about 36 hours.
Grouse Mountain was opened up to visitors
The Grouse Mountain Highway was first opened, allowing cars to travel up the mountain for the first time to the first Grouse Mountain Chalet, kicking off the mountain as a destination.
The chalet itself, now long gone, was part of the attraction, as it was carefully crafted. It was advertised that it contained no nails.