10 Fun Facts about UBC Point Grey

April 21, 2023

UBC Point Grey is an incredible place that has so much to offer all year round. Amenities, eateries, experiences, and gorgeous peaceful spots to spend an afternoon — there’s so much to see and do! As with every unique place, there are some interesting tidbits that help us to understand and appreciate what makes it such an amazing place to call home. Read on to learn 10 fun facts to share with your friends and family about UBC Point Grey!

1. UBC Point Grey is the 9th most popular filming location on Earth! Just a few examples of movies and TV shows that have been filmed here:

The Adam Project - Netflix

Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, and Walker Scobell walking through Main Mall in The Adam Project.

2. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum houses Canada’s largest blue whale skeleton.

 

3. The Aquatic Centre’s roof collects rainwater to replenish its pools, saving 7000 litres of water per day!

 

4. World War I halted the construction of UBC campus. Students protesting in 1922, known today as the Great Trek, led to its completion. October 2022 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Great Trek with the opening of a 50-year time capsule!

Historical UBC Point Grey

 

5. The Raven and The First Men carving in the Museum of Anthropology was featured on the Canadian $20 bill from 2004-2012.

The Raven and The First Men by Bill Reid

The Raven and The First Men carving by Bill Reid in the Museum of Anthropology.

 

6. The Emperor of Japan toured UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden. As he walked through, he said “I am in Japan.”

 

7. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau graduated from UBC in 1998 with a Bachelor of Education.

 

8. Brock Commons Tallwood was the largest hybrid mass timber building in the world when it was completed in 2017.

Brock Commons Tallwood

Brock Commons Tallwood – photo by Brett Ryan

 

9. UBC had the second-highest population growth in Metro Vancouver between 2016-2021.

 

10. Vancouver’s primary defense location against the Japanese Pearl Harbour attacks in World War II is where the Museum of Anthropology sits today.

 

Know something cool about UBC you think we should add? Contact us to let us know and we might just add it to the list!