Our original production entitled “Two Views from the Sylvia” recounted the story of the creation of this landmark Vancouver hotel – featuring builder Abraham Goldstein, his daughter Sylvia, and Joe Fortes, the legendary figure who taught generations of children to swim in English Bay. The second act was a separate story of characters whose lives and loves became interwoven with the story of The Sylvia over her 100-year history. 

For those who wish to delve further into the real-life story, we’ve gathered some background information on the hotel and on Sylvia herself, including some video material that has never before been available online!

Videos

Articles

“Vancouver hotel is her namesake” – Globe and Mail, 2002

Summary of Sylvia Hotel history (PDF)contributed by Don Chapman