The annual City of Vancouver Book Award has been recognizing authors of excellence of any genre since 1989. These authors contribute to the appreciation and understanding of Vancouver's diversity, history, unique character, or the achievements of its residents.
The $3,000 prize is funded by our Publishing Reserve, which was established in 1977 as a permanent legacy for Vancouver writers and publishers.
What's happeningVancouver Book Award submissions are now open
We are pleased to share that the West Coast Book Prize Society (WCBPS) will administer the 2026 Vancouver Book Award. WCBPS, which manages the BC and Yukon Book Prizes, brings strong experience supporting literary awards across the region.
The Vancouver Book Award will continue as an annual $3,000 prize, funded through our Publishing Reserve.
Selection criteria remain the same: recognizing works that deepen understanding of Vancouver’s diversity, history and character and excel in content, illustration, design, or format.
Learn more about the 2026 Vancouver Book Award and how to apply External website, opens in new tab
Previous Book Award winners
Previous winners of the City of Vancouver Book Award include Henry Tsang for White Riot (2024); Chelene Knight for Junie (2023); Karen Duffek, Bill McLennan, and Jordan Wilson for Where the Power Is: Indigenous Perspectives on Northwest Coast Art (2022); Michelle Good for Five Little Indians (2021); Catherine B Clement for Chinatown Through a Wide Lens: The Hidden Photographs of Yucho Chow (2020); Robert Watt and Susan Point for People Among the People: The public art of Susan Point (2019); Chelene Knight for Dear Current Occupant (2018); Carleigh Baker for Bad Endings (2017); and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, Karen Duffek, and Tania Willard for Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun: Unceded Territories (2016).
Review more City of Vancouver Book Award winners and finalists from previous years