The archdiocese began as the Vicariate Apostolic of British Columbia, which was created on December 14, 1863. Louis-Joseph d'Herbomez was appointed its first bishop, and under his reign, the first parish was formed at the Holy Rosary church. On September 2, 1890, the vicariate was elevated to the status of diocese by Pope Leo XIII and was based in New Westminster. On account of the rapid expansion and development of Vancouver, the Holy See decided to centre the archdiocese around the city. As a result, the Diocese of New Westminster became the Archdiocese of Vancouver, and the Archdiocese of Victoria was reduced to diocesan level on September 7, 1908. Augustin Dontenwill became the first archbishop of the newly-formed metropolitan see in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Nine men have been Archbishop of Vancouver; another two were heads of its antecedent jurisdictions. Of these, four were members of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), and one (Dontenwill) became the superior general of the order. Neil McNeil, the fourth ordinary of the archdiocese, was the first archbishop who did not belong to a religious order. James Carney, whose episcopacy spanned from 1969 to 1990, was the first archbishop born in Vancouver. William Mark Duke had the longest tenure as Archbishop of Vancouver, serving for 33 years from 1931 to 1964, while McNeil held the position for two years (1910–1912), marking the shortest archepiscopacy.
Became the first Archbishop of Vancouver on September 19, 1908, but resigned shortly after because of his election as superior general of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI). Died on November 30, 1931.
Appointed on January 19, 1910. First diocesan priest to be archbishop. Resigned in 1912 after being appointed Archbishop of Toronto. Died on May 25, 1934.