The False Creek inlet of English Bay on the Strait of Georgia separates Downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city to the south. With the Burrard Inlet, English Bay, and the Frasr River, it is the least of the four bodies of water around the City of Vancouver to the north, west, and south. It was named by George Henry Richards during his Hydrographic survey of 1856-63. The Burrard Street, Granville Street, and Cambie bridges span the inlet, and the SkyTrain Canada Line tunnel crosses under it near the Cambie Street Bridge. In 1986, the north shore of False Creek was the main site of the Expo 86 World’s Fair.
False Creek once went as far east as Clark Drive. During World War I, the Great Northern Railway and the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway filled in that part for new land for yards and terminals. False Creek was the main industrial area of Vancouver through the 1950s, home to many sawmills, small port operations, and the western terminals of the major Canadian railroads. As industries relocated to other areas, the False Creek locale physically deteriorated. In 1960, the BC Forest Products plant and lumber storage facility on the south shore caught fire and burned to the ground in total destruction.
Changing Land Use
After the BC Forest Products disaster, the assertion of citizen participation in urban planning determined the future use of southside False Creek in debates on freeways and urban renewal projects. Influential citizens opposed plans for freeways through the city and radically changed decision making on land use. Major public involvement established priorities for an accessible waterfront seawall, mixed housing of market condominium, co-op, subsidized units, and houseboats formalized in a 1972 official development plan which reserved a third of the site for housing at 40 units per acre and the rest for park, waterfront, and community uses.
Northside False Creek became famous as the main site for Expo 86, after which the provincial government sold the site to a developer with ideas for a high-density waterfront community. A 1991 official development plan permitted the new market-based density accompanied by street-front shops and services, parks, community centres, daycares, and co-op and low-income housing. Most of the north shore is now a new neighbourhood of dense housing adding 50,000 new residents to Vancouver’s downtown peninsula.
Aquabus and False Creek Ferries operate daily service at points along False Creek from the Village Ferry to the Maritime Museum docks. English Bay Launch operates daily service from Granville Island to Bowen Island out in the strait “in under an hour.”
Recreation
False Creek is a very popular watercourse for dragon boating, canoeing, kayaking, public ferries, charter ships, and visiting pleasure boats. There are 10 marinas with berths for 1500 watercraft and several paddling clubs and boat rental facilities. Since 1986, False Creek has been the venue for the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival and other paddling events.
False Creek Wildlife
Since suspension of industrial activity, cormorants, ducks, geese, gulls, herons, kingfishers, and owls have returned as have harbour seals. In May 2010 a grey whale entered False Creek and traversed its full inland length before returning to the open water of the Strait of Georgia.
Experience Vancouver luxury at its finest! Introducing Canada House, a sprawling 3,000 sqft., 3-bed, 3-bath masterpiece. Nestled in nature yet in the heart of the city, this home boasts breathtaking water, mountain, and city views. Enjoy spacious living, a family room, flexible spaces, and a private den. With 188 sqft. of outdoor patios and a 3-car garage, every detail is perfection. Benefit from a full-time concierge and exclusive access to the Gold Medal Club. Located in South-East False Creek, the seawall, top restaurants, and cafes are steps away. Your dream life begins here – call for a private tour today!More details
ONE OF A KIND Penthouse in the heart of Olympic village, with spectacular view of False Creek water, mountain, and city view. Step into your own entire 11th floor of 3575' of indoor living space with 10' of ceiling from elevator + 4780' of outdoor terrace space and your personal garden. Tons of upgrades (detail list attached) include new engineering hardwood floors, newly renovated Kitchen with cabinet millwork, extended countertops, back-splash with porcelain, Miele appliances, and LED lights throughout all rooms. On site Concierge & Exclusive access to the Gold Medal Club with two private gyms & indoor swimming pool. Experience this most vibrant waterfront community surrounded by walking and biking paths, parks, fine dining and great shopping. Incl: 2 storage lockers & 3 parking stallsMore details
One-of-kind Olympic Village sub-penthouse, with no shared walls and no one above you, offers over 4500sqft of indoor/outdoor one level living with iconic Vancouver views in every direction. This sophisticated 3 bedroom 4 bathroom home has been exquisitely re-designed with keen attention to detail and natural light enhanced by the wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows and airy 10’ ceilings. The entertainer’s kitchen features a large island, custom cabinetry, stone counters, and premium appliance package. Expansive living/dining/family area with breath-taking views. Luxurious primary bedroom with over-sized dressing room and sublime ensuite bathroom. Cutting edge heating/cooling system. 3 parking stalls & 2 storage lockers. Concierge & gym. Access to the Gold Medal Club. A truly special home.More details
Welcome to the sub-penthouse at The Bridge. Nestled high above the glistening waters of False Creek, this 2,648SF home is a symphony of breathtaking views & unrivalled design. As you step into this 2-bdrm, 3-bath residence prepare to be transported to a world of luxury. The heart of this residence beats within an expansive Cristallo quartzite kitchen island that transcends the ordinary. Top-of-the-line Miele & Sub Zero appliances & integrated German cabinetry. The 56ft open concept great room seamlessly integrates into the kitchen & dining areas, creating ample space for entertaining & relaxing. W/floor to ceiling windows throughout, the panoramic views of False Creek paint a masterpiece. Enjoy 791sf of outdoor space, offering the morning dawn & beautiful sunset views. The primary suite is an extraordinary sanctuary, featuring his & hers changing areas, ergonomically designed with extensive closet organizers, dressing table & much more! This immaculate space presents the epitome of custom quality design.More details
Welcome to Shoreline at Olympic Village. This newly renovated condo offers 1999 sqft interior and 399 sqft of south facing patio. 3 bedrooms facing south and west and 2.5 bath, mountain and false creek view from the office and the living room. 128 sqft of south facing laundry room with tons of storage has direct access to the south facing patio, the other access is from the bedroom corridor. The most luxurious appliances and fixtures including MIELE, SUBZERO, FANITI and more! The master bathroom even have a steam shower! two side by side parking and one locker included. Book your private tour, or come to the OPEN HOUSE on July 22nd 2-4pmMore details
Welcome to this immaculate 2000sf home in the heart of Olympic Village, offering some of Vancouver's best views in one of the most desirable and convenient locations in the city. An abundance of floor to ceilings windows and two large balconies create a bright and airy home so you can take in the breathtaking views from every angle. This home was recently renovated by Eyco with high-end finishings and boasts an enormous main living space featuring a designer kitchen, separate dining and living spaces and three large bedrooms. You can enjoy all the amenities that Olympic Village has to offer, including the Gold Medal Club, great restaurants, cafes, and much more. This well-kept concrete building features a concierge for your convenience and this home comes with two parking stalls and a storage locker. This is the perfect combination of luxurious yet functional space, convenience and breathtaking views.More details
Incredibly rare unit in Canada House! It’s not often that an East-facing, upper floor unit with stunning water, mountain, and city views comes up in Canada House. Featuring an impressive open layout, over 9 ft’ ceilings throughout, an integrated kitchen with Miele and SubZero appliances, radiant heating/cooling system, large storage locker, and a private double car garage in the parkade. The only true waterfront building in Olympic Village, Canada House maintains its reputation as being one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Enjoy a 24/7 concierge, fitness centre & lounge in the building, and access to the Gold Medal Club with pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. All of this, just steps to high-end restaurants, grocery shopping, cafes, shops, and more. Book your private showing today!More details
Gold Medal Penthouse at Olympic Village. Welcome to Bridge, located in the modern dynamic Olympic Village neighbourhood surrounded by views of the waterfront of False Creek. Step off your private elevator with direct access into this sensational city home. Leed Platinum Certified Construction with state of the art heating & cooling systems. Delightful open concept highlights the abundance of natural light flowing through the generous floor area. Just shy of 2000 sq. ft. including two bedrooms, two baths plus office. German imported kitchen cabinetry, Miele appliances, double ovens, gas range plus SubZero fridge. Hardwood floors throughout, over height ceilings plus freshly painted interiors. The drama continues with your own private 1003 sq. ft. roof top terrace complete with perennial gardens, lovely views and ample space for entertaining - a secluded hideaway. Exclusive access to the Gold Medal Club which includes indoor pool, gym, Steps to an abundance of shops, cafes, eateries plus easy access to transit.More details
First time offered to market, this stunning 1,451SF (2 bedroom+den & 2Bath) home in the heart of Olympic Village boasts panoramic unobstructed views of the water, city & mountains. Residing in one of the most desirable & convenient locations the city has to offer. With over-height ceilings & floor-to-ceiling windows, this home is exceptionally bright & spacious. An expansive living/dining area seamlessly integrates with an open-concept gourmet kitchen featuring integrated Miele & Sub Zero appliances and elegant German Eggersmann cabinetry. The custom Italian closet in the primary bedroom adds to the allure. Enjoy all the Olympic Village area amenities including the Gold Medal Club, restaurants, cafes and more. Exceptional concrete building w/ concierge and includes 2 parking and 2 lockers.More details
PENTHOUSE living in the heart of False Creeks Olympic Village! A luxury NW CORNER featuring 3br 3 bths,1969 sq ft of open concept living with VIEWS from EVERY ROOM, 8'8 ceilings, AIR CONDITIONING, integrated Subzero fridge, Wolf gas range with oven, Blomberg D/W, 9' kitchen island, Quartz counters throughout, wide plank laminate floors, remote blinds in LR, wine cellar room (thermostat controlled), dual vanity in mstr ensuite, walk-in closets, pantry, den, 2 balconies & in-suite W/D! This location is walkable so most errands can be accomplished on foot incl. Village retail shops, Hinge Park, off leash dog park, seawall, sea bus, Urban Fare, Creekside Community Centre, Skytrain, minutes to downtown and much more! 2 Parking 4 Lockers! Pets/Rentals allowed.More details