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.
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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
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
Elevate your lifestyle in this luxurious NW corner penthouse at False creek Vancouver! With 3 beds, 3 baths, and 1981 sq ft of open living, revel in breathtaking views from every room. This residence boasts an integrated Subzero fridge, Wolf gas range, 2 balconies, and a wine cellar room. Conveniently located near Olympic Village retail shops, parks, and transit, with two side-by-side parking spaces and four lockers. Short-term rentals allowed. Live in opulence, minutes from downtown, and experience Vancouver at its best. Make this your home and daily escape!More details