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.
In the heart of false creek, this stunning 3 bedroom + den cozy home offers gorgeous seasonal water + mountain view and total privacy. On a quite treed line street, the building only has two units on each floor; rarely found wide open designed living room enjoys sunlight from the south, and the breeze from the north; unique floor plan comes with large balcony on both sides of the unit; Big floor to ceiling windows offers lots of natural light; High end designer kitchen, Subzero, Mile appliances; state of art heating and cooling system; 2 parking,1 locker; Amazing amenities includes gym, lounge, and more. Access to Gold Medal Club; Convenient location; Steps away from London Drugs, Urban Fare, restaurants, seawall, walking to skytrain station, community centre. Open: 2-4pm on Saturday.More details
A spectacular residence at the Bridge in The Village on False Creek. This westerly exposure, pet friendly 3 bed, 2 bath offers 1,429 sf of spacious living plus 330 sf of outdoor space. Floor to ceiling windows flood the home with natural light and lovely views of the water and city! A bright corner office that you will enjoy working from every day! Many features include a sensational Kitchen with Sub Zero - Miele appliances & large serving island, plus on site Concierge & Exclusive access to the Gold Medal Club with private gym & indoor swimming pool. Experience this most vibrant waterfront community surrounded by walking and biking paths, parks, fine dining and great shopping. Includes 1 storage locker & 2 parking stalls. Open House Sat 16th March 2-4pmMore details
ATTENTION RENOVATORS, A DREAM FLOOR PLAN WITH WATER VIEWS FROM FALSE CREEK TO OLYMPIC VILLAGE – 518 Moberly boasts a quiet and timeless home in a unique location. This rarely available 3-bedroom sub-penthouse home features 2,004 SQFT of interior living and 585 SQFT of deck space. With over 500 SQFT of wrap-around windows spread over 2 private balconies, this spectacular home receives an abundance of natural light, with views of False Creek and the Vancouver skyline. Panoramic views, storage/laundry room, 2 washrooms, and granite counter tops throughout. Steps from Canada Line (to airport), walking distance to BC Place, shopping, restaurants, the seawall, and Granville Island, this large family home comes complete w 2 parking stalls/visitor parking/EV charger. Open: Saturda March 16, 2-4pm.More details
BEST LIFESTYLE Vancouver has to offer!Premier South False Creek building.RARELY available 2 level 2296 sq.ft. SUPER PENTHOUSE with 2 HUGE PRIVATE OUTDOOR DECKS with sweeping Panoramic views. All window corner suite creates a bright and airy space to enjoy park like setting. Nestled alongside the iconic and tranquil False Creek seawall, the world-renowned Granville Island market for fresh produce & vibrant art scene is just steps away from the building while Kits is just minutes away on foot and Downtown via water-taxis. For the activity and nature lovers, kayaking and gyms are also just steps away.TOTALLY RAIN SCREENED in 2023 with Brand NEW Windows!!FULLY prepaid Lease till 2040 with option to extend till 2060.Buy with confidence & COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND!More details
MOVE IN READY VIEW PENTHOUSE by award winning Bosa. With only 3 units on this level it's very quiet. Open floor plan great for entertaining & a fireplace to warm you on those cold nights. Granite kitchen counters & S/S appliances. Recently renovated with marble tile in bathrooms, wood flooring & AIR CONDITIONING, closet organizers & lovely light fixtures. Stunning 180 degree VIEW of the city-water, mountains, fireworks & a large balcony to enjoy. 2 side by side parking (EV too) & storage locker.. The building has great amenities-exercise room, sauna, hot tub, etc. Walkable to Granville Island, downtown & south Granville. New Loblaws Grocery & Skytrain station coming! Easy to show.More details