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.
RARELY available 3-bed 2-bath home in the heart of Olympic Village w/1,250sqft of living space & in-suite storage/den. East-facing corner unit w/ ample natural light throughout. Lrg patio overlooking False Creek & Science World. Open layout ideal for entertaining & separation of bedrooms provides extra privacy. Completely renovated bathrooms w/in-floor heating,spa finishes & LED lighting. Lrg Mstr Bedroom w/custom cabinetry for ample storage. PLUS:automatic blinds in living room &smart light switches controllable on your phone. 1 assigned parking stall + 2 storage lockers. Gym&party room in building + 1 of the few buildings w/access to the Gold Medal Club (w/ indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room & gym).Enjoy living steps away from the seawall & quick walk to both Canada & Expo SkytrainsMore details
Picturesque water views and sunsets over the city from this coveted northwest corner unit filled with light. Revel in the expansive open-concept living area, featuring separated bedrooms and a versatile home office/3rd bedroom. Ample space allows for easy accommodation of big sized furniture, including a king bed in the primary. The kitchen, ideal for entertaining, boasts sleek integrated cabinetry, a spacious island, and large walk in pantry/storage. Enjoy the convenience of two parking stalls and a storage locker. Take leisurely strolls to the Olympic Village, enjoy nearby shopping on Cambie, and very close access to the Canada Line and seawall. Polygon built LEED building; maintenance fees include hot water heating. Amenities include a gym, playground, and garden. Welcome to the FoundryMore details
Welcome to your dream penthouse with a rooftop patio! A pristine and elegantly appointed residence in the heart of Vancouver's vibrant Olympic Village! This luxurious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features breathtaking water and city views, blending modern design with comfort and convenience. As you step inside, you're greeted by a spacious open-plan living area, bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the stunning cityscape. The living room transitions seamlessly into a dining area and a sleek, fully-equipped kitchen, featuring top-of-the-line Miele appliances, quartz countertops, and a large island perfect for casual meals and entertaining. This is more than just a place to live—it's a lifestyle. Make this unit your home and experience urban living at its finest. Open house on May 4th from 1-4pm & May 5th from 3-5pm.More details
Spectacular, professionally RENOVATED live/work LOFT with PANORAMIC VIEWS of the city, mountains and water, that opens onto its own MASSIVE 756 sq. ft. sunny walk-out DECK. This unique 2 story corner-suite is flooded with light with double-height floor-to-ceiling windows on 3 sides. Renovated kitchen and bath, newer floors, newer appliances, new lighting, move-in ready. Infloor heating and cooling. King-size bedroom up with wall of closets, and space for office and ensuite bath if desired. Vibrant South Granville location set amidst shops, restaurants and services, within steps of transit and within minutes of Granville Island, beaches and parks. 1 parking and storage. Pets welcome (doggy park across the street!), rentals allowed. This is truly VERY SPECIAL!More details
Prime Olympic Village location at The One, this over 1,000sqft 2 bedroom and den, 2 bathroom corner unit is not to be missed! Northwest facing with water and mountain views from the primary bedroom, den and balcony. Very open and functional layout with tons of natural light. All closets and the pantry (insuite storage/flex space) have been outfitted with California Closets organization systems to maximize storage. The bright and airy bedrooms have south facing windows and boast remote control blackout blinds. Fantastic building amenities including AC, a gym, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a playground, party room and rooftop terrace with bbq! The sea wall, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, skytrain and transits all are just minutes from the front door. Comes with 1 parking stall and 1 storage locker. This home is move-in ready for its next owner! Call to view!More details