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
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
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
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
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
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: Dec 3, 2023 Sun 1-3 PMMore details
EWPORT QUAY WITH WATER VIEWS OF FALSE CREEK FROM OLYMPIC VILLAGE TO GRANVILLE ISLAND – 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: Sun December 10, 2-4PMMore details
Penthouse corner unit with Water, City and Mountain views located at False Creek, Olympic Village at THE ONE. Spacious living, floor to ceiling windows which brings in plenty of natural light and views of beautiful False Creek water, fully air-conditioned, open kitchen area, top of the line appliances, granite counter tops, hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms plus a Solarium, 3 full baths. Comes with a balcony off the living room and a private rooftop terrace (over 200 sq. ft.) for your outdoor enjoyment. 2 side-by-side parking stalls, a storage locker plus a bicycle locker. Resort style amenities with an outdoor pool, hot tub, equipped gym and meeting room. Vibrant location, mins from Downtown, restaurants, shops, parks and the seawall all at your doorstep!More details
Luxury living in False Creek with coveted developer Concord Pacific, Avenue One. Stunning, panoramic Water and City views on your Large and Private Balcony. An open concept Floor Plan with gourmet Miele kitchen, Miele S/S appliances. The building comes with Fantastic amenities and 24 hour concierge, EV parkings. Steps away from popular restaurants, Sea Walk to CreekSide Community Centre. Measurements approx. to be verified by the Buyer. Open house (Sunday, Dec 3rd) CANCELLED.More details