There’s nothing better than walking alongside the water with a nice cool breeze to make a warm day such a pleasant experience. Only in Vancouver can you stroll along much of the waterfront and have access to great dining, shopping, transit, sporting events, entertainment venues and more.

Getting to False Creek isn’t too difficult. Many of TransLink‘s bus routes have stops in the area – take the 50 Waterfront Station/False Creek South bus – it starts at Waterfront station, progresses through the downtown core, and ends on the south shore of False Creek. Or take SkyTrain and exit at the Main Street-Science World or Stadium-Chinatown stations. There is also easy access off of the Canada Line from the Yaletown-Roundhouse station on the north side of False Creek and the Olympic Village station on the south. Just follow the signs to reach the seawall.

A paved seawall winds its way along the shore from the seaside pool in Kitsilano to the white-crested sails of Canada Place on Burrard Inlet. Much of the seawall is divided for the enjoyment and safety of cyclists and pedestrians, many of whom come out en mass on nice days. Walking along the seawall is a great way to see Vancouver’s beautiful skyline framing the North Shore mountains in the background.

While the name False Creek gives the impression that it is a small stream, it’s more of an inlet filled with sailboats, kayaks, dragon boats and other types of watercraft. Getting across the water is no problem, the Cambie, Granville and Burrard street bridges are pedestrian accessible, or take something a bit closer to the water. Two companies offer ferry rides from many points around False Creek – the iconic blue boats of False Creek Ferries and the rainbow-coloured craft belonging to Aquabus.

Granville Island is a drawing destination for tourists and locals alike. A former industrial zone, Granville Island underwent a transformation in the mid-1970s to become a hub for locally grown (and caught) food, arts and entertainment, dining and shopping. Some industrial activity is still carried out on the “island” (it’s really a filled in sandbar), although not on the same scale in the decades before. Most of the original structures remain to give Granville Island some character. Be sure to check out the Public Market for some fresh BC produce and off-the-boat seafood.

On the eastern edge of False Creek is the giant silver geodesic dome of the Telus World of Science (or Science World to the locals). Renovations have been undertaken both on the outside and inside to improve the interactive exhibits and experiences. Don’t forget to check out the massive OMNIMAX theatre seated inside the dome. Admission is required and there is limited parking onsite.

Nearby are the largest sporting and entertainment venues in Vancouver – BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena. With a recent renovation, the puffy white dome of BC Place Stadium has been replaced with a brand new retractable roof reminiscent of a silver crown. The BC Lions of the Canadian Football League play here. Rogers Arena (formerly GM Place) is only a stones throw away and home to the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. Stop by to take a tour of the rink or pick up some Canucks gear at the team store on the corner of Abbott Street and Pacific Boulevard. There’s also the BC Sports Hall of Fame located inside of Gate A at BC Place Stadium.

Between May and October, one of Vancouver’s historic trolley cars had operated on the short stretch of track running from the Olympic Village Canada Line station to the entrance of Granville Island. Called the Downtown Historic Railway, volunteers offered a trip back to a time when wooden street cars commanded the city streets. Unfortunately, due to budget cutbacks by the City of Vancouver in 2012, the run has ceased operation. However, photos from 2011 are available online on Gallery.

At the lip of False Creek is Vanier Park – home to two of the city’s museums and during the summer, Bard on the Beach, a Shakespeare festival. Underneath the white UFO is the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and Museum of Vancouver. A short walk to the west is the Vancouver Maritime Museum, with the historic Royal Canadian Mounted Police schooner St. Roch housed under a massive A frame structure. Both museums do have a nominal fee for admittance. Also, stop for a picture of Jun Chen’s gleaming sculpture Freezing Water #7 – you can’t miss it.

Opposite of Vanier Park is Sunset Beach and the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. With an indoor Olympic-sized pool, the Vancouver has a number of amenities for anyone looking to work out or to swim. A fee is required for entry to the facilities.

Many parks line the seawall offering a respite from the busy city with open fields, grassy knolls, shaded groves and cool ponds. Take some time to relax and watch others walk by, enjoy a picnic or play in spur of the moment game of soccer. There’s plenty to see and do around False Creek!

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