Like its neighbour Yaletown, False Creek North was once primarily industrial, until the industry was moved out in preparation for Expo ’86.  As Yaletown rapidly developed, properties began to be constructed eastward, and at present the last available strip of land is being built up, which will continue the waterfront properties from Yaletown all the way to the Telus World of Science.  The International Village and Chinatown are also growing rapidly, creating a thriving, multicultural community in False Creek North.

Who Lives There

False Creek North incorporates an interesting mix of people.  The population spans a spectrum from a large expatriate community, most of who have lived in the area longer than Canadian-born residents, to recent residents inhabiting some of the newer properties in this changing neighbourhood.  Pin-pointing education level, annual income, and household size is difficult because the spectrum is so broad:  the waterfront along False Creek, the International Village, and Chinatown all have different demographics.  False Creek North is consolidating, however, and the years to come will create a strong, solid community.

Things to Do

The Telus World of Science, created for Expo ’86, can be a great stop on a rainy day for people of all ages.  Tinseltown movie theatre is situated in the International Village.  Chinatown is always a great place to view heritage buildings, hunt for bargains and sample Asian fare, and the Chinese night market – taking place every weekend during the summer – promises a fun experience whether you purchase anything or not. 

Rogers Arena (formerly GM Place) and the soon to be renovated BC place call this neighbourhood home, making concerts, hockey games, football games, and other major events easily accessible.

Chambar Restaurant on Beatty St. boasts one of the best menus in the city and has a fantastic atmosphere.  The Keefer Bar features “Apothecary Cocktails,” designed to soothe certain ailments and made with ingredients from the local Chinese market.  Asian tapas are also available here, served in a lounge space of sleek design.  Fortune Sound Club in Chinatown has the best sound system in the city, and one of the best atmospheres.  Closer to the water, visit the Plaza of Nations for concerts, shows, or a night out at Gossip Nightclub or the Edgewater Casino. 

The seawall can now be run, cycled, walked, or rollerbladed all the way to Spanish Banks in one direction and around Stanley Park or Canada Place in the other.  Cooper’s Park is an off-leash sanctuary for dogs, and Andy Livingstone Park is a large urban oasis with a skateboard park, playground, and tennis courts.  Dr. Sun-Sat Yen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown is a must to visit, even at night, when there are classical concerts during the summer and a lantern festival on the winter solstice.

Real Estate

Like the demographic, real estate in False Creek North spans a broad range.  Many of the buildings in Chinatown are heritage buildings, and there are also some run down properties in the area.  Some heritage buildings have been refurbished beautifully, however, and False Creek North is also home to some of the newest and most exciting Vancouver real estate.  False Creek North real estate prices reflect this disparity, but across the board real estate in this area is one of the best investments in Vancouver, as it has perhaps the most room for growth in all of downtown.

Along the waterfront, Concord Pacific has plans to fully develop the last remaining large parcel of land – and waterfront property – in downtown Vancouver by 2020.  The Tinseltown and Chinatown areas are also poised for expansion and improvement.  The Keefer Boutique Residence in Chinatown embodies the future of False Creek North.  From the bar downstairs to the penthouse, which includes a glass bottomed roof-top swimming pool, this innovative property – offering short or long-term stay in one of four luxurious suites – exemplifies the trend toward sophistication in the neighbourhood. 

Schools and Safety

At present, Lord Strathcona Elementary School is the only public school in the area, but Elsie Roy Elementary serves nearby Yaletown, and the nearest high school is Templeton Secondary. 

False Creek North is lately becoming more community oriented than it has been in the past, but is not the safest neighbourhood in Vancouver.  

Transportation