City: Downtown
Top Things to do in Downtown
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Downtown, Canada
Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver
1. False Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,062 reviews
Peaceful harbor and dock, perfect for boating.
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
The area now known as False Creek had been in use by First Nations for thousands of years before George Richards stumbled across it and gave it its false name. Like most things colonial settlers had done in the days of exploration (“error”), Richards mistook the south side of Burrard Inlet for a creek and, upon realizing his blunder, gave it the name “False Creek.” I love how, in history, those who make “discoveries” often do it by error and then receive much praise and gold stars for their efforts. Columbus gets lost at sea and “discovers” a new continent; George Richards mistakes an inlet for a creek and influences much of Vancouver. The irony! Ah, well. Such is life, I suppose. In any event, False Creek is a lovely area of Vancouver and is a far cry from what it was even 20 years ago. From the 1950s and throughout the 1990s, this area of the city was very much an industrial heartland. Sawmills, cement mixing silos and commercial boat operations were very much the orders of the day. As time progressed, and the city of Vancouver began diversifying its economy – shifting from the primary to the tertiary sector – False Creek entered a state of physical decline and, in general, wasn’t an area you’d be keen on visiting. Memory informs me that the 1980s and 1990s were particularly poignant in this regard despite the brief interlude of Expo ‘86. Come the new millennium, however, city Council saw an opportunity for urban development and the forthcoming Winter Olympics accelerated this process. Now, False Creek is one of Vancouver’s most prized urban areas renowned for its spatial planning, picturesque waterway, parks, trendy eateries and pubs. In short, it is now a place you should want to visit. Nowadays “Beautiful part of Vancouver” is a common sentiment. Because much of False Creek is still relatively new, with most buildings having gone up in the last ten years, the area exudes a sense of vitality, youth and life. I think part of this is a result of the rather eclectic group of neighbourhoods that call False Creek home. Because of the various and varying times in which they went up, they use different architectural styles, which speak to both time of construction and economic/social focus. Consider Olympic Village Square, for example, and the Plaza of Nations – both very different but both of False Creek. I think it’s wonderful and it gives this area of Vancouver a very distinct character from that of, say, downtown, or the West End (see my earlier review of the latter on this site). For those visiting the area, there are a few key attractions sure to please: Granville Island, Science World, the Parq Casino, and the False Creek Seawall come to mind. I’ve written at length on most of these attractions, so will keep my comments here somewhat brief. First, Granville Island is a truly amazing place and very much represents some of the best of Vancouver with its mix of the arts, fresh produce, seafood, live performances and trendy (but delicious) restaurants. As you walk around this major area of False Creek, you’ll even see evidence of its past as an industrial heartland: Ocean Concrete still operates here and their painted silos – GIANTS – command some attention! Second, Science World, which was opened in celebration of Expo ’86, is a great place for kids and adults alike. Children are sure to enjoy the ever-changing exhibits while all members of the family will be amazed at the OMNIMAX screen. Third, the Parq casino . . . well, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of light gambling now and then? The Parq is also home to Honey Salt and the Victor, both of which are pretty fantastic restaurants. Finally, the False Creek Seawall represents some of the best walking, jogging and cycling space in all of Vancouver. With picturesque views of False Creek along much of this route, you can get in many a selfie and enjoy the city’s natural beauty. Interestingly, social convention has lumped this seawall in with the larger “Vancouver Seawall” even though they’re technically different. False Creek, then, is a fairly large area. While those with a lot of time on their hands may be able to walk both south and north ends, most of us lack the luxury of time. No worries, though, because you can traverse the “creek” via the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries, both of which provide exceptional and timely service to various points of interest along False Creek (see my earlier review of Aquabus on this site). For me, the ferries are the only way to go because they allow you to travel the calm waters at an economic and fair price; plus, they afford unique views of the cityscape. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention some of the coveted greenspace of False Creek. The area is home to a number of parks. The David Lam Park, Sutcliffe Park and Hinge Park immediately come to mind. The latter is especially noteworthy because it nods to history and functions as a sort of art project. In short, the Hinge Park is about a 10-minute walk from the Olympic Village CanadaLine station and grabs your attention exactly because it looks so out of place: It is both wetland and industrial area. The old rusted pipes hint at False Creek’s past while concomitantly acknowledging the impact of urban development upon the environment. Talk about deep! Walk about 10 or so minutes more to Olympic Village Square and see more abstract art in the form of THE BIRDS (see my earlier review on this site). False Creek can be deep both literally and figuratively! Whether you’re looking for a good outdoor landscape to exercise, or just want to play tourist, False Creek is a nice neighbourhood to visit. It’s diverse just like the city that surrounds it, and this makes it all the more attractive. After you’ve finished exploring the area, have a bite to eat at Granville Island (The Keg and Tony’s Fish & Chips are both great), or check out the new Hon’s Wonton House at Olympic Village!
2. Harbour Green Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
This beautiful urban park was just after the Coal Harbour Marina as we strolled along towards Canada Place. There were some pretty green lawns with decorative trees. Locals were relaxing and playing on the open lawns and some having picnic lunches. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. Being very close to Stanley Park and the Seawall walk, which is an extension from the Coal Harbour Seawalk trail, there were a lot of people hiking or biking along to Stanley Park and back, besides the park. There were good views of the Inner Vancouver harbour section with the ships sailing in and out. This park overlooks the Harbour Air seaplane base so one can just sit back and watch them take off and land if one wants to while away some spare time. There is never a dull moment in this park.
3. David Lam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By bengo333 - Vancouver, Canada
This is undoubtedly a small but beautiful waterfront park near Vancouver's Yale Town Area. The maple trees are colorful in the fall, great for photo shots or a walk with friends or loved ones. Also it's nice that the City of Vancouver had used the name of our then Lieutenant Governor, David Lam, a prominent Vancouverite, a philanthropist, for this beautiful park.
4. George Wainborn Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This park site allows for full relaxation with all around wonderful views of Granville Island, The Burrard Bridge and False Creek Inlet and the gateway to Downtown Vancouver
5. Coal Harbour Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By JoelK382 - Vancouver, Canada
The views were magnificent on this very sunny day stroll along Coal Harbour from the Vancouver Convention Center to the marina and back.
6. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,549 reviews
The Garden is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2021. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a site of cultural heritage, learning, and reflection in Vancouver's historic Chinatown. Modeled after Ming Dynasty private scholar’s gardens, it is the first of its kind built outside of China. This neighbourhood gem has been named one of the world's "Top City Gardens" by National Geographic.
Reviewed By stellamarina00
This is a small, peaceful place you can explore at your own pace. I think the small size is actually a pro. The guide was really great, and unless you are very knowledgeable on traditional Chinese culture, symbolism etc., I strongly recommend taking the guided tour. When I visited the tea ceremony was unfortunately not available. I would come back in the future both for that and to see the garden in a different season (still enjoyable in winter though).
7. Devonian Harbour Park
8. Cooper's Park
9. Emery Barnes Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By mina_scorpion90 - Vancouver, Canada
A very relaxing place by the middle of downtown/Yaletown. You can sit and unwind here for couple of minutes, watch kids playing happily, and then go back to work.
