In the distance, centre, is Leg-in-Boot Square named after a disembodied leg which was found here within a boot in the late 19th century. The lost little yellow child's shoe in the foreground is a serendipitous and poetic little symbol which seems to gently suggest that we've evolved forward into a kinder gentler time.
On the other side of this bay is Stamps Landing. The golden building in the foreground is Branas Mediterranean Grill. Immediately behind that is the Wicklow Pub, and, behind that, over the water, is Mahony & Sons which, like the Wicklow, has an Irish theme. Opposite Branas, for a different and creative excursion, there's Claytek Studio.
Stamps Landing as seen from the north. Monks, above, is now Mahony & Sons. The dock is also home to the Stamps Landing Yacht Club, Deep Respect Fishing Charters, and both the Aquabus and False Creek Ferries.
Venture off the Seawall into the condo parkways and you might find an unexpected spot to enjoy.
The next notable point, just west of the Cambie Bridge, is Spyglass Place. This might have been a better name for the Olympic Village Skytrain Station as it's much closer. Lower Mainland residents might be interested to know that this station is right across the street from the VCC-Clark Station at the terminus of Skytrain's Millennium Line.
The point features another ferry dock. The city put a piano here, (summer 2013), with which anyone could serenade to the world.
This staircase at Spyglass Place ascends to the south end of the Cambie Street bridge. Beyond the bridge begins a section of this route, formerly the Cambie Works Yard.
This is a view of the Works yard from atop Cambie bridge at the top of the stairs in 2014 being used for excess engineering department parking, storage, and by the Vancouver Police Dog Squad. Has anything developed on this property?
A northeast view from the Cambie Works Yard shoreline...
...reveals some rustic, but aesthetic, old pier features
The southbound pathway above, beside Hinge Park (more info), marks the end of the Cambie Works reconstruction area and the western border of The Olympic Village, formerly the athlete's village for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Facing the other way, towards the north and the shore you'll see (below) Habitat Island (more info).
Habitat Island
High-rises from Habitat Island
Images of Hinge Park
The steps (below) are found as you walk into The Village at Canoe Bridge. They're designed to be a continuance of the surrounding buildings' roof lines (above) stepping down toward the waters of False Creek.
The steps are a great place to soak your hot tired feet after walking around False Creek all day. Watch the tide come in quickly as it moves across the top of the blocks. There are several such step areas in the vicinity.
This is a view of Canoe Bridge (it bulges in the middle like a canoe) looking upward from the base of the stone steppes pictured above. Walking between the pillars under the bridge is a much easier route to, and from, the bottom of the steppes than clambering up and down the 2 foot-high blocks.
The Village
The village's storm sewer covers (below) are a result of the city's Ironclad Art Challenge.
Factoid: The neighbourhood energy utility
The Tap and Barrel Pub is a prominent component on the northeast corner of the Olympic Village Square as are, further down, The Birds (below) and, still further, the Old Salt Building is now home to The Craft Beer Market.
Olympic Village Business Directory
Creekside Community Recreation Centre
Legacy Liquor – the largest private liquor store in BC
Subway
TD Bank
A Creekside Kayak canoe making demonstration
After the Village this False Creek circumnavigation is complete. To celebrate its completion there's a pleasant distraction slightly off the beaten path; Amato Gelato Cafe, the outlet cafe for Mario's Gelati near the corner of 1st and Quebec. That's Mario's/Amato's in the distance seen through the hexagonal pyramid, and former Expo 86 bandstand, gazebo at the southeast corner of False Creek. (The fellow in the foreground offers bike repairs and lube jobs.) Stop in to taste the melt-in-your-mouth high quality gelato made from fresh B.C. fruit. Enjoy the dessert...
...then go home!
A circumnavigation is just one way to enjoy False Creek. Another alternative would be to a False Creek pub crawl. (Yaletown Brewpub, Granville Island Brewery, Bridges, Cat's Social House, Wicklow Pub, The Tap and Barrel Pub). There are ample hospitable libation resources for fortification - followed by a safe public transit ride home. Alternatively catch the ferry to spend a day at Granville Island, or for dinner at c Restaurant and return. Or take the furthest-going ferry to add Vanier Park/Kits Point to your excursion. Whether spending a day in a previously unfamiliar public park or going on a romantic evening stroll an excursion to False Creek could take on any form that can be dreamt of.
