False Creek

This waterfront community is best seen by way of a seaside pathway that stretches from Cambie Street to Granville Island, the epicentre of False Creek. A former industrial park that churned out war machinery for the merchant fleet, Granville Island (actually a peninsula, if you want to get picky) is now lauded by organizations like New York’s Project for Public Spaces as one of the most successful revitalizations of industrial space for public use in North America. Locals and chefs love the Public Market for its unparalleled supply of fresh produce and gourmet foodstuffs; visitors will enjoy an ever-changing showcase of locally designed art and handicrafts.

EAT:

Fresh-caught wild salmon, battered and served with Asian slaw and chips, or the oyster po’boy, at Go Fish!, a gourmet takeout stand situated just outside Granville Island by Fishermen’s Wharf (1505 W. 1st Ave., 604-730-5040).

DRINK:

A chilled glass of rosé on the rooftop patio at Sandbar. Situated right underneath the Granville Street bridge, it offers a spectacular vista of the downtown lights (1535 Johnston St., 604-669-9030).

BROWSE:

Beautiful papers, journals, gifts and one-of-a-kind greeting cards at Paper-Ya in Net Loft (1666 Johnston St., Granville Island, 604-684-2531)