False Creek and Fairview Slopes

What was once a rugged shoreline lined with massive fir trees and Squamish Nation fishing spots has transformed into one of Vancouver’s most charming and beloved neighbourhoods. False Creek and Fairview Slopes, now home to stunning views and coveted recreation spaces, were once worlds apart from their modern-day appeal. In fact, False Creek’s name is rooted in a navigational error. When surveyor George Henry Richards ventured up the inlet in the mid-19th century, he thought he was heading up a creek, only to realize his mistake—thus, “False” Creek was born.

The area saw a dramatic shift after 1887 when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) moved its Pacific yards to the north side of the creek. The once forested landscape quickly made way for shipyards, sawmills, and woodworking plants, with industry dominating the area. False Creek itself was much larger back then, stretching east past its current boundaries, with marshy shallows extending to what is now Clark Drive. But by 1921, in the spirit of industrial progress, the marshland was filled in to accommodate rail yards, turning this once natural habitat into a bustling hub for Vancouver’s growing economy.

Today, False Creek has undergone yet another transformation—this time from industrial heavyweight to urban oasis. With its picturesque waterfront, parks, and paths, the area is a haven for walkers, cyclists, and kayakers alike. While its industrial roots are long gone, False Creek’s blend of history and modern development gives it a distinct character that draws residents and visitors year-round.

So while George Henry Richards may have made a wrong turn, the community that has since sprung up along False Creek’s shores proves that sometimes, mistakes can lead to something truly special.