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Vancouver’s Olympic Village

False Creek at Olympic Village

Once the home of the athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Olympic Village is now a trendy residential neighbourhood in Vancouver’s False Creek area.

 

The Olympic Village in Vancouver

Part of the large-scale development needed for Vancouver to host the Olympics, the Olympic Village was created from scratch to house all the athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. After the athletes left, the buildings were converted into over 1,000 condo units.

The neighbourhood was slow to gain new residents at first but now bustles with activity. Its location in False Creek means it’s close to plenty of other attractions and activities.

 

Olympic Village Bird Statue
Swallow Bird Statue at Olympic Village

 

What to Do in Olympic Village

Olympic Village Square is a hub in the neighbourhood, surrounded by places to eat and drink. Also in the square is a pair of giant sparrow sculptures. Created by local artist Myfanwy MacLeod, “The Birds” are pretty cool and impossible to miss.

Looping around the neighbourhood is the False Creek Olympic Village walking route. The walkway loops around the far eastern part of the False Creek Seawall. It goes along the seawall, crosses over the water via the Cambie Street Bridge, and then makes its way back to Olympic Village. The route passes both BC Place Stadium and Science World on the way.

(Note: BC Place Stadium was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies. It’s on the other side of False Creek from Olympic Village. If you’re interested in the area’s Olympic connection, inside the stadium is the BC Sports Hall of Fame.)

The above-mentioned walking route is just under three kilometres long. It’s flat pretty much the whole way, except for when you have to access the bridge, so it’s a fairly easy stroll. It’s also wheelchair accessible.

Another nice place to explore is Hinge Park. It’s a natural wetlands area that’s a little over two acres in size. It has picnic tables, children’s play structures, a labyrinth and a small island. There is also a designated off-leash dog area which makes this part of the False Creek Seawall an extra-popular spot for dog-walkers.

 

Bridge at Olympic Village
Olympic Village

 

Places to Eat and Drink

If you’re looking for a place to have a drink, right in the Olympic Village Square is the Craft Beer Market. There are over 100 brews on tap at this large establishment, making it a prime spot to go if you’re a beer fan. Also close by is the Tap & Barrel restaurant, and just a short ways down the seawall, at Stamps Landing, is the Mahony & Sons pub. Just a few blocks south of Olympic Village, on East 2nd Avenue, there is also Brewhall which is a casual beer hall-style pub.

If you’re visiting Olympic Village or around that area in the summer, or any time of year for that matter, stop over at Earnest Ice Cream which is at 1829 Quebec Street. Try a creamy ice cream or a seasonal flavour, depending on the time of year.

 

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Olympic Village’s location in False Creek means it has both nice scenery and fun things to do along the water. Kayaks can be rented from Creekside Kayaks to explore the waterway from May to October. Launching from the Olympic Village docks, some paddlers go all the way out to English Bay and Stanley Park!

Olympic Village is located along the False Creek Seawall, the 28-kilometre path that is popular for both walking and cycling. Head north and then west along the northern shore of False Creek and you can go all the way to Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. Head west from Olympic Village along the southern shore of False Creek and you can go all the way to Spanish Banks near the University of British Columbia. No matter which way or how far you go, it’s a beautiful area.

About a 30-minute walk west of Olympic Village is Granville Island. It’s a famous neighbourhood well worth checking out. With places to eat, shop and take in art and theatre, Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s top attractions.

Just a few blocks from Olympic Village, also on False Creek, is Science World. It’s a premier science centre that’s family-friendly and fun for all ages. If you’re accompanied by children then this is a must-visit attraction, especially on rainy days.

 

Olympic Village Plaza

 

Other Information

For more information about Olympic Village, visit the City of Vancouver‘s website.

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