Seawall, Vancouver

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The Vancouver Seawall circles the perimeter of False Creek with fantastic views of English Bay and its beaches.

Waterfront property is a high priced amenity in many cities around the world, in Vancouver, it is prized as such, but more importantly, Vancouver has set aside it's waterfront for the public, a move which has popularized the downtown and surrounding area. Dominating these common lands is the Seawall, a twenty-two kilometre stretch of paved path supporting biking, walking, running and roller blading. With stunning ocean, city and natural views, the seawall in its entirely has been lauded as Vancouver's most valuable attraction.

Stretching from Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver and travelling around Stanley Park and along the entire stretch of False Creek, ending in Kitsilano, the Seawall - boasting over twenty-two kilometres of seaside trails - is a premiere destination for travellers coming to the city.

The Vancouver Seawall is an amazing feat of architecture and ingenuity and redefines Vancouver as one of the most livable cities in the world. One of the most used natural attractions in the core it supports a wide variety of activities, from jogging, walking, biking, roller blading and to the many marathons and runs that are held within the city.

First conceived by W.S. Rawlings, a Stanley Park superintendent, the seawall has been actively under construction from 1914 to 1980.

The Seawall acts as a wall against the forces of the waves and preventing erosion are a few of the reasons for its inception, although the aesthetic appeal has been one of the driving forces of its upkeep and expansion.

The wall is popular for its large populations of migrating birds that float along the wall picking ocean delicacies and herons stand still in the water waiting for fish to dart amongst their legs. Lucky watchers can spot the seals bobbing not too far off shore watching the shore curiously.

The wide range of surroundings as one walks along the Seawall can be just as interesting, from the five large sails of Canada Place to the new Olympic village to the older style buildings that line False Creek and the West Coast forest found along Stanley Park. Low tide is especially popular as it is an exploratory delight as people of all ages overturn rocks to find miniature crabs, the occasional eel and the prized find, Starfish.

Many points of interest can be found along this stretch of pathway including the spot where Stanley Park was created, several noted artworks, some of the oldest lighthouses in Vancouver, the span of the Lion's Gate Bridge and the only boathouse community in Vancouver and many others.