Ryan Sold It

No neighbourhood has changed as dramatically as False Creek South, one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in North America. The attempt to create a choice waterfront living space here began in the early 1970s when a steaming brew of industrial wasteland was transformed into a park-like development of strata-council apartments, co-operatives and live-aboard marinas.

This contributed to the runaway success of Granville Island, 15 hectares (37 acres) of public markets, craft shops, artisan studios, theatres and water-view bars and restaurants. For Vancouverites, Granville Island is to weekends what butter is to croissants.

Condos and townhouses were added to the area throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, notably on the Fairview Slope, which forms the southern edge of the False Creek bowl. In an astonishing range of architectural styles and colours, False Creek is now one of the city's most desirable areas for residents and day-trippers alike. Mini ferries link the two shores, and boat charters, kayak rentals and dinner cruises are available for those who want to travel further a field.