The Area - 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. Once a sooty industrial zone that churned out ships 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 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:
The atmosphere is either perfect or over-the-top depending on your tastes, but the food is always right on the money at Nu. Sit in a Jetsons-inspired chair and marvel at the retro ’70s cruise ship interior. The crispy fried oyster with Granville Island Lager infusion is as delicious as it is strange-looking. 1661 Granville St., (604) 646-4668.

Drink:
A lychee martini on the patio at Monk McQueens Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar, 601 Stamps Landing, (604) 877-1351.

Browse:
A rainbow-coloured world of fresh pastas at Duso’s and a wealth of local crafts in the Granville Island Public Market, 1689 Johnston St., (604) 666-6477.