Top 12 Activities in Vancouver’s Olympic Village

Situated at the top of False Creek, Olympic Village began life as the Athletes Village during the 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver, the North Shore, and Whistler. Take a trip on the water via ferry or kayak, ride the SkyTrain, or bike the seawall to reach Olympic Village, which is only a five-minute drive from the center of Downtown Vancouver.

Rent a Kayak

False Creek is popular with rowers and kayakers year-round, especially during summer evenings when clubs and individual enthusiasts gather on the water. Visitors can rent a single or double kayak (or take a lesson) with Creekside Kayaks between May and October. It’s an easy paddle towards Granville Island—just watch out for boat traffic! More advanced kayakers can venture into English Bay to explore the coastline of Kitsilano and beyond or paddle to Stanley Park.

Take a Ride on False Creek Ferries

Getting to Olympic Village is part of the fun, and the False Creek Ferries are small boats that travel up and down the inlet between Olympic Village and Yaletown, Granville Island, Downtown, and Kitsilano. You can also catch the colorful AquaBus from Downtown Vancouver to “The Village” for an economical way to cruise along False Creek.

See Olympic Village Square

Visit the spot where the 2010 Winter Olympics took place and see “The Birds,” giant sparrow sculptures created by artist Myfanwy MacLeod. These sculptures returned to Olympic Village in August 2018 after receiving repairs in Calgary and China. Located between Manitoba Street, Salt Street, Walter Hardwick Avenue, and Athletes Way, the Square is perfect for people-watching and is the hub for various restaurants and cafes.

Discover Science World

Families will find fun at Science World, located just a few minutes’ walk from Olympic Village. It features interactive exhibits and theaters that educate and entertain children of all ages. Opt for the SkyTrain to Main Street-Science World for convenience, as this station is also closest for kayak rentals at Creekside Kayaks. Science World also hosts After Dark, a monthly event for adults with special exhibits and shows along with a bar for refreshments.

Have a Sip at the Craft Beer Market

Nearby East Vancouver is home to numerous craft breweries, but the expansive Craft Beer Market in Olympic Village showcases beers and ales from British Columbia and beyond, including local selections, within its pub-style establishment. The unique venue also offers seasonal food options, with bar snacks and a full menu ideal for enhancing the beer-drinking experience. Housed in the historic Salt Building, this pub is a dream come true for craft beer enthusiasts.

Enjoy a Sunset Dinner

Featuring one of the city’s finest patios, the creekside Tap & Barrel restaurant in Olympic Village is a go-to spot for sunset views and watching kayakers explore the creek as the sun sets over the cityscape. With its rise in popularity, Olympic Village has become a culinary destination, offering places like Terra Breads for delicious sandwiches and the newly opened Flying Pig, which provides a more upscale dining experience. Don’t miss their roasted Brussels sprout salad or the happy hour specials for affordable beverages.

Bike the False Creek Seawall

While Stanley Park remains a popular biking destination, the oceanside route through Olympic Village provides a beautiful setting for a leisurely cycle. This paved path leads to Granville Island, Kitsilano, or the city center. For convenience, you can rent a bike from the Mobi bike share program in Olympic Village, allowing you to return the bikes to various hubs around the city.

Cool Down With a Frozen Treat

For a refreshing treat, look out for Johnny’s Pops, a food cart on Athletes Way offering handcrafted popsicles in unique flavors. Another delightful option is Earnest Ice Cream on Quebec Street, known for its creamy ice creams, seasonal flavors, and vegan options based on coconut milk.

Sip Local Spirits

For a selection of premium scotch, sake, craft beer, and local spirits, head to Legacy Liquor Store, the largest privately owned liquor store in British Columbia. This spacious shop, previously used as a chapel during the 2010 Olympics, offers tastings and events to give you an opportunity to sample local liquor free of charge.

Walk the Circular Seawall Route

Stretching 2.9km along the creek, the False Creek Olympic Village Walking Route is a circular trail along the Seawall. Enjoy views of the 2010 Olympic Aboriginal Welcome Work, an Indigenous mural, and the Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies site. This route links to the expansive Seawall network stretching through Stanley Park, around downtown, and out to Kitsilano.

Take a Trip to Granville Island

Granville Island, though technically not part of Olympic Village, is easily accessible by a short walk, bike ride, or kayak trip along the creek. It’s worth visiting for its vibrant Public Market, art and craft studios, and the Long Table Distillery where you can enjoy a drink.

Explore Hinge Park

Hinge Park, an oasis among the condos of the Athletes Village, covers 2.3 acres as a naturalized wetland park, making it a popular spot for dog walkers. The park’s theme revolves around the industrial effects of infrastructure on the natural environment, featuring quirky elements like a bridge crafted from an old sewer pipe. During summer, enjoy public art installations and festivals. Hinge Park also connects to Habitat Island in False Creek, created for the 2010 Winter Olympics with natural materials, providing an ideal spot to explore the shoreline and observe local wildlife such as starfish, crabs, and other sea creatures.