Yaletown Vancouver
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Yaletown Vancouver |
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| Yaletown is located on the False Creek's waters edge of downtown
Vancouver, where once situated a rundown warehouse district of
Vancouver. Its rebirth started in the late 1980's, and has gradually
transformed into a trendy urban community comprising a mix of
residential, office, restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and more. The
elevated, brick-paved loading docks with their cantilever canopies now
house sidewalk tables, providing shade and shelter for the patrons of
the many dining and drinking establishments. Today's Yaletown covers a
much wider area than before its rebirth, and is now considered to be the
area bounded on the North by Georgia Street, to the West by Richards
Street, to the South by False Creek and to the East by Cambie Street.
Originally Vancouver's garment district, Yaletown still retains its links through its fashionable boutiques and local designers. Now added to this mix are: high-end restaurants, microbreweries, high tech companies, home furnishings, galleries, BMW's Mini Cooper showroom, & hotel Opus: a contemporary boutique inn. You quickly begin to appreciate the magnitude of this eclectic mix. Despite the flush of new 'glassy' high-rise apartments Yaletown retains a charm because of its mixed-use character and unique architecture. The restored heritage warehouses provide an ideal contrast to their more modern surroundings. Aquabus landing It's residential living encompasses everything from artsy type lofts, to modern waterfront apartment towers. There are very few places that have seen more dramatic change than the edge of Yaletown that lies along side the False Creek waterfront. The area was once a huge rail track facility until it was cleared for Expo 86. Whilst Expo was only temporary, lasting for five months, it attracted people from all over the world to come and visit Vancouver. Some changing Vancouver forever! After Expo, the land was sold to a huge private residential project that has now transformed an area that once could only be described as an 'eye sore'. Whilst not all who see it will like the new architecture (particularly the glass and concrete towers which dominate the area); it cannot be denied that those embracing the outdoor lifestyle will love it. Yaletown's sea wall includes a mix of walkers, joggers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and many canine friends. The walk has many special features including extensive landscaping, lighting, artifacts, and green spaces including a new park under development called George Wainborn Park. Located in the heart of Yaletown is probably Vancouver's most trendy food store called 'Urban Fare'. This is not only an up market food store, but also houses a restaurant and a coffee bar in its open plan layout. Yacht lovers should head for the bottom of Davie Street where the newly developed marina berths house everything from the maritime modest, to 'floating palaces'. For those with more limited pockets, the waters of False Creek can still be enjoyed as the famous Vancouver landmarks known as the "Aqua Bus" also leave here on a frequent schedule for destinations such as Granville Island, Stamps Landing and Science World. Across the street from 'Urban Fare' is the neighborhood community center, aptly called the Roundhouse. The facility was originally built by CPR as the turning point for trains. Today it not only serves as the community center, but also houses the steam locomotive number 374. This locomotive first entered Vancouver in 1887, and is on exhibit to the public all year round. Web site |