Habitat Island

Habitat Island is an urban sanctuary along Southeast False Creek. Deep layers of soil have been added to the area to provide nourishment for new trees to grow. Boulders and logs commonly found along the coastlines in this region of British Columbia provide a home for plants, small animals, insects, crabs, starfish, barnacles and other creatures. Surrounded by water at high tide, the island is also a sanctuary for birds.
More than 200 native trees, as well as shrubs, flowers, and grasses that grow naturally in this region have been planted along the waterfront path and on the island.
When visiting the island, remember that it is an urban oasis that we would like to keep in its natural state. Please do not cycle, litter or bring your dog onto the island.
The island was created as part of the development at Southeast False Creek, site of the 2010 Winter Games Athletes Village. To build Habitat Island, shoreline and inlet, about 60,000 cubic metres of rock, cobble, gravel, sand and boulders were used. The ebb and flow of the tide on the rocky shoreline creates an ideal home for starfish, crabs, fish, shellfish and other creatures.

With the development of the Olympic Village, earth was moved and living things were uprooted. After the dust settled, this area known as Habitat Island on the south east end of False Creek was filled in and formed with the consultation of local environmental groups. Soil was replaced, and more than 200 trees, plants, grasses and flowers were replanted in this area by the Vancouver Parks Board. It’s a lovely place to take a walk and some pictures of the things that call this little oasis home. When the tide is low you can walk to the waters edge and see all the tiny creatures that normally live under the water. Logs line the edge so it’s also a great place for a picnic or pleasant bicycle ride along the short path to the Island. We were surprised by the obvious care that was taken to restore these lands to a natural state.
The views all around this location promise to erase any stresses you arrived with and time magically disappears before you realize it has passed.