An ever-expanding seawalk experience

  Extending from David Lam Park to the foot of Davie Street, the newest section of the Concord Pacific Place seawalk is much more than cobblestones, mortar and landscaping. It's a broad, winding ribbon of scenic and recreational enjoyment... a major new amenity for downtown Vancouver... a vital extension of the waterfront lifestyle. It's also a place to experience the sea in a direct and personal way.

  Along this route is a seaside pavilion celebrating high tide. Rising from a rocky base with the ageless simplicity of a Grecian temple, the columned structure is inscribed with these words: The moon circles the earth and the ocean responds with the rhythm of the tides.

  The mythic appeal of this pavilion is echoed in a tidal pool just a short walk away. Ringed by a circle of metre-wide rocks, the pool is illuminated at night by underwater lighting. The rocky beach on which it lies was created during the seawalk's development as part of a widescale effort to enhance the waterfront habitat for fish and seabirds.

  Directly east, an arm of the seawalk dips down below the highest tidal levels. During a few special times of the year, this section is completely covered by water... allowing youngsters and the young-at-heart to experience the sea's rhythmic changes. Below the walk are a series of curving terraces -- ideal places to sit and soak up the sunswept oceanfront atmosphere. On the seawalk itself, benches and steps provide an endless choice in seating.

  Midway along the new section, on a point curving out over False Creek, are three canopied seating areas with roofs resembling glass umbrellas. The base of each "umbrella" is mounted with lights, enhancing the night-time appeal with an inviting "port-of-call" feeling.

  Further east, another "lowered" arm of the seawalk creates a second place for people to interact with the sea during the highest tidal periods. This periodic "flood plain" includes a concrete platform suitable for casual seating or as an informal performance site. Beyond this gathering place, between Crestmark I and the Crestmark Villas, is a decorative waterfall recalling the creeks which once fed into False Creek.