A small walking path that connects the main Yaletown area with Pacific Boulevard, Helmcken Park serves as a reminder that generations of British Columbians have been confused by the lack of an “e” between the “m” and “c” in countless things named for John Sebastian Helmcken, one of the most influential leaders in the colonizing of British Columbia, partly because he married James Douglas’ daughter. 

What’s that? Oh right, the park. It provides some benches and shade where it’s much appreciated, but otherwise is tremendously underutilized, including a large fountain that former city planner Brian Jackson called “an over-thought piece of junk.”