Granville Island, Vancouver

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Located across from Downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is a neat area for shopping, eating and enjoying the slightly offbeat vibe.

Granville Island used to be an industrial area, gradually it was abandoned as factories went out of business. In the 1970's the Canadian federal government picked up the tab for redevelopment of Granville Island. Today it is home to a really good market, arts (esp. glassblowing) several schools
and some fun shops.

Not much to see from a tourist point of view, but a great place to relax. Lunch by the marina is very very nice:)

Many people when visiting a country look for souvenirs made in Canada but unfortunately many are made in China or other countries. I found that many things are Canadian at the public market in Granville Island. I bought a lovely leather purse which was hand-made by the vendor and cost less than then machine made ones from China.

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Granville Island is considered one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. Granville Island is located along False Creek under the south end of Granville Bridge. This area boasts a large public market with fresh local foods, an extensive marina, a hotel, the Emily Carr University of Art and Design (named in honour of the artist), fine art galleries and a variety of shops. There are also several good restaurants and a brewery. It's a great place for a stroll, to enjoy the beautiful views, to have a bit to eat and much more. There are also plenty of buskers (artists/entertainers) all year round with the majority of buskers in the summer time. However these entertainers need a permit before they can perform here and they have their designated areas.

You can reach Granville Island by car as there is parking nearby. But be aware that it can get very busy in the summer, so a better option might be one of the water taxi's....the Aquabus or the Granville Island Ferry that leaves frequently from downtown Vancouver. You can also get here by bus or walking. A good place to park is at Kitsilano Beach or at the Maritime Museum as you can walk to Granville Island. It's about 20-30 minutes walking from Kitsilano Beach and you'll get to enjoy some great views along the way.

It's really difficult to choose where to eat here because there are so many choices. There's so much excitement in this place just looking at those boats coming and going and looking at those people just chilling. There's a a musician singing French love songs surrounded by people listening to him. At times, people just toss a dollar to his bucket or sometimes they just buy his CD's.

There are some great restaurants here but after dinner ask someone about the improve group called Theatre sports league. They have a show a couple times a week. This was the best improve show I'd ever seen. The one girl that was there now plays on a tv show called corner gas. It was a really funny show they performed a rendition of Lord of the rings.

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Any time of the year, Granville Island is a fantastic market to hit. There is plenty of produce down here, and on the Island itself, you'll find lot's to keep your interest.
Theatres, shops, ferry rides, the Emily Carr Art School claims some ground down here as well. Woodworkers co-op has a venue where you can browse or shop for gifts.

Granville Island has the most outstanding mouth watering public market i have ever seen!

There are rows upon rows upon rows of fresh fruit, veg, fish and meat.

It is almost impossible to walk through here and not be hungry at the other side.

Upon entering Granville Island along Anderson Street, head straight along the road and take a left when the road forks. The Public Market sits to the North West of the Island.

Even if it is just for the magnificent range of colours on display - you shoulf go if in the area!

Granville Island has some museums located across the street from the brewery. They are the Model Trains Museum, the Sport Fishing Museum, and the Model Ships Museum. So if you are intro model trains, sport fishing, or model ships, respectively, these museums are for you. Check web site below for more information.

We made the mistake of visiting Granville Island on a Saturday morning at about 10:30 a.m. However, we did luck out and find a parking spot near the Public Market (whew!). If you have to drive, I would highly recommend getting to the market at 9:00 a.m., when they open, as the place was already packed.

The Granville Island Public Market is a foodie's dream. I am envious of people on the West Coast as they have the most variety and fresh of produce and seafood. Besides fresh produce and arts and crafts, there's a unique food court and restaurants, such as Bridges.

There is also lots of gift shops , as well as the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, which consists of many arts and craft studios. For the kids, there is the Kids Only Market which has clowns, face painting, and kid-orientated shops. If you're a foodie, bring a cooler. Even if you vow you won't buy anything, you probably will. Estimate at least 2 hours for shopping, and of course, eating!!

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Granville Island is tourist central in Vancouver. All activity centers around the Granville Public market and from there the island is full of shops and restaurants. This is also the place from which you can rent a kayak to explore False or English bay.