Granville Island, Vancouver

Why have I posted the one photo from Granville Island you'll never see? The island was originally industrial land, and although it was built up as a tourist trap it has retained some semblance of life to it. People still work, study and live here. And you don't get a lot of souvenir stands selling maple syrup and other Canadiana kitsch like what you'll find in Gastown. But you can buy food. In fact, some of the stuff they have in the market is very hard to find - exotic fruits and spices only a gourmand would recognize. Because of the mix of tourists and locals, it has a unique vibe. Not as much as it could have I suppose, but it's there, and that makes it a pretty good place to wander around. Let's put it this way - I'm a travel snob who hates touristy places, and I like blowing off a few hours on Granville Island. Take a ferry over from downtown, wander along the edge of False Creek a while, and grab some things at the market for a picnic.

Granville island was perhaps one of my favorite locations in Vancouver. There are some nice restauraunts right on the water front, where you can enjoy the weather and watch the many boats pass by. There is also a very impressive brewery, for beer lovers like myself where you can sample beer with names like killer whale ale, and granville cream. On every corner, there is someone playing an instrument or entertaining and the farmer's market has a huge selection of local produce, meat, and seafood. for those who want to actually get in the water, a few businesses rent out speed boats for fairly reasonable prices or you can sign up for one of the many tours that leave daily from the island.

This is a public market with Artist studio's .The artisans are at work in their studios . So cool!!!!!!! .Art work is high quality . I couldn't get enough . I wish it went on and on . I suggest getting a light breakfast at the market (coffee and muffin etc) and walk around afterwards . There was music and entertainment when we were there .The Greyhound tour bus takes you there .We initially went there on the tour bus and went back the next morning . Took a Small ferry (aquabus ) from downtown the next day . A nice added touch !!!!

Granville Island is a mecca of resturants, ice cream stands, unique over priced shops, and a fish, chocolate, cheese, and vegetable market. It is similar to Pike's Seattle market but on a less grand scale. It is over priced but is fun to look around and eat some ice cream.

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Granville Island is located under the Granville Street bridge. The Granville Island Public Market is the most fascinating part of Granville Island. The market houses many fresh seafood stalls, deli meats, breads, as well as arts and crafts. It is also a good place to have a cup of tea while admiring views of downtown Vancouver across False Creek.

We went to Granville Island as that was where we got our Whale Watching boat from. We had a wonder round before we left and found a lot of shops that sold boat and sailing equipment etc and lots of art. There is a big public market that sells all sorts of fruit and veg etc. There is a small train and model ship musuem that is woth a look if you are into that kind of thing. There are also a few cafe/bars worth trying too.

A nice place to spend a few hours just relaxing the day away.

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.

Granville Island is a great place to spend the day. You can browse the shops, chill out on the deck, watch the boats on False Creek and just generally relax. There are many festivals happening on Granville Island all year round, and some great food to eat. It is just a great place with a lot of action and fun for adults (Granville Island Brewery) and Kids (the large children's area is great for them).