Tour Granville Island in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Discover the Public Market, Alleys, Shops, and Art in False Creek

Nov 11, 2008

Granville Island welcomes millions of visitors each year to sample its edible treasures and admire this artsy community under the Granville Street Bridge.

Granville Island is a jewel of art, food, and shops hidden under the Granville St. Bridge and features as a popular stop for those traveling to Vancouver, BC.

Granville Island is easy to access by land or water. If approaching via land, take West 4th Ave. to Anderson St., then continue downhill directly under the bridge. Over the water, two ferry companies—the Aquabus and Granville Island Ferries—provide daily transportation to the island wharves. The ferries start before 7am for commuters then run until about 8pm to service patrons of Granville Island's rich theater district and lively nightlife.

Shop at the Granville Island Public Market and Boutiques

The Granville Island Public Market remains the island’s number-one destination. With crispy produce, steamy loaves of bread, freshly caught fish, and exotic spices, the variety and quality of cooking ingredients are unparalleled. The market’s specialty foods will appeal to all epicureans. From pine mushrooms to ahi tuna, the market will serve up the surprises demanding cooks expect.

Let your nose lead you to a favorite or hidden stall, but here are a select few of the more than 50 vendors to begin the tour:

But the Public Market is not Granville Island's lone market destination. At 1496 Cartwright St., the Kids Market houses a warehouse of toys, craft supplies, clothes, and candy that will leave the little ones wide-eyed and making long Christmas lists. From traditional toys to contemporary favorites like Lego and Beanie Babies, the Granville Island Kids Market will not disappoint.

For those with an artistic flare, visit the Opus Granville Island at 1360 Johnston St., close to the Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Here, aspiring and professional artists can stock up on paintbrushes and quality supplies.

Restaurants on Granville Island

For all the grumbling tummies, Granville Island reveals a haven of eateries ranging from cafés to high-class restaurants. Sample fresh seafood procured from the nearby fisherman's wharf or settle in with a homebrew from Granville Island Brewing Company.

Granville Island Festivals

Granville Island hosts a impressive range of festivals year-round. For the literary and arts minded, celebrate with the annual Writers' Festival (October), the Jazz Festival (June), or the Fringe Festival (September). And for families, Granville Island caters to the little ones with the Spring Break Theatre Festival (March), and the Childrens' Festival (May).

Granville Island Theater and Nightlife

When the sun sets over the Pacific, the buzz of activity continues on Granville Island. The thriving Backstage Lounge, 1585 Johnston St., hosts live music acts and Cats Socialhouse, 1540 Old Bridge St., serves fun-loving partiers well into the night. To catch a show, check out the offerings at The Arts Club Theatre, also 1585 Johnston St., or the ribald antics of the Vancouver Theatresports League, across the alley at the New Revue Stage.

Regardless of whether you are an early-morning market-goer or a late-night culture vulture, those looking to explore Granville Island will find this concentrated heart culture is home to dozens of artists, a vibrant festival scene, surprising culinary finds, and a vibrant nightlife.

More Things to Do in Vancouver, BC

For more fun family activities, take a trip to the ever-lively Vancouver Aquarium or ski the runs of the North Shore Mountain ski hills. Even in the winter, there are plenty of fun day trips in Vancouver.

The copyright of the article Tour Granville Island in Vancouver, BC, Canada in British Columbia Travel is owned by Chloë Ernst. Permission to republish Tour Granville Island in Vancouver, BC, Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.