Granville Island is one of the top 3 Vancouver Attractions. Home to the famous Granville Public Market, also hosts one of the biggest Canada Day celebrations on July 1st. If you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver, Granville Island is definitely a must-go.
Besides being a tourist spot, it’s also loved by the locals who shop there, dine, have some beers with friends, go to the theatre or at least enjoy the unique atmosphere the island offers. Granville Island is for everybody! There you can find Cafes, different shopping experiences, restaurants, bars, art galleries, fresh product markets, Water Park for kids and many more. Here is a short list of things to do in Granville Island:
Main attractions in Granville Island
Grandville Island Public Market
This is the first reason that took us to the island.
It’s a large hall filled with gorgeous food mostly locally sourced. We had a pizza while we were enjoying the lively atmosphere.
There’s something for everyone… from fresh local fish to macaroons. This food market won’t disappoint you!
Grandville Island Brewing
It was the biggest surprise! We weren’t expecting a brewery in the island. It definitely made our day!
Now I have a new favorite beer: False Creek Raspberry Ale! Geeez, it’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I do love berry beers!
Victor went for a tasting with 6 different kinds of beers.
Of course we left the island and took some beers with us for later. #beerlovers
Explore the shops
There are almost countless options of shops selling everything you can imagine from decoration props, jewelry, to brooms. The broom shop is very famous btw!
Check out The Giants by Os Gêmeos
Colourful concrete silos that were painted as larger-than-life cartoon giants. They are one of Vancouver’s most iconic art pieces.
Stop to watch a Busker
Everywhere you go in the island there some artist enchanting the visitors with their music, poetry or entertainment.
If you see a show you like, watch it immediately because each artist is only able to reserve 1-hour time slots. So, if you are enjoying the music or would like to see the show, stop to take it in!
Stop by Ron Basford Park
Enjoy some resting after walking a lot in the island. This park offers a great view of False Creek and a relaxing atmosphere. Great opportunity for a picnic! 🙂
Eat at one of the many restaurants
Yes, I know… there’s tons of options to have something to eat in the island but it’s part of the experience.
Edible Canada is everybody’s suggestion for local cuisine.
Visit Vancouver Theatresports League
It’s a hilarious way to spend an evening of improv comedy. The shows are usually family friendly, except the late shows on a Friday and Saturday night tend to be a little more risque.
Go inside Net Loft
One of Granville Island’s best-kept secrets, and is certainly a place that you won’t forget any time soon!
There’s so many gems to explore here, from kitchen ware to stationary. Here you can buy gifts for your fellow foodies!
Admire the Art
There are plenty of art exhibits, many for up-and-coming student artists of the Emilly Carr University of Art & Design, as well as studios for glassblowing, jewellery, and others arts and crafts.
Go boating
This is definitely a reason why we should come back to Vancouver. Really! We spotted the boating options when we were leaving and we didn’t have time to come back.
You can rent a boat and explore the English Bay. We just wanted to sit back, enjoy the oceanic scenery & watch the sunset…
How to get to Granville Island
Check out Granville Island’s map.
By bus
The #50 False Creek bus comes from Gastown in the downtown area, along Granville St., and stops just off Granville Island, at the intersection of Anderson St. and West 2nd Ave. It will let you off on the southeast side of West 2nd Ave. Look for the large Granville Island sign and the yellow and rainbow-ed Kids Market along Anderson St. northward.
By Aquabus (We went for this option)
The Aquabus runs from 7am to 10:30pm in the summer (8:30pm in winter).
Inexpensive and fun, the Aquabus and False Creek Ferry provide short rides across the False Creek Inlet, from the downtown side (north) to the Granville Island side (south).
The ferries run continuously from 7am to 10:30pm in the summer (8:30pm winter). Check their websites for specific schedules and information.
By bike
Bicycle routes to Granville Island follow the main car routes, but there’s also a pleasant, scenic bicycle path (shared with pedestrians) that runs east-to-west past the Island along the south shore of False Creek Inlet.
Aquabus also has a bike-friendly boat – the Cyquabus – that allows bicyclers to hop aboard from the dock at the foot of Hornby St., at an extra 50 cents per bike.
Many bike racks are located conveniently throughout the Island. Be sure to use a sturdy lock and fasten your bike securely. You can borrow an ABUS lock for free while you’re in the island. Click here for more information.
On foot
Arriving on Granville Island by foot enables you to appreciate the Island from a whole new angle.
Walking from the East or West: a comfortable seaside walk follows the False Creek Inlet on both the north and south shores. The south shore walk, which passes right by Granville Island, begins at its easternmost point just under the Cambie Street Bridge, and heads all the way west to some of Vancouver’s most popular beaches.
Walking from the North: walk from anywhere in the downtown area to one of the False Creek Ferry or Aquabus docks at the Aquatic Centre, Yaletown, Science World, the foot of Hornby St., or the foot of Davie St. Hop on the boat for a quick jaunt over to Granville Island.
Walking from the South: you’ll be following the underside of the Granville Street Bridge for some of your journey if you head to Granville Island from the south. Many roads culminate at the intersection of Anderson St. and West 2nd Ave., so take your pick, and watch for traffic.
Granville Island will be now included in your list? 🙂 We loved spending an afternoon among tourists and locals! There’s really too much to see there and I guarantee you’ll have a great time! What other attractions in Vancouver you’d like us to write an article about it here?
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See also:
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