Three people walking on a wooden dock near water, wearing casual jackets and hats, with a bridge in the background.

Granville Island, Vancouver

A fresh waterfront escape in the city

A favourite for locals and visitors

Granville Island is one of the most vibrant Vancouver neighbourhoods, showcasing the best of Pacific Northwest living in cuisine, shopping, culture, performance, and art.

Aerial view of a marina with boats docked, green park area, bridge, city buildings, and mountains in the background.

Crowd of people walking along a waterfront promenade with tall buildings and boats in the background.

10.5 million

Granville Island draws 10.5-million visitors a year.

In 1916, the "island" was created using material from False Creek. Eventually, warehouses, mills, and machinery were built on the site. By the 1970s, city visionaries and government support helped make way for a permanent market. Today, there are still six original tenants, including the line-up worthy Lee's Donuts.

Area was once sandbars where First Nations peoples seasonally fished, held events and established a permanent village.

Aerial view of an industrial waterfront area with warehouses, docks, and a bridge crossing over water.

Three people walking on a wooden dock near boats with a large bridge and mountains in the background at sunset.

A family of four walking on a sunny waterfront dock with boats and city buildings in the background.

Four large concrete silos painted with colorful cartoon faces and clothing, with cement mixer trucks parked in front under a clear sky.

On July 12, 1979, Granville Island officially opened, providing a permanent home to vendors who started in farmers’ markets. In a smart use of repurposing, old warehouse buildings on the former industrial site were used to house the new markets. Since opening, Granville Island has thrived as a bustling central hub showcasing global and local art and cuisine.

This is Granville Island

An adult crouching next to a child pointing across a wooden dock near a pond with a yellow building and tree in the background.

ACTIVITY | FAMILY & KIDS

Take the kids to Kids Market

Night view of Granville Island sign under a bridge with cars on the road and illuminated street lamps.

Granville Island Public Market

A group of people wearing life jackets stand on a dock beside small white motorboats, with tall city buildings, trees, and the buzz of entertainment Vancouver offers in the background on a sunny day.

Outdoor Tours

Granville Island Boat Rentals

Ask

about

our

hidden

gems

Explore more of Granville Island

EventsOct 3, 2023

Get Literary at the Vancouver Writers Fest on Granville Island

EventsAug 21, 2024

See Everything at the Vancouver Fringe Festival on Granville Island

Events | OutdoorsApr 27, 2023

Take Your Kids to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival on Granville Island

Go where

you're called

Walk score

7 min to South Granville
15 min to Kitsilano
20 min to Davie Village

Bike score

See Vancouver Cycling Map

Driving

9 min to Yaletown
12 min to Gastown
16 min to Commercial Drive

Transit score

See Translink Skytrain
See Translink Bus