A Comprehensive Guide to Granville Island

Trying to figure out what to do in Vancouver this weekend? Granville Island might just be the perfect answer.

Nestled underneath the Granville Street Bridge and surrounded by water on all sides, this artistic and cultural hotspot is a lively oasis located right in the heart of the city.

Whether you’re arriving by bus, bicycle, car, or boat (more on that later!), you’ll want to get up close and personal with everything this bustling pedestrian-friendly peninsula has to offer. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you make the most out of your visit.

Granville Island Public Market

Open daily from 9AM – 6PM

Picture this. Gleaming piles of berries stacked tall in gravity-defying pyramids, fresh locally caught seafood on sparkling beds of ice, high-quality meats and smoked sausage links hanging from the ceiling, expertly crafted confectionaries and treats. Yep, you guessed it, we’re talking about the one and only Granville Island Public Market.

With over 50 independent food vendors, this lively market is a feast for your eyes just as much as it’s a feast for your taste buds.

We recommend beginning with the fresh produce stalls right by the building’s entrance, including Four Seasons Farms. Whether it’s locally grown veggies or more exotic fruits that catch your fancy, they’ll have you covered.

If you’re looking for something a little more savoury, be sure to check out Benton Brothers Fine Cheese for artisanal cheeses cut-to-order fresh off the wheel.

And if being so close to the ocean has you craving something fresh and fishy, Longliner Seafood’s waiting for you just around the corner. Try their signature maple candied salmon for a real treat.

When it comes to the perfect dessert to-go, grab a box of Lee’s Donuts and snack in the outdoor dining area behind the market, which overlooks the waters of False Creek.

Finally, for those of you who like to wash down your food with a tasty drink, Granville Island Tea Company will keep you toasty in the winter with their world-famous Masala Chai and refreshed in the summer with fruit iced tea.

At this point, if you’re anything like us, you might be feeling overwhelmed by places to try. Luckily, Vancouver Foodie Tours is the perfect solution, offering a Granville Island Market Tour with up to twenty local tastings per person.

Restaurants and Breweries

Once you’re done with the market, it’s time for a visit to one of Granville island’s many iconic breweries. We recommend Granville Island Brewing, one of Canada’s first microbreweries.

Then, when it comes to dinner, you can’t go wrong with Tap & Barrel – Bridges, which serves beer from their own brewery, BREWHALL, alongside expertly crafted meals for a lovely waterfront dining experience.

Or, for an elevated choice with a view of the North Shore Mountains and the water, Dockside Restaurant’s patio is a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

And, if you’re all about seafood, don’t skip The Sandbar Restaurant. With a fresh oyster bar and its own in-house Hoshi Sushi bar, this restaurant emulates the warm vibes of the Public Market through its open kitchen and wooden detailing.

Arts, Culture, and Design

Now that we’ve covered merely a fraction of the delicious food available to you on Granville Island, it’s time to turn our attention to the local artisans, makers, and craftworkers whose talents make this funky artist’s hub truly unique.

On your way over to the heart of the Artisan District, you’ll want to stop and take in the “Giants” Silos, a set of six 70-foot tall concrete silos brought alive through painting by two Brazilian artists.

Then, take a meander down Railspur Alley and check out the workshops of master potters, glassblowers, jewellers, blacksmiths, artisan broom makers, First Nations artists, and more.

While you’re there, be sure to check out Banquet Atelier & Workshop for locally produced items with eye-catching, colourful designs that pop.

Just two minutes away in the Net Loft, Nooroongji Books offers a stunning selection of multilingual books on topics like art and philosophy, in addition to hosting events like author book launches and readings.

And speaking of events, the weekly shows at The Improv Centre will have you laughing until you cry. Make sure to check out the monthly calendars on their website, since the offerings change each month.

Get Outside and Explore the Island

Whether you’re exploring Granville Island with kids, or you simply want to embrace your inner child for a moment, the Kids Market is a must-visit spot. Open seven days a week, just look for the big rainbow on top of the building! With an arcade, a ball pit, and even a mini “Kids Door” entrance, this family-friendly market is the living definition of childlike wonder.

Once you’ve had enough of being inside, it’s time to explore the many outdoor attractions scattered around Granville Island.

First and foremost, you’ll want to consider taking a ride on an Aquabus ferry.

You can either save this step for last and take a ride back to your hotel in Yaletown at the end of a jam-packed Granville Island afternoon, or you can make Granville Island the first stop of many and arrive in style on the docks. False Creek Ferries routes include stops at The Village, Plaza of Nations, David Lam Park, and more.

For those of you who just can’t get enough of being out on the water, add on a whale watching tour with Wild Whales, where you can learn about the diverse wildlife of the Pacific Coast from right in their natural habitat.

And if that’s sounding a bit too action-packed for you, don’t worry. You can easily stay on dry land and enjoy the musical delights of buskers on every corner. Plus, on a chilly winter’s evening, there’s nothing more romantic than holding hands under the “Festive Lights” seasonal holiday lighting displays that twinkle and illuminate Granville Island every year.

On the flipside, for hot and sunny days, the Granville Island Water Park is the perfect place to cool down with the kids during the Spring and Summer.

So, next time you’ve got a weekend free and you’re asking yourself what to do in Vancouver, check out Granville Island. With something for everyone, the area is more than just a shopping destination. It’s a living community with its own history, culture and soul.