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Granville Island, Vancouver

A fresh waterfront escape in the city

A favourite for locals and visitors

Granville Island showcases the best of Pacific Northwest living in cuisine, shopping, culture, performance, and art.

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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.

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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

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ACTIVITY | FAMILY & KIDS

Take the kids to Kids Market

Ask

me

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hidden

gems

Pockets of culture to discover nearby

Kitsilano, Vancouver
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Embrace the laid-back vibe and recharge on golden beaches surrounded by beautiful old houses, tree-lined streets, yoga studios and organic markets.

People play beach volleyball at sunset, with silhouettes against the golden sky. Ships float on the water, and mountains frame one of the vibrant Vancouver neighbourhoods in this lively, relaxed scene by the sea.
Robson Street, Vancouver
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Explore the eclectic charm of Robson Street in the heart of downtown, where stylish boutiques, diverse dining options, and a vibrant atmosphere come together.

Two women with shoulder bags smile and chat while walking outdoors in one of the vibrant Vancouver neighbourhoods, along a street lined with glass windows and greenery. One has red hair and a blue jacket; the other wears a striped blazer.
Chinatown, Vancouver
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Dive into a world of vibrant culture and tradition as you navigate through bustling markets and enjoy authentic Asian cuisine.

A colorful traditional Chinese gate with ornate decorations and a blue sign featuring Chinese characters, flanked by trees and surrounding buildings, marks one of the vibrant Vancouver neighbourhoods.
Davie Village, Vancouver
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Experience a diverse array of gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and events that celebrate love, acceptance, and diversity in this dynamic neighbourhood.

A city street scene in one of the vibrant Vancouver neighbourhoods features people crossing a rainbow-colored crosswalk. Cars wait at the intersection, shops line the street, trees border the sidewalk, and the weather is sunny.
Coal Harbour, Vancouver
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Experience a seamless blend of urban elegance and natural beauty with stunning waterfront views and upscale dining, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city. 

Several seaplanes are docked on a calm lake near a tree-lined shore in one of the scenic Vancouver neighborhoods. In the foreground, people sit under yellow umbrellas on a waterfront deck as the sun rises or sets.
Yaletown, Vancouver
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Wander along the waterfront and escape into the charm of boutique shops as you take in the stunning blend of skyscrapers and natural beauty.

Yaletown
Granville Street, Vancouver
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Experience the hub of Granville Street, where neon lights and lively crowds spark creativity and connection amidst eclectic bars and historic theatres.

A city street at dusk in one of the vibrant Vancouver neighbourhoods, with neon signs glowing—a theater sign reading VOG on the right, GOOD on the left—and tall buildings plus a lit-up clock tower in the background.
Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
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Explore the charming neighbourhood that seamlessly blends trendy boutiques and restaurants with a laid-back vibe, making it a perfect mix of urban excitement and small-town charm.

A colorful mural in Vancouver neighborhoods features the word PASSION in large, bold letters filled with vibrant illustrations of flowers, birds, and abstract designs, partially obscured by a tree and building structures.
Commerical Drive, Vancouver
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Get lost in a cultural mosaic of flavours, music, and community spirit, where every turn reveals a unique tale of the community’s vibrant energy.

Commercial Drive
Lower Lonsdale, Vancouver
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Check out North Vancouver’s fastest growing waterfront hub of independent shops, restaurants, and specialty food stores. Also known as “The Shipyards District.”

Lower Lonsdale
South Granville, Vancouver
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Welcome to this luxurious area that boasts stunning views of the city and mountains while being a shopper’s paradise offering unique boutiques, high-end fashion, jewelry, and home decor.

People sit at outdoor tables under wooden pavilion structures in one of the lively Vancouver neighbourhoods, near a building with a large black-and-white mural of abstract designs. Trees provide shade, and flowers hang from one of the wooden frames.
West End, Vancouver
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Discover the welcoming community of The West End, where tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and an eclectic mix of cafes and boutiques create a lively and vibrant neighbourhood to explore.

Crowds of people relax on a sandy beach at sunset in one of the lively Vancouver neighbourhoods, with tall city buildings, green trees, and distant mountains bathed in a golden glow.
Gastown, Vancouver
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Explore the historic cobblestone streets and feel the heartbeat of creativity pulse through craft breweries, hip eateries, and the iconic steam clock.

A tree-lined urban street in one of the classic Vancouver neighbourhoods, with historic buildings, large windows, and a vintage street lamp; leaves are turning yellow, suggesting autumn.
Kerrisdale Vancouver
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Discover the village-like charm of Kerrisdale, a quiet neighbourhood where tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes foster a vibrant community spirit and timeless character.

A cozy flower shop interior inspired by charming Vancouver neighbourhoods, with potted plants, floral wreaths, and a spiral staircase leading to an upper level. Soft lighting and mirrors add warmth to the inviting, decorative space.
East Van
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Immerse yourself in East Vancouver’s vibrant spirit, where cultural diversity, a thriving arts scene, and eclectic eateries celebrate community at every corner.

A city street scene in vibrant Vancouver neighbourhoods features large colorful murals of people on the sides of tall buildings, with visible power lines and a few trees in the foreground.
UBC Vancouver
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Wander through the UBC neighbourhood’s stunning blend of academia and nature, where forested paths, ocean vistas, and cultural treasures inspire discovery on Point Grey Peninsula.

UBC

Explore more of Granville Island

Go where

you're called

Walk score

Daily excursions do not require a car
  • 7 min to South Granville

  • 15 min to Kitsilano

  • 20 min to Davie Village

Bike score

Biking is convenient for most trips
  • See Vancouver Cycling Map

Driving

  • 9 min to Yaletown

  • 12 min to Gastown

  • 16 min to Commercial Drive

Transit score

Many nearby public transportation options
  • See Translink Skytrain

  • See Translink Bus