Granville Island
Granville Island is home to Vancouver's most popular public market, plus a wealth of theatres, artisan workshops, and family-friendly activities.
Nestled under the Granville Street Bridge, Granville Island is a bustling hub of food, art, and culture. What was once an industrial manufacturing area has been transformed into one of Vancouver's most beloved destinations for locals and tourists alike. With its famous Public Market, artisan workshops, and vibrant street performers, it's an experience for all the senses.
Why Visit Granville Island?
- The Public Market: A food lover's paradise, offering a huge array of fresh local produce, seafood, baked goods, and gourmet treats.
- Arts & Crafts: It's a haven for artisans. Explore countless studios and galleries showcasing everything from glassblowing and pottery to custom jewellery.
- Live Entertainment: From talented street performers to professional theatre productions, there's always a show to catch.
- Family Fun: The dedicated Kids Market and a large, free water park make it a fantastic destination for families.
What to See & Do
- Explore the Public Market: Graze your way through the market, sampling local delicacies and picking up unique food items.
- Visit Artisan Workshops: Watch artists at work in their studios and purchase one-of-a-kind, locally made crafts.
- Check out the Kids Market: A two-story building filled with toy stores, an indoor play area, and activities just for children.
- Catch a Show: Granville Island is a major theatre district, home to companies like the Arts Club Theatre and Carousel Theatre for Young People.
- Walk the Seawall: Enjoy the beautiful waterfront views of False Creek and the downtown skyline.
Food & Drink Options
- Market Food Court: The market has a large food court with dozens of vendors offering diverse and delicious options. Grabbing lunch here is a classic Vancouver experience. - Granville Island Brewing Co.: Visit one of Canada's first microbreweries for a tour, a tasting flight, and some pub fare.
- Restaurants & Bars: The island has several full-service restaurants and bars, many with patios offering great views.
- Gourmet Food Shops: Pick up everything you need for a picnic, from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to fresh bread and pastries.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Go on a Weekday: The market is extremely popular and can be very crowded on weekends. For a more relaxed experience, visit on a weekday morning.
- Arrive by Ferry: Taking the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries is part of the fun and offers fantastic views of the city from the water.
- Explore Beyond the Market: Don't just stay in the main market building. Wander through the Net Loft for unique crafts and explore the other buildings to find hidden gems.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Yaletown: A trendy neighbourhood with great restaurants, easily accessible via a short ride on the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries.
- Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach: Home to several museums and a popular beach, also just a short ferry ride away.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No (free to visit the island)Address: Granville Island, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Granville Island Reviews
Rated out of 5
We walked to the island from Kitsilano via the beach front, which is definitely worth doing, the island itself is very tourists driven, however it is also a popular shopping area, for locals, we loved just walking around taking it all in there are many galleries to enjoy as well as the souvenir shops.
All in all wonderful experience.
V H - a month ago
If you’re looking for a lively and bustling spot, this is the place!
Full of shops and exciting treats, with the sounds of seagulls all around.
Definitely go and enjoy it
Zahra Parsan - a week ago
Beautiful place to visit. Love the vibe. Lots of things to see, maybe not much to do aside from eat and shop but I just enjoy sitting outside and soaking up the sun.
Aileen Lee - a month ago
Granville Island is a great place to spend an afternoon while visiting Vancouver. Great shopping, artisan studios and workshops, restaurants and an awesome public market with produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, flowers and much more.
David Fielding - 2 weeks ago
Lovely island to walk round and explore. Plenty of places to eat and the indoor market has a huge variety of food and other shops. There were two buskers there too if you like live music but I don’t know if they’re there regularly. The only down point for me was the cement factory in the middle but its towers are painted in interesting murals which are a thing to see. Its walkable from Olympic village along the seawall path or you can get water taxis
Paul Lewis - 2 weeks ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Waterfront or Granville, | 3 Minutes |
| Canada Line | Vancouver City Centre or Olympic Village Station | 3 Minutes |
How to get to Granville Island by SkyTrain
By Bus: From any of the above SkyTrain stations of any southbound stops along Granville Street in downtown Vancouer, take the #50 False Creek bus. Get off on West 2nd Avenue at Anderson Street (underneath the Granville Bridge) and walk north on Anderson Street onto the island.
By Ferry (Recommended): The most scenic and fun way to arrive! Take the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries from various stops around False Creek, including Hornby Street (downtown), Yaletown, or Olympic Village. These are private services and require a separate fare.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Granville Island:
Photo Gallery
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Enjoying a sunny winter day at Granville Island cc licensed photo by WireLizard -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gord McKenna - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gord McKenna - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: vancityvisual - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: colink. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gord McKenna - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Colby Stopa - cc license via Flickr
