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
Most Visited
It’s easy to see why this place draws so many people — it has that mix of light, sound, and life that just pulls you in. On a sunny day, the waterfront feels golden, with sailboats drifting past and music from the market carrying through the air. The outdoor shops are great for a slow wander, and inside the market there’s food from every corner of the world. And if you love cheese, the little cheese shop is a must.
Martin Vondruska - 3 weeks ago
A lot of unique shops and vendors. Most shops weren't open yet when we came so we couldn't explore much. People there are friendly and welcoming. Some were not. A lot of the souvenir items were pricer than other places in Vancouver.
EBS - 3 weeks ago
Granville Island is a unique spot with a lot of character, though my experience was a bit of a mixed bag. As someone with no sense of direction, I found the layout of the island a little challenging to navigate. The network of alleys, industrial-style buildings, and indoor/outdoor market spaces had me doing a few loops!
The gloomy, overcast weather that day didn't help, casting a slightly subdued and industrial feel over the place. However, the heart of the island is undoubtedly the Public Market. It's a vibrant hub bursting with life, where I loved wandering past the fantastic food stands and unique artisan stores.
The location right on the water is a major plus. Being next to the pier made it incredibly easy for us to take a scenic ferry ride directly to downtown Vancouver, which was a highlight.
I arrived fairly early on a weekday, so it was much less crowded than I had anticipated. The downside was that several restaurants were still closed until nearer to noon.
Jayne Zhou - 4 weeks ago
Granville Island is a must-visit in Vancouver! This vibrant spot offers a mix of:
- Fresh food at the Public Market
- Local artisans and handmade crafts
- Live street performers
- Craft beers at Granville Island Brewing Co.
- Stunning waterfront views
A perfect blend of creativity, community, and fun. It is also a tourist trap
Blessing Obi - a month ago
Granville Island is a wonderful place to spend the day! It has a wide variety of shops, bakeries, and restaurants offering something for everyone. You’ll find everything from toys for kids and pet supplies to handmade jewelry, clothing, unique gifts, crafts, paintings, and more. It’s also home to several theaters, and there are always cultural events happening — like plays, dance performances, and live concerts. It’s a very complete and vibrant place, perfect for locals and tourists alike. Getting there is easy too — whether by car, bus, sea taxi, or even on foot.
Tamia Manuela Carrillo - 5 months 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 -
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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
