Granville Island
A peninsula of art and food in a former industrial area under the south end of the Granville Bridge, on the south shore of False Creek. Highlights include the Public Market's fresh produce and prepared foods, artist studios, street performers, and small ferries.
Granville Island sits on the south shore of False Creek, beneath the piers of the Granville Bridge. It was an industrial peninsula in the 1920s, and in the 1970s it was redeveloped into a cultural district combining a market, art, theaters, and craft workshops. It is one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. The heart of the island is the Granville Island Public Market, with more than 50 stalls selling BC salmon and seafood, maple syrup, cheese, bread and pastries, and fruit. It also has food counters from around the world, including Lee's Donuts, Tony's fish and chips, A la Mode pies, and JJ Bean coffee. The classic experience is to buy something at the market, then eat it on the dock terrace outside while watching the sea and street performers, and dodging seagulls trying to steal your food. Other highlights include independent design shops and artist studios in the Net Loft and Railspur Alley (glass, pottery, and Indigenous art), the former campus of Emily Carr University of Art and Design and its galleries, Granville Island Brewing (Canada's first craft brewery, with tastings), the Kids Market and a water park, several small theaters including the Arts Club, and paddleboard or kayak rentals for exploring False Creek (about CAD 40 per hour). The most fun way to get there is by colorful Aquabus or False Creek Ferries from Yaletown or the Hornby Street dock, about CAD 4–6 and 5 minutes away. You can also take bus No. 50 directly. Parking is very limited. Entry to the island is free. Arrive when the market opens at 10 a.m. and have brunch there before visiting the studios. Plan for 2–3 hours in total. Afterward, you can walk or bike along the False Creek seawall to Kitsilano Beach or the Olympic Village. Watch out for seagulls that dive for food, so do not hold food out in the open. Most market stalls accept cards. Some studios are closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
Public market 09:00–18:00 (shops and restaurants have varying hours)
Nearby sights
- Yaletown
- Robson Street
- English Bay Beach
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Kitsilano Beach
- Vancouver Lookout (Harbour Centre)
- Gastown
- Stanley Park