The Best Of Granville Island, A Complete Guide

Whether you’re a foodie, a family with tots in tow, or someone who can’t resist the urge to browse little nooks and crannies, Granville Island has a bit of everything. Not technically on an island, Vancouver’s famous landmark is a peninsula tucked beneath the southern section of the Granville Street Bridge.

Blend the Portland Saturday Market, London’s Borough Market, and a sprinkle of New Orleans, and you’ll begin to capture the vibrant essence of Granville Island—but its charm goes far beyond comparison. From artisan workshops to impromptu street performances, every corner hums with character.

The 35-acre parcel is home to almost 300 businesses that provide 2,500 jobs. Attracting over ten million visitors a year, Granville Island should be on every Vancouver itinerary.

Getting To Granville Island

• Location: Under the south end of Vancouver’s Granville Street Bridge

When staying in downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is best reached by the Aquabus or cute water taxis. Access to the island is available from docks at Hornby St., David Lam Park, Stamp’s Landing, Spyglass Place, Yaletown, Plaza of Nations, and The Village.

Avoiding a car saves the headache of finding parking, which is always a challenge. Despite many spots, from free one-hour to paid hourly, they fill up fast as locals flock to the public market for fresh produce.

If you’re driving, head to Fir Street and West 4th Avenue. Go north on Fir, then right onto West 3rd, which runs under the Granville Street Bridge. Look for the large red-lettered sign to know you’ve arrived. Traffic on the island flows one way, counter-clockwise.

Granville Island is always buzzing, not just with tourists, but with locals too. As a Vancouver resident, I love its vibrant energy.

The History Of Granville Island

Once just two sandbars used by First Nations for fishing, the area became an industrial hub in the late 1800s after the seawall was built. Sawmills, factories, and warehouses thrived until World War II. Then came fires, economic decline, and eventual abandonment.

In the 1970s, the area began a transformation. Old factories were repurposed into studios, shops, theatres, and restaurants. The public market became a local favorite, bringing new life and a sense of community. With waterfront views and spring cherry blossoms, the island quickly became a magnet for locals.

Today, Granville Island is still buzzing, now with tourists too. But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what to see and do when you visit.

Shop The Public Market

• Location: 1689 Johnston Street | Open: Daily 9 am to 6 pm

The public market is a feast for the senses. Fresh-baked goods tempt the nose, vibrant produce and flowers delight the eyes, and samples beg to be tasted.

I love wandering the stalls for unique finds like elk pepperoni, salmon candy, or a perfect cup of Oolong. The selection of cheese, meats, teas, and baked goods is top-notch, although gluten-free options are limited. Hungry? There’s plenty of ready-to-eat food too, so go ahead, eat, drink, and enjoy.

Shopping here supports local, family-run businesses; no big box stores in sight. On warm days, the outdoor seating fills quickly. Add in seagulls vying for crumbs, local buskers, and stunning waterfront views, and you’ve got the market’s one-of-a-kind vibe.

Must-visits include Lee Donuts (expect a line), Granville Island Tea Co., The Bread Affair, and Benton Brothers Fine Cheese, or find your own favorites.

Smile At The Giants

• Location: 1415 Johnston Street | Open: No access to the concrete yard but always available for photos.

At first glance, the island looks industrial as it once housed various factories, sawmills, and industrial businesses. But walk east from the public market, and the signs of its industrial history remain. A row of colorful silos, nicknamed the “giants,” grin happily at tourists.

At 70 feet tall, the towers were painted by Brazilian artists Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo. Once an eyesore, these silos now add a touch of whimsy to an otherwise dusty facility. As a resident, I enjoy these touches of weirdness scattered around Vancouver.

After these silos were painted, Vancouver’s annual mural festival invites artists to paint colorful panoramas on city buildings and streets. It’s a fantastic way to add a ray of sunshine to the city.

The six cheery concrete towers belong to Heidelberg Materials (formerly Ocean Concrete) and are still in use today. Renowned for being the oldest tenant, the concrete business started its business in 1917.

Enjoy Culinary Delights

By day, Granville Island’s public market buzzes with energy; by night, its restaurants steal the show. Savor standout dishes like cedar plank salmon at The Sandbar, seafood trio at The Vancouver Fish Company, or braised oxtail ragu at Dockside Restaurant.

Thanks to the waterfront location, seafood here is incredibly fresh, perfect for salmon, shrimp, or classic fish and chips. Many spots offer heated patios and blankets, so you can enjoy views of urban Vancouver year-round.

Best of all, many eateries offer gluten-free options, catering to dietary needs like mine.

Be Inspired By Creativity

Granville Island feeds my creativity with working studios where artists showcase their craft. In spots like Net Loft and Railspur District, galleries and shops highlight everything from glassblowing to silk weaving.

Watching molten glass become art is mesmerizing. At the Silk Weaving Studio, vibrant hand-dyed silk, wool, and alpaca are turned into soft, wearable pieces, proof that traditional crafts still thrive here.

Favorites of mine include Maiwa, with natural dye prints and wooden print blocks, and Opus, packed with art supplies. Not to be forgotten is the Cloth Shop, Vancouver’s top quilting store for decades.

Don’t miss Granville Island Broom Co. for handcrafted brooms, Artisan Sake Maker for local sake, and Make Vancouver for quirky, unique gifts.

Feeling inspired? Beadworks offers free demos, classes, and endless beads, where even a “heart of the ocean” necklace can be your own creation.

Have Some Family Fun

• Location: 1496 Cartwright Street | Open: Daily 10 am to 6 pm

Inside the bright yellow two-story building, the “Kids Market” is packed with unique finds for all ages. “Just Imagine” offers costumes for dress-up play, while “The Granville Island Toy Company” features global toys focused on learning and engagement. As a puzzle fan, I loved their wide jigsaw selection.

Outside, even pets get a treat, from a red Canadian Pacific caboose! The market also includes an indoor play zone with a giant ball pit, VR rides, and an arcade, perfect for rainy days. On sunny days, the outdoor water park, with hydrants, slides, and sprays, keeps kids cool and entertained for hours.

Embrace The Arts

Granville Island celebrates the arts with live performances across several venues. While some offer matinees, it’s best to visit in the evening to avoid parking hassles.

The Arts Club Theatre stages affordable musicals, while The Improv Centre delivers sharp, unscripted comedy. For younger audiences, Carousel Theatre offers kid-friendly shows and even drama classes, helping children learn, grow, and shine on stage.

Hop On The Aquabus

• Location: Behind the Public Market | Open: Daily 8 am to 8 pm

Vancouver’s diversity shines from the water, and a 25-minute ride on the colorful Aquabus is a fun, affordable way to see it. No reservations needed, just hop on and enjoy views of Science World, BC Place, Olympic Village, and False Creek Harbour.

The ferries are wheelchair-friendly and welcome strollers, bikes, and pets. For CAD 16, an all-day pass lets you hop on and off at any stop to explore.

Though there’s no guided commentary, it’s a relaxing, scenic ride, perfect if you’re short on time. Prefer a different look? Try the blue-painted False Creek Ferries instead.

Sample Some Craft Beer

• Location: Granville Island Brewery, 1441 Cartwright St | Open: Daily noon to 8 pm
• Location: Dockside Brewing Co, 1253 Johnston St | Open: Daily 7 am to 10 pm

Vancouverites love craft beer, and its breweries rival coffee shops in number. Granville Island Brewery, Canada’s oldest microbrewery, offers daily tours, but most come for a cold brew and poutine.

They source ingredients locally, and a cheeky sign outside claims, “Beer is salad—hops are plants, plants are vegetables!” Must-tries include the English Bay Pale Ale, Hey Day Hefeweizen, and Raspberry Pale Ale.

At Granville Island’s quieter eastern end, Dockside Brewing crafts beer on-site for maximum freshness. Sample their Johnston Street Pilsner or Cartwright Pale Ale, then relax on the Dockside Restaurant’s scenic patio with waterfront views.

Get Out On The Water

Experience the stunning coastline from the calm of the water. Granville Island offers boat rentals, from small fishing boats to larger speedboats and even a BBQ boat! It’s a fun escape from the island’s crowds—and if you’re lucky, you might even catch dinner.

• Company: Granville Island Boat Rentals Location: 1699 Johnston St
• Company: Vancouver Boat Rentals Location: 1807 Maritime Mews 

Alternatively, take to the water on an interactive pirate ship cruise. “Ahoy me hearties! All hands hoy the Jolly Roger!” Who can resist a bit of piracy fun, complete with squash buckling action?

During the cruise, the pirate-want-to-be will read a treasure map, survive a mutiny, and share in the loot, all while living the life of a pirate.

•   Company: Pirate Adventures Location: 1820 Mast Tower Road 

For a fun workout on the water, rent a hydro bike, kayak, or paddleboard. Paddling False Creek gives you a fresh view of Granville Island. Craving speed? Hop on a seadoo and zip along the stunning BC coastline for an adrenaline rush.

Watch A Busker

Granville Island proudly supports live street performances as diverse as its shopping. Acts, from singers and magicians to jugglers and escape artists, perform at four locations. All buskers audition, ensuring high-quality shows. On sunny days, we’ve enjoyed the elodies outside the market, swaying to sweet tunes.

Go Whale Watching

Vancouver’s waters teem with marine life, and whale watching tours (April–October) are a great way to explore it. Most companies guarantee sightings—or offer a free return trip.

Tours often feature orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, sea lions, and seabirds. Some boats are covered for weather protection; others have hydrophones to hear whales underwater. On Granville Island, tours are offered by the following companies:

• Business: Prince of Wales – 1516 Duranleau Street | Phone: (604)666-6655
• Business: Wild Whales – 1806 Mast Tower Lane | Phone: (604)699-2011

Granville Island Festivals

Vancouver hosts numerous festivals each year, fueled by its creative spirit and openness. From the Fringe Festival’s live theatre to the International Writer’s Festival and family-friendly children’s events, there’s something for everyone.

Sail A Carol Ship

Remember when carollers sang classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? On Granville Island, we’ve relived that magic on annual festive carol ship cruises. Adorned with lights and holiday decor, the ships sail through False Creek’s glowing waters.

The event features a full turkey buffet and a visit from Santa, followed by cozy carol singing over tea. Sailing around False Creek, visitors enjoy the twinkling lights of the city and neighboring carol ship vessels.

As you can see, Granville Island is one of the best places to experience Vancouver’s vibe. Not just a market but an entertainment hub, a foodie locale, a kids’ playground, and a tourist mecca.

Beyond the industrial and modern pedestrian zone is Granville Island Sea Village on the eastern side of the peninsula. It’s a special place that some call home. These floating properties have a front-row seat to the action of False Creek. How lucky they are.