Granville Island

The Basics

The Granville Island Public Market is a definite highlight, with its deli-style stalls and artisan stands full of local specialties. Foodies can discover the freshest and most unique offerings on a walking tour of the market, which includes tastings of homemade culinary delights such as maple-cured salmon, artisanal chocolates, and Canadian cheeses. Beer aficionados can tour the Granville Island Brewing Company, which also offers excellent pub-style lunches, while nature enthusiasts can take to the water on a kayak tour. Art lovers can admire work from up-and-coming artists at the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design and attend shows at the island’s three local theaters, which host afternoon and evening performances year-round. At the Kids Market, families with children can peruse stores full of toys, magic tricks, crafts, candy, and more. Visit on a full-day sightseeing tour of Vancouver to see Granville Island and other city highlights such as Stanley Park, Chinatown, and Gastown.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Plan to spend at least several hours exploring Granville Island, whether you’re visiting independently or taking a walking tour.

• Wear layers—there’s almost always a cool ocean breeze. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.

• The public market is phasing out plastic shopping bags, so bring a reusable bag if you plan to purchase any souvenirs or marketplace treats.

• Visitor amenities include accessible restrooms, parking lots, water fountains, and ATMs. There are also two playgrounds and a water park on the island.

How to Get There

Since Granville Island is really a peninsula, it’s easy to access by road, as well as on foot. Parking can be limited during peak hours, especially on weekends and during the summer months, when it’s best to use public transportation. You can get to Granville Island via the public bus system and the False Creek ferry (also known as the aquabus). The ferry leaves from several points in downtown Vancouver, and the trip to Granville Island takes only a few minutes.

When to Get There

The best time of year to visit Granville Island is during Vancouver’s brief, yet glorious, summer. Late July and August are especially popular times for families with kids, as these months provide the perfect weather for boat tours, strolling through market stalls, and enjoying local parks. During September, the hugely popular Vancouver International Fringe Festival stages numerous performances in Granville Island’s theater venues.

Things to Do Near Granville Island

Granville Island is centrally located in Vancouver, making it an ideal jumping-off point for visiting other city highlights. There are several attractions nearby: Kitsilano, with its beaches and trendy shops, is a 5-minute drive from Granville Island; Stanley Park is just on the other side of English Bay, a short ferry ride away; and the Museum of Vancouver, located on Kits Point, is just 10 minutes away by road. To see nearby sights without suffering through rush hour traffic, private tours or boat rentals are both great ways to explore.

Ways to explore

If you have limited time in Vancouver and want to see the highlights, some city tours include stops at Granville Island. Otherwise, your trip to the island could be a half- or full-day adventure. It’s a popular spot for food tours and art walks, thanks to the large, indoor Granville Island Public Market with its cafeteria-style food hall and vendors selling everything from unique tea blends to game meat. Grab lunch at the market before checking out the tiny galleries scattered across the island or heading to Net Loft, where you’ll find shops full of products from local makers.

Accessibility

Most of the island is fairly accessible to wheelchair users; however, certain venues and spaces are not. Net Loft and the Granville Island Public Market both have accessible bathrooms, and service dogs are permitted across the island.

Age limits

There are no age limits—in fact, the long-running Kids Market is a whole complex focused on the littlest visitors!

What to pack

Cash or credit card, water bottle, shopping bags

What to wear

Casual clothes and good shoes for walking

Not allowed

Drinking alcohol outside of designated areas, smoking within 20 feet (6 meters) of doors and windows, busking without authorization

Amenities

Public washrooms, picnic tables, shops, cafés, free parking after 10pm

Address 

While you can drive to Granville Island, parking can get very crowded on the island, especially on weekends. Skip the hassle of parking by taking public transit or booking a guided tour with transportation included.

Driving

The one road onto Granville Island is Anderson Street, which can be reached via West 4th Avenue in either direction. Once on the island, paid parking is available along side streets and in several lots.

Public transportation

Both the Aquabus and the False Creek Ferries make stops here. Translink’s 50 bus also serves the island; get off at the westbound stop at West 2nd Avenue and Anderson Street. From there, you can walk onto the island.

Best times to visit

The Public Market closes at 6pm (7pm in the summer), and it’s a popular lunchtime spot for locals. Arrive either in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are always best—you’ll get smaller crowds, as the locals tend to be at work. If traveling in January, avoid visiting on a Monday, when the public market is closed.

Best months to visit

Granville Island is lovely during the spring, when the flowers are blooming and the market receives new seasonal produce.

Special events

The annual performing arts Vancouver Fringe Festival takes place in September. Hosted entirely on the island, the 10-day event boasts a jam-packed lineup of local and international talent.