Vancouver, British Columbia, is pretty well-known as outdoor-activity heaven, and with the ocean, mountains, and forests all around, it’s easy to know why! It’s also a world-class city with great food, shopping, and entertainment.
But of all the top things to do in Vancouver, spending a day at Granville Island is an absolute must. This not-quite-an-island island is a little getaway in the middle of the city. Granville Island is a shopping and dining peninsula located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver.
There is so much to see and do on Granville Island! Definitely more than originally meets the eye, so be sure to allow some time in your Vancouver itinerary to explore this awesome place.
So if you’re ready to visit Granville Island, then this blog is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a complete guide to visiting Granville Island, Vancouver, including how to get there, where to stay, and of course, the best things to do on Granville Island.
About Granville Island, Vancouver
10 Things to do on Granville Island
Granville Island is a small peninsula and suburb located in downtown Vancouver. The suburb of Granville Island covers more ground than just the peninsula itself. However, the best attractions are on the peninsula in whats known as the downtown shopping district. Here is where you’ll find all the attractions below, as well as lots more!
Getting to Granville Island from the downtown area is very easy and can be done by driving, walking, biking, and taking the aqua bus – depending on where you’re located. I talk more about this below if you need more info.
In the heart of Granville Island, you’ll find lots of commercial businesses, including markets, restaurants, a brewery, and more. It’s a vibrant place to enjoy a walk, and many Vancouver locals, including myself, shop here. Although a little bit more expensive than other supermarkets, Granville Island is one of the top places to buy local produce in the heart of Vancouver. Oh, and the food is delicious!
The great thing about visiting Granville island is it can be done all year round. During winter in Vancouver, head to the markets and brewery to hide from the cold. In the summertime, explore the outdoor areas and enjoy the beautiful BC sunshine!
Regardless, Granville Island should be at the top of your Vancouver bucket list!
1. Visit the Granville Island Public Market
The Granville Island Public Market is iconic and absolutely must be your first stop when visiting Granville Island. It is an indoor market with so many different stalls and shops selling seasonal produce, delicious pastries, handcrafted products, fresh seafood, and beautiful gifts. You can honestly explore for hours, checking out all the amazing local products!
The best way to experience the market is to just wander. Get yourself lost, try some free samples, talk to the stall owners, and purchase a few things to eat! It’s also a great place to pick up a souvenir or gift from a local artisan.
2. Join a brewery tour at Granville Island Brewing
Those who know us know we love craft beer. You’ll often find breweries on our guides to cities, and why not? Craft beer is so delicious!
3. Enjoy waterfront drinks
Granville Island is located in a beautiful area of the city and is surrounded on all sides by the Burrard Inlet. There are tons of places to grab a drink with a view of the ocean and city in the background, or of the Granville Island Marina.
4. Watch the street performers
10 Things to do on Granville Island
It is very common to see street performers around Granville Island! It is a pedestrian-friendly area, with small outdoor plazas and squares where crowds will often gather to watch.
There are regular performers and buskers who perform in 5 designated busking locations throughout Granville Island. You can actually find them here as well as info on each performer.
You are likely to see a variety of acts, including musicians, magicians, and circus acts like juggling. Most buskers will send around a basket to collect donations after their performance, so if you enjoyed it, you can support their art by providing a small donation.
5. Ride the Aquabus
10 Things to do on Granville Island
This item is both fun and practical! The Aquabus is a water taxi service that takes you in between eight different stops along False Creek – an inlet that goes into the center of downtown Vancouver. The Aquabus has a dock at Granville Island, so you can use it to get to and from the area or simply hop on and go for a ride – the views are pretty spectacular!
Some of the other popular destinations on the Aquabus route are The Village (access to Science World) and Plaza of Nations (access to BC Place).
6. Visit the Kids Market
If you’re traveling with kids, the Kid’s Market is absolutely worth a stop. It starts with a child-size door to enter through, and then you are in the middle of any kids’ fantasy!
There are over 25 stores and activities for families. There are some of the most unique and creative toy stores in addition to a multi-level play area with an arcade and bumper cars.
While your kids are having fun and exploring, you can relax with a bite to eat or coffee at the café. Many of the shops in the Kid’s Market are by local creators, so it’s a great place to pick up a gift for a baby shower or birthday party! There is even a kids-only salon!
7. Eat lots of seafood
While not technically an island, Granville Island is still surrounded by water! That means there are so many amazing seafood restaurants serving fresh and local seafood dishes.
If you are staying somewhere with a kitchen, you can also pick up fresh fish from the Granville Island Public Market and pick some up to prepare for yourself. If you’re with kids – or just looking for some greasy fast food – there are also plenty of casual fish and chips shops.
8. Go to the waterpark
It can get hot in the summertime in Vancouver, so the Granville Island waterpark is a great place for your family to cool off! Your kids will love running through the different sprays and fountains, splashing around in the water to cool off.
9. Go on a fishing charter
You know all that delicious seafood you enjoyed earlier? Yeah, well, that’s all caught right around Granville Island! And, the best part, you can join a charter tour and catch some for yourself!
You will be with an expert guide and teacher who will help you make the perfect catch. Fish are cleaned and bagged at the end of the trip so you can take them home with you to easily prepare a tasty meal. This is also a great opportunity to explore the coast of Vancouver from a boat, and if you go on the 10-hour tour, you will head all the way to the beautiful Gulf Islands.
10. Rent a boat and get out on the water
10 Things to do on Granville Island
1 Comment
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