GRANVILLE ISLAND
Bustling Granville Island attracts millions of visitors every year, and rightly so. Where heavy industries once belched noxious fumes, street entertainers now amuse passersby with music, comedy, and magic. The Granville Island Public Market offers an enchanting mix of edibles and collectibles. More than 200 shops scattered throughout the Island sell everything from custom-made jewelry to yachts.
Map of Granville Island
NEED TO KNOW
Kids Market and Net Loft: open 10am–7pm daily (Jan–Mar: until 6pm)
Marina and Maritime Market: open 8am–4:30pm Mon–Fri
Arts Club Theatre and Lounge: 1585 Johnston St; www.artsclub.com
Edible Canada: www.ediblecanada.com
New-Small and Sterling Studio Glass: 1440 Old Bridge St; open 10am–6pm Mon–Sat & 11am–5pm Sun
Granville Island Public Market: open 9am–7pm daily; closed Dec 25 & 26, Jan 1, Mon in Jan
Granville Island Brewing: 1441 Cartwright St; open noon–9pm daily
Crafthouse: 1386 Cartwright St; open 10am–6pm daily
1. Kids Market
Fun is guaranteed in this fantasyland for children. More than 20 shops sell everything from games and toys to pint-sized clothing.
The wonderful Kids Market at Granville Island
2. Marina and Maritime Market
Shops and services at the market include seafood merchants, tours, boat rentals, and marine souvenir shops. At the marina, yachts and sailboats are moored beside rustic fishing boats.
Boats docked at the harbour of Marina and Maritime Market, Gransville Island
3. Net Loft
This intimate collection of boutiques sells unusual souvenirs, such as handmade paper, hats, offbeat postcards, beads of all kinds, and local and First Nations crafts.
4. Arts Club Theatre and Lounge
The Arts Club Theatre Company produces contemporary comedies and classics at the Granville Island Stage. The casual Backstage Lounge showcases local bands.
5. Edible Canada
Here you’ll find the best of what Canadian producers have to offer, from specialist cheeses to locally distilled sake and many other artisan food products, all of which make unique gifts. Stop off at the bistro or book one of the foodie tours of Chinatown or the public market.
6. New-Small and Sterling Studio Glass
Watch David New-Small and apprentices as they blow molten glass into beautiful vases, ornaments, jewelry, and dishes using traditional techniques. One of four furnaces keeps 150 lbs (70 kg) of glass molten at 2,000° F (1,100° C) around the clock.
7. Granville Island Public Market
The public market is best known for its irresistible emporium of green grocers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, importers, stalls selling ethnic foods, craft vendors, sweet stands, florists, and casual eateries.
A colorful assortment of fresh fruit at Granville Island Public Market
8. Granville Island Brewing
Opened in 1984, this microbrewery was the first of its kind in Canada. Their delicious beers are made exclusively with natural ingredients. You can try these at one of the local pubs or in the brewery’s on-site taproom after a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting session, offered daily.
A pint of lager, brewed at Granville Island microbrewery
9. Crafthouse
This trendy gallery and shop sells contemporary fine crafts. The pieces are made by both emerging and established artists who are members of the Craft Council of British Columbia (CCBC).
10. Railspur District
The artisan studio-shops in this laneway are run by painters, potters, and craftspeople who specialize in wood, fabric, leather, glass, and industrial cast-offs.
Artisan studio-shops at the Railspur District, Granville Island
GRANVILLE ISLAND FERRIES
The Aquabus and False Creek Ferries fleets provide year-round services around False Creek, with sailings to and from downtown. They are a fun way to travel to Granville Island. Other routes include stops at Science World, Yaletown, and Vanier Park. Mini sunset cruises are also available.
