At Granville Island’s west end is the large public market, housed in part in a wood-frame, corrugated tin-clad warehouse. Built in the early 1920s by the Island’s first tenant, BC Equipment, this structure set the architectural style of the Island. The timbered beams and massive pulleys and hooks once pulled rope coils from one area to the other.

Two food courts offer sit-down and takeaway food, including Greek, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and Canadian. Patience and strategy may be required to land one of the limited indoor tables.

Artful displays tempt with fruits and vegetables – much of it organic – fresh from the orchards and farms of BC. Okanagan cherries, apples, and peaches are a summer delight. BC wild salmon is another market specialty – both fresh and smoked in gift boxes.

Irresistible Belgian chocolate treats are concocted on-site in a copper vat. Assorted gift boxes include fudge, toffee, brittles, and caramel apples. Samples available!

Mouth-watering pies, chocolate confections, and pastries fill one counter; multigrain, cheese, and other loaves crowd the other.

Enjoy your takeaway food or just relax at the rustic seating areas overlooking False Creek. Exit the west side of the market for views of the marina. On the east side, enjoy free entertainment in the Market Courtyard. The courtyard’s worn floor planks from its days as an industrial dock add to the charm.

Day vendors sell an assortment of locally made wares, including seasonal and specialty items. Bowls made of BC wood, Thai curry sauces, herb seedlings, homemade pies, and jewelry are just the start. Vendors may not be located in the same place from day to day.

Licensed musicians, magicians, clowns, jugglers, and other talented folk entertain free of charge, though a donation is always appreciated.

Abundance and quality are the themes at the market’s flower shops. It is worth a stop just to admire the gorgeous blooms and take in the heady scents.

At the marina on the market’s west side you’ll find fancy yachts, simple sail boats, and the occasional fishing boat. Tall ships dock here during festivals.

This iconic south Granville food emporium has a similar design to NYC’s famous Dean & DeLuca and is based around the concept of buying fresh ingredients on a regular basis.

Located in a 1914 heritage building, this fabulous store sources items from all over the world, and also features pieces by local artists and vendors.

Carry or ship home Egyptian cotton linens, Italian bedding, tapestries, and leather journals, Fornasetti plates, cashmere throws, and Fortuni lamps.

This shop sells the best selection of BC wines at vineyard prices, as well as gourmet gift baskets.

The best of BC crafts, from handmade clothing to one-of-a-kind jewelry to wall art, ceramics, and hand-blown glass.

Since 1931 Freedman has brought its customers the best in stylish footwear and is a Granville landmark. Featured brands include Converse, Dr. Martens, Ted Baker and Timberland.

High-end gold and silver jewelry with precious stones. Bold rings, fluid necklaces.

This stylish, friendly clothing boutique sells exclusive European labels and American seasonal lines for men and women.

Prints by Canadian (particularly BC) and international artists with images and styles – from photo-realism to abstract – to suit all tastes.

Trend-setting styles from a variety of men’s and women’s lines, including Missoni, Etro, and Blumarine. Free alterations.

This live music destination boasts a huge split-level room that can hold 500 people and plays host to some of the city’s top alternative DJs.

Strut your stuff on an elevated catwalk or boogie on the mezzanine dance floor at this eclectic dancing and dining venue.

Enjoy locally brewed beer here while dining on homestyle cooking in the pub, the restaurant, or on the popular patio.

A 50-ft (15-m) long bar is the centerpiece at this tongue-in-cheek nod to Oxford University and British sporting culture.

In a converted warehouse, this New York style nightclub draws a hip urban crowd. Live music, a spacious dance floor, and ample seating.

This new world eatery and cocktail bar with an old world atmosphere attracts sustainability-conscious diners and experienced cocktailers alike.

Savor the delicious beer brewed here while admiring the boats on False Creek. Great patio.

This low-key hangout attracts theatergoers and actors from the Granville Island Stage next door. Live music and jams, with a focus on local talent.

This trendy spot for the well-heeled cocktail crowd features London-influenced modern mixology in a gorgeous room with velvet banquettes.

This sophisticated hotel bar attracts a glamorous crowd. Caribbean-inspired cocktails are delicious but pricey.

Inventive West Coast dishes made with the freshest local fish, and sushi made with coastal shellfish, are masterfully prepared here. Excellent wine list.

Dishes such as blueberry salmon gravlax make for loyal customers at this restaurant taking a stand on sustainability.

Vancouver’s perennial favorite serves contemporary regional cuisine and houses a highly-awarded wine collection.

Chef “Pino” Posteraro creates delicious lighter versions of traditional Italian pasta, risottos, and seafood dishes.

This restaurant and bar is one of the prettiest places on False Creek. A sommelier is on hand to help select the wine. Picnic baskets available.

This celeb-spotting hotspot is renowned for its tapas, steaks, and of course satays. Superb wine list.

The action is at the counter, so sidle up and order any of 12 to 20 oyster varieties, shucked as you watch. Steamed clams and mussels, crab, and Atlantic lobster are also featured.

Diners head to Brix for game and fresh fish favorites, including Yukon Arctic char, and to enjoy the romantic courtyard.

A must-have at this bistro is the salmon cooked to perfection paired with the Blue Mountain pinot noir.

Feast on Dungeness crab cakes and cedar-planked salmon while enjoying breathtaking views of False Creek, English Bay, and the West End.