Whether you’re new to Vancouver or have been living in Vancouver for a while, Granville Island is a must-visit spot for any person looking to experience what Vancouver has to offer.
With everything from restaurants, shops, art studios, and more, Granville Island is a prefect spot for a day trip!
Back in 1886, the city known as Granville was renamed Vancouver. When the city was renamed, the name Granville was instead given to a street now known as Granville Street. This street included a bridge which spanned over the inlet known as False Creek.
False Creek featured a sandbar, a ridge or bank covered by sand that rises from a body of water, which later would become Granville Island.
In 1915, the Vancouver Harbour Commission approved a reclamation project in False Creek which would turn the sandbar into an industrial island.
Post World War II, land and various buildings were converted from industrial areas to shops and housing, turning Granville Island into what we know and recognize today.
For those thinking of traveling by vehicle, Granville Island is a mere 9 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver via the Granville Street Bridge.
Granville Island has dedicated parking stalls for Evo Car Share and there are a few electric car charging stations for those with electric vehicles.
Keep in mind, parking is not free and space is limited so the Granville Island website recommends taking alternative means of transportation such as the bus, biking, or boat.
Founded in 1986 by Jeff Pratt, the Aquabus is a ferry service that operates along False Creek. The Aquabus starts from Hornby Street on the West End and travels along False Creek, stopping at notable places such as Granville Island and Yaletown before terminating at Science World.
False Creek Ferries, originally False Creek Ferry Ltd, began operations in 1982 and operates much of the same route as the Aquabus with a few exceptions such as the Maritime Museum stop which the Aquabus does not have.
At the end of the day choosing the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries is all down to personal preference as both offer similar prices and stop at many of the same places.
Aside from car or boat, Granville Island is also accessible by various other methods:
The Granville Island Public Market is arguably one of the main attractions of Granville Island. Established in 1979, the market is a place where approximately 50 vendors sell their products year-round. From deli food to candy to fresh produce, there’s something for everyone at the market!
Some notable vendors in the Granville Island Public Market include:
As of time of writing, the Granville Island Public Market opens daily from 9am-8pm. Keep in mind some business may close earlier at 6pm, so plan accordingly!
For early birds visiting Granville Island early, Blue Parrot and JJ Bean open at 7:30am while Petit Ami opens at 8:30am.
There is a plethora of things to do while visiting Granville Island. Aside from the Public Market, Granville Island is also home to various performing arts theatres, art studios and even the former location of the Emily Carr University of Art & Design, which is now the future home of the Arts & Innovation Hub.
The most famous of the performing arts theatres on Granville Island is the Improv Centre. This 186 seat theatre is home to the Vancouver Improv Centre Society which was established in 1981.
As the best known improv theatre company in Vancouver, you can enjoy entertaining shows every Friday and Saturday.
Aside from food and performing arts theatres, Granville Island is also home to local artisans and specialty shops. From musical instruments to toys, there’s a wide range of products that are perfect for souvenirs or gifts!
Notable shops include:
Whether you’re planning a half day or a full day trip to Granville Island, here are some helpful tips to ensure you have a great time:
Granville Island has a ton of colourful walls and murals long the buildings, making it the perfect place to take some selfies and videos. The best times to get your photos would be early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the crowds while still having good lighting.
Seagulls are a common sight near the water in downtown Vancouver, but the seagulls on Granville Island are particularly notorious for stealing food from unsuspecting visitors outside.
With that in mind, keep an eye out for any seagulls that may be looking for a quick snack and never leave any food unattended!
Need to use the bathroom? The most accessible ones are located in the Public Market. Many shops outside the Public Market don’t have public washrooms and those that are located in restaurants require you to dine with them.
Granville Island is not just a tourist spot, it is an island with a long history and a place that many local businesses and artisans call home. Not only that, but it’s home to many performing arts groups.
Visiting Granville Island is a great way to learn about the local community, the art scene, and the culture in Vancouver. So, grab your camera and visit Granville Island!
If you’re an international student in Canada, check out our guide on what else to see and experience in Vancouver!
AC Blog
If you’re a current student at AC who loves to explore Vancouver, contact us at social@alexandercollege.ca and you may have a chance to be featured in a future blog and video.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xÊ·məθkwÉ™yÌ“É™m (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and SÉ™lÌ“ÃlwÉ™taÊ”/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xÊ·məθkwÉ™yÌ“É™m (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and SÉ™lÌ“ÃlwÉ™taÊ”/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
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