Granville Island is an enchanting little island that draws tourists and travellers in large numbers every year. A must-visit spot in Vancouver, it’s a place where one can have a relaxing stroll while learning a lot about the multicultural roots of British Columbia. After our first visit, the rich culture and vibrant community on this island kept calling me back.
How To Reach
If one plans to travel from Downtown Vancouver, the Aqua bus or False Creek Ferries are amazing choices. I took the Aquabus, which took me across the False Creek to the island. The trip cost me just 8 bucks for one-way. The views of the Vancouver cityscape and the iconic Granville Bridge make this mode of transport a great experience. One can also drive to the island. Although, it might be hard to get a parking spot during weekends. There are buses to False Creek from Downtown Vancouver for people who prefer to use public transportation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from False Creek until the iconic Granville Island sign on the bridge welcomes you to this picturesque spot.
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When To Arrive
8-9 AM would be an ideal time to reach the island to make the most of the day. The other benefit of the wee hours is that the island is less crowded. This gives ample time to slowly absorb the culture, art, and history before the hustle and bustle begin.
How To Get Around:
The most popular way to get around the island is by foot. Most locations on the island are within walking distance. It would be a good idea to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated especially when traveling in summer.
Kid’s Market
Upon arrival, it was easy to find our way around the island. Our exploration started at the Kid’s Market, which was the spot closest to the Granville Island sign on the bridge. This treasure trove is a must-visit when traveling with kids to pick a delightful gift for them. The two-story building is filled with exciting games and numerous toy stores where one can buy plush toys, games, candies, and all other things ‘kidsy’ and cute. There is also a pet treatery right outside for travelers with fur babies!
Public Market
Our next stop was the Public Market. It’s a haven of fresh produce from the local vendors. But that’s not it. There is an incredible range of sweets, pastries, cookies, and macaroons for every taste palate. Name the craving, the public market has got something to satiate it. There are some great coffee shops, to grab a coffee or a snack.
Places to Eat
We picked a donut from the famous Lee’s Donuts at the Public Market. It is a great place for people with a sweet tooth. The Sandbar Restaurant, Tap & Barrel Bridges Restaurant, Dockside Restaurant, and Terra Breads are some of the other most popular restaurants here. We tried the Spicy Tuna Burgers and Lobster Rolls from the Bridges Restaurant. They turned out to be a sumptuous treat for our appetites.
A Place where Art and History Come Together
As we continued to explore the place, some captivating live performances captured our attention. The renditions of popular songs by these amazing musicians were nothing short of awe-inspiring. That’s when we fully realized the artistic charm of this place. It’s a great idea to get a snack or drink from the public market and sit down to listen to these incredible performances at the shore. The island hub for artisans from all walks of life. As we continued our stroll we came across the Kingsmill Studio Pottery, The Fibre Arts Studio, the Wickaninnish Gallery, the Inukshuk Gallery, and many more art studios and galleries. The quality of the craftsmanship of the local artists is simply remarkable.
Delving into the history of Granville, we found out that the Island was once pure industrial land. The City built the island solely from materials dredged from False Creek. The island served local industries with its numerous warehouses, mills, and factories. In the 1970s, Granville Island began its transformation into a cultural hub.
We came across many outdoor art installations as we continued the journey. The artistic magnificence of the place very beautifully blends with its industrial past. The iconic ‘Giants’ is an excellent example of how the place is now a beautiful blend of old-world charm and new-age art. The famous street artists Otavio Pandolfo and Gustavo Pandolfo created the gigantic mural. The city commissioned the work during the Vancouver Biennale in 2014. The twins built the artwork in the six silos of the Heidelberg cement factory. The mural is now a hot spot for photographers for its artistic grandeur.
We also spotted many rental shops near the docks, where one can get a water bike, kayak, paddleboard, or even a jet ski or motorboat. Though any of these would be an exciting activity for the evening, we saved it for another day. The Improv Center and Waterfront Theater are the other two great places we came across that would make for a great idea for light entertainment seekers and thespians.
As the day drew closer to the end, the Island was lit by an outworldly charm. The signs on the bridge lit up and the nightlife slowly started setting in. It’s a place that left a lasting impression on anyone who explores it. Snippets of the music, the taste of the food, and memories of the sights stayed with me for a long time after my visit.
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