Granville Island was a literal industrial sandbar in False Creek for most of the 20th century, filled with sawmills, metal works, and rail yards. In 1979 the federal government redeveloped it as a public market and arts district while keeping many of the old industrial buildings intact. Today it's one of the most successful examples of adaptive reuse anywhere in North America, and one of Vancouver's most visited destinations.
The Public Market is the centrepiece. Inside you'll find the city's best fishmongers, cheese shops, bakeries, charcuterie, and prepared food counters. Everything is high-end and the prices reflect that, but for visitors it's the best single place to taste what BC produces. The food trucks and outdoor seating along the waterfront are usually crowded but the view of False Creek is worth it.
Beyond the market, Granville Island holds a rotating set of artisan studios (glass-blowing, pottery, textiles), the Emily Carr University of Art + Design (now relocated, but its presence shaped the neighbourhood), a kids' market, two theatres, and the Granville Island Brewing taproom. It's also the pickup point for False Creek ferries, which are actually a lovely way to get there.
Most visitors come once, get overwhelmed, and don't come back. Locals come regularly but know which specific vendors are worth the hassle — Terra Breads, Oyama Sausage, and Lee's Donuts are the ones worth the queue.
How to get there
The False Creek Aquabus (from Hornby Street) or the False Creek Ferries (from David Lam Park) are the most fun way to arrive — about $4.50 each way and they run every 15 minutes. The 50 bus from Gastown also stops at the entrance. By car, parking fills up on weekends — go early or take transit.
Local tips
- Arrive before 10am on a weekday to avoid crowds
- Take the Aquabus from downtown — cheap and scenic
- Terra Breads, Oyama Sausage, and Lee's Donuts are the market highlights
- Parking fills up on weekends; consider transit instead