The Girly Day Guide: Granville Island
A Perfect Spring Sunday Awaits: Discover one of Vancouver’s Cutest Spots
I love Granville Island and always have. It was one of the first “touristy” places I visited when I moved to Vancouver almost 10 years ago and I quickly made it a part of my regular routine. It’s a quaint little island that combines all of my favourite things: unique food, cute shops to browse and a beautiful ocean view. I’m a big fan taking a nice walk around the island while listening to some music so here’s how I create the perfect solo visit.
Start with a Fun Drink
Treat yourself to a fun little bev to kick off the walk and make it special. If you’re going on a sunny weekend like I did, you’ll definitely need some energy to deal with the crowds. I opted for a sweetened iced matcha from Oidé. They’re a relatively new addition to the area and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s a curated menu that guarantees quality with friendly service. Definitely a little pricey but this is why it’s classified as a treat.
Time to Browse
Now that you have your fun drink, time to sip and browse! Granville Island has so many incredible small businesses but here are a few of my favorites:
DragonSpace is one of the best hidden gems on the the island. It’s a small shop that specializes in the fantastical. Dragons, magic, fairies, oh my! They carry tarot cards, spell books, crystals, incense, candles, statues and more. If this sounds like your thing, DragonSpace is a must-visit. They also have a wonderfully unique selection of greeting cards.
Provence en Couleur is a stunning aromatherapy shop specializes in French lavender and I guarantee you’ll smell it before you see the actual store. The interior perfectly encapsulates the brand… so relaxing and calming. They have candles, mists, soaps and dried florals. The little teddy bear candles and Relaxing Mist are on my wish-list!
When I need to find a fun gift, MAKE is my first stop. They offer a variety of unique pieces from local businesses for home decor, candles, clothing, accessories and knick knacks. There’s always new stock that manages to remain pop-culturally relevant. I always take anyone visiting into this store - it’s just a good time and I guarantee you’ll leave with something small that you love. For me, it was this Jennifer Coolidge magnet.
Next Up, The Food Market!
Now that you’ve finished with the sip and browse, it’s time to head into the market and pick up something fun for dinner. If you don’t like crowds, avoid this step on a weekend. Have you ever seen the Hunger Games? It’s kind of like that. But I was feeling brave, so I headed in on a Sunday afternoon to pick up some goodies.
Zara’s Deli has never disappointed me. I pick up the crab and lobster ravioli almost every week. It’s so delicious with a creamy tomato sauce.
I’ve also recently discovered Laurelle’s Fine Foods. They have an apple cinnamon bun that is to die for. So buttery! Everything they sell really feels homemade and the vibe is just so wholesome.
Fancy pasta and a cinnamon roll means dinner is sorted. Next up, let’s continue to browse and see what sparks joy! Some of my faves include the cheese and olive shops, florals and condiments.
Once you’ve secured all your goods, head out and make sure to take a few minutes to admire the view.
And there you have it, the by fran itinerary for a girly day at Granville Island. I hope you enjoy and treat yourself to a great time. What are some of your favourite spots on Granville Island?
xoxo
by fran