Granville Island
Granville Island
4.5
About
This large sandbar and former industrial site is now a posh, artsy neighborhood filled with quaint shops, eateries, breweries, and year-round arts and cultural festivals. Located in False Creek, it's famous for the Granville Island Public Market where you can get fresh produce, gourmet food, and artisanal handicrafts. Visit during summer when the island is exceptionally bustling with outdoor entertainment acts, or during the holidays for twinkling festive lights. You can get to Granville Island by car by crossing the Granville Bridge. Otherwise, you can also take a scenic ferry ride, or a walking or bike tour of the waterfront. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: Granville Island
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Restaurants
2,602 within 3 miles
Attractions
548 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Tomrohde50Houston, Texas27 contributionsWater Taxis/Granville IslandUsing the False Creek water Taxis we purchased a day pass and enjoyed all the stops. Using the Granville Market as our base. Great lunch options. Fun day with 4 kids 6 to 13Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 15, 2023
- C Y8 contributionsAmazing part of VancouverReally gorgeous place to visit! Granville Island has something for young and old. We particularly enjoyed visiting The Nets shopping building . There is a Bead Works shop there where you can make your own bracelets and also lovely stationery shop around the corner. Go during the week to avoid weekend crowds if you can. The clam chowder soup is to die for at the food court! Lots of fresh food and green grocers there. A lovely day out with the family! There is The Keg steak restaurant which is also a good way to end the day.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 19, 2023
- Julia JNashville, Tennessee193 contributionsCool Eats & ArtI love this place! Granville Island is a place that you can do and experience so much. Local shops, good eats, and so much art! I tried Lee's Donuts, salmon jerky - maple and black pepper/brown sugar, ice cream, and a Liberty Distillery drink, which was amazing. I wish I spent more time there and possibly gone in the morning. I went in the afternoon and it was busy. I could've easily spent 3+ hours there just looking around and tasting different things.Visited April 2023Written May 3, 2023
- jeanaC4103THNaples, Florida36 contributionsA nice touristy placeGranville Island is a pleasant place to visit. However, it is set up especially for tourists. It is expensive, even for Vancouver. The best part for me was the ride on the False Creek ferry. Seeing parts of Vancouver by water was awesome.Visited May 2023Written May 16, 2023
- N8delaneyLos Osos, California221 contributionsGreat place to visitFun to take the ferry over and so many businesses. We primarily went for the Kids Market and it was worth it. Our daughter had an absolute blast. We also attended the primary farmers market area and loved everything, so many foods to see and try.Visited April 2023Written May 17, 2023
- Seattlegirl72074 contributionsGreat way to spend the dayWhat a great way to spend the day strolling around all the cute shops, waterfront parks and restaurants. We took the water taxi from our hotel and I would highly recommend doing that as a way to get there. Easy, inexpensive and so fun to see the city from that point of view. We were there on a sunny Saturday and the place was busy with all kinds of other people enjoying the day. Lot's of art shops along with the "typical" tourist gift shops. Many bars and restaurants. Live music was playing here and there. The farmers market area was nicely done. Things for everyone to enjoy. I would recommend this as a great way to spend several hours especially on a warm, sunny day in Vancouver.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 22, 2023
- Gates PToronto, Canada131 contributionsA must seeGreat place to spend the day. A must see while in Vancouver as its part of the historical fabric of the city. Lots of shops and restaurants. Some good entertainment in the square. Take a water taxi (Aquabus) if you can as parking is limited. The aquabus is also great fun touring the bay. The Market has all kinds of food and specialty items. Don't miss it.Visited May 2023Written May 24, 2023
- Julie H3 contributionsToo short a time on Granville IslandWe were looking for the Tap & Barrel Restaurant as it was recommended to us, but even with locals telling us which way to go, we could not find it. Then someone told us it was closed! So we stopped to eat where we were at the Keg. The 4 of us all had a great meal there. Sadly it was our last night in Vancouver and nothing else as far as the market and artists were open. But I was there several years ago and Granville Island is really worth your time.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2023
- deepakgupta5Vancouver, Canada607 contributionsGreat place to spend the dayIt is a great way to spend one day in Vancouver. It has a host of shops and restaurants. I would recommend to take aqua bus/water taxi as a fun way to get there. It is inexpensive and quite fun to see the city from that point of view. There are a lot of art shops along with the run of the mill tourist gift shops. Lots of bars and restaurants. The farmers market area is the most popular part of the market and can have a long waiting lineVisited May 2023Written May 28, 2023
- Vanessa RCleveland, Ohio58 contributionsWorth a visit!!The hotel concierge kept talking about visiting Granville Island. All we knew was that it was a shopping area (so big deal, right?). It's such a cute area with all kinds of shops and markets. There are breweries, eateries, street musicians. We could have spect a whole day there.Visited May 2023Written June 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
19,989 reviews
Excellent
10,925
Very good
6,814
Average
1,878
Poor
306
Terrible
66
Brysacker2017
Ottawa, Canada7 contributions
Nov 2019
Once popular place to stroll an enjoy the waterfront, this has become a relatively expensive place to visit because the city couldn't wait to charge for parking. My recommendation is to leave the car behind and take public transportation to the island.; go for a stroll; have a beverage and snack and enjoy the comings and goings of harbour taxis as they bob in the water. As you stroll check out and compare prices with your local super-marche.
There are LOTS of eateries and outdoor places to sit and enjoy the air, space and water. The island serves locals and is a tourist attraction so expect crowds.
There are LOTS of eateries and outdoor places to sit and enjoy the air, space and water. The island serves locals and is a tourist attraction so expect crowds.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikaela M
Brisbane Region, Australia66 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had fun looking around here, despite the rain!
Most of the letters on the famous Granville island red light sign was out. :(
The public market inside is crowded, but so warm and many shops and food stalls to keep you looking around for a while. Plenty of other shops and light displays to look at around the streets.
I’m sure in nicer weather, a walk around the wharf would be really nice.
We walked there in the rain from downtown which took about 40mins, but on the way back, we took the #50 bus right out the front of Granville island, to Robson st for maybe $3 which took about 10 mins. no cash required, you can tap your debit card!
Most of the letters on the famous Granville island red light sign was out. :(
The public market inside is crowded, but so warm and many shops and food stalls to keep you looking around for a while. Plenty of other shops and light displays to look at around the streets.
I’m sure in nicer weather, a walk around the wharf would be really nice.
We walked there in the rain from downtown which took about 40mins, but on the way back, we took the #50 bus right out the front of Granville island, to Robson st for maybe $3 which took about 10 mins. no cash required, you can tap your debit card!
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peciacake
Brisbane, Australia131 contributions
Dec 2019
A wonderful way to spend a day browsing Granville Island Markets and many of the other attractions, including the Granville Island Brewery and tap room, who serve great craft beer and excellent pub food.
The fresh food market sets a new standard for presentation, range and quality. We were able to buy some amazing tropical fruits at very reasonable prices.
The fresh food market sets a new standard for presentation, range and quality. We were able to buy some amazing tropical fruits at very reasonable prices.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HighPriestessSusan
Olympia, WA73 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited Granville Island on a rainy day. Most of the public market is covered and we browsed there until the rain stopped. There is an amazing selection of all kinds of foods, fresh and prepared. Handmade items like soap, ceramics and jewelry are interspersed with the food vendors. Outside of the public market and many smaller boutiques with handmade and artisan items. Walkable and relaxed atmosphere, fun to explore.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Christchurch, New Zealand12 contributions
Aug 2019
We enjoyed the couple of extensive market type buildings on Granville Island, buying fresh local produce and also the yummy
high quality takeaways for lunch, all at reasonable prices. We weren't overly impressed with the rest of the offerings, a lot of bitsy stores and craft stuff that might suit many people, but not us. Whilst vehicle traffic is very slow and regulated, I felt it would be a much safer and peaceful environment if cars were banned other than delivery vehicles early or late in the day. The concrete plant in the centre was quite odd/a novelty, but again added to a littlel uneasiness with trucks coming in and out amongst thousands of pedestrians. The best way to get there is on a water taxi-lots of fun.
high quality takeaways for lunch, all at reasonable prices. We weren't overly impressed with the rest of the offerings, a lot of bitsy stores and craft stuff that might suit many people, but not us. Whilst vehicle traffic is very slow and regulated, I felt it would be a much safer and peaceful environment if cars were banned other than delivery vehicles early or late in the day. The concrete plant in the centre was quite odd/a novelty, but again added to a littlel uneasiness with trucks coming in and out amongst thousands of pedestrians. The best way to get there is on a water taxi-lots of fun.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Q
Dublin, Ireland107 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We went there twice over the Christmas holiday. On 12/26 it was deserted and empty and on 12/28 it was mobbed beyond comfortable.
Hard to make a judgement except that lots of people go there, the market seems to be full of interesting food stalls, and there is quite a lot of vehicular traffic.
Hoping to get a more balanced view when I return in the Spring
Hard to make a judgement except that lots of people go there, the market seems to be full of interesting food stalls, and there is quite a lot of vehicular traffic.
Hoping to get a more balanced view when I return in the Spring
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rohit
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
After living in the city for almost a decade this was the very first time I visited Granville Island with my family. It's a good day trip with a great public market to purchase fruits and cheese and seafood. Shops around are very expensive but I believe those are to rip off the tourists. Some good activity for kids inside. Our little one who is 6 had fun and will want to go back but there are better places to hang around with kids in town.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiriamBailey
Perth, Australia71 contributions
Dec 2019
Took the ferry over - $8 return trip, that was nice, the markets were also nice although difficult to get a seat in the eating area as very very crowded. The food was lovely and the desserts to die for - a large section of the market is devoted to fresh produce which as a tourist was a bit pointless but if I were local Id come here. Lots of artisan type products (very expensive) and touristy souvenirs etc too. A nice place to visit but don't stress if you don't have time in your itinerary...
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MillNewcastle
Gateshead, UK399 contributions
Aug 2022
We were out and about in Vancouver and decided to walk across Granville Bridge to go to Granville Island. It is quite a long walk. The area is very busy but there were loads of restaurants and shops. The best part was the indoor market areas that were full of food stalls and fresh food counters. Great to wonder around and plenty of seats on the waterfront to sit and eat what you have bought. Saw the Aqua Bus while we were sitting and this was a much quicker and easier way to get back across to Vancouver and I think fares started from $3. Great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nishadi L
Colombo, Sri Lanka166 contributions
Feb 2020
Took the the Aquabus from the Village dock (near Science world sky train station) just to experience the tiny ferry ride. Each way costs $6 on the aquabus (not cheap but just fun experience). Once we got to the island, we started exploring the plethora of artisan shops, the public market and ended up having a beer tasting session at the Granville Island Brewery. Warning: if you end up at Paper-ya, you're bound to end up wanting to buy the whole shop :)
It's a nice experience especially for a newcomer or a tourist but not many locals frequent this place as it is a bit overpriced (touristy). I would go again just to try and cover all the shops there but would I do my daily shopping here? Nope!
It's a nice experience especially for a newcomer or a tourist but not many locals frequent this place as it is a bit overpriced (touristy). I would go again just to try and cover all the shops there but would I do my daily shopping here? Nope!
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baz
South Pole1,395 contributions
Hours of Operation during summer?
I see hours listed as 9AM-6PM. However, I read online that the marked comes to live at night as well and parking is free after 6PM. Meaning - the hours of operation are somewhat confusing. Can you please clarify? Thanks
dwaNtheATL
Atlanta, GA254 contributions
I am no expert but perhaps those hours refer only to the main market bldg?? There are lots of shops and restaurants outside that market bldg that definitely are open past 6pm. I would see if u can reach out through direct msg on social media to get clarification
CountrygirlTexasUSA
Copperas Cove, TX1 contribution
Hi. Does Grandville Island Market closes for Winter? We will be visiting 1st week of December. Also, I'm very much looking forward on eating Longkong ( not longan}, an exotic fruit from Thailand.
oenogal1
Vancouver, Canada136 contributions
Yes it’s open all year round
Relax24898
North Vancouver, Canada
From the sandman’s hotel on Davies st. How do we get to the water taxis to Granville island?
RY46
Cambridge, UK116 contributions
I don't know your hotel but I'm sure the concierge will be able to help. On our first day there we bought 2 day tickets and did the full circuit on the taxi/ferry boats to orientate ourselves and I think that helped us over the next few days. Granville Island is a great place to spend a few hours with a choice of 'cheap eats' or more expensive options, plenty of shops to purchase souveniers and then you can have a rest watching the buskers which seem to change every hour or just watch the traffic on the water. Enjoy!
Samedzuky
Zapopan, Mexico5 contributions
Any bar around that could be worth it ?!... live music or something to have a good time in town?!!...
Thanks!
roularouge
Cologne, Germany316 contributions
Yes, there is a lot of stuff to do, even in the evening o at night. Nice food, good shops and music in the restaurants and bars around 👍🏻
Kwan O
Singapore66 contributions
Hi All
Is it good to drive to Granville Island? what time is best if I drive there, and how about parking areas
Thanks
70ambera
Castlegar, Canada29 contributions
Hi, No cars on Granville Island. Very difficult to find parking. It is best to take the bus or taxi to the island and then walk about.
Yuka M
Cary, NC
We are planning to visit Granville Island (market) on either Thursday or Friday from morning to afternoon.
We are a family of four including 3 years old and 2 years old.
Do you recommend that we don’t bring a stroller?
I saw some pictures of the market and it was very crowded, so I thought pushing a stroller would be a real pain there.
But at the same time, I want to keep the kids safe and have them stay with us all the time. (3 yo is not really a problem but 2 yo is definitely)
We are planning to get there by car from our hotel on Barnaby, but I saw someone suggesting taking a public transportation rather than a car.
What is your thought?
MTLeaf
Ontario, Canada66 contributions
Bring the stroller!
I would like to know about kayak rentals from Granville
Peggy W
Vancouver, Canada7 contributions
Try Creekside Kayak Rental. Best of luck!
PriyaRam64
Coimbatore, India25 contributions
In July, when are they open? Timings?
Paul B
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK15 contributions
7 days 9am to 7pm. ferry from aquatic centre 3.5 each way or 5.50 return
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Claim your listingGranville Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Granville Island
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Granville Island:
- Vancouver Bike or Ebike Rental- Self Guided Map provided (From $41.17)
- The Ultimate Day Tour! (From $662.08)
- Vancouver City Finest Private Tour (From $233.47)
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private (From $100.86)
- Best of Vancouver Private Tour (From $291.37)
- Hotels near Granville Island:
- (0.28 mi) Granville Island Hotel
- (0.41 mi) Level Vancouver Yaletown - Richards
- (0.37 mi) The Parker Hotel Vancouver
- (0.62 mi) OPUS Vancouver
- (0.28 mi) 910 Beach Avenue Apartments
- Restaurants near Granville Island:
- (0.02 mi) Sen Pad Thai
- (0.02 mi) A Bread Affair
- (0.02 mi) Oyama Sausage
- (0.03 mi) Lee's Donuts
- (0.03 mi) Dussa's Ham & Cheese Ltd
- Attractions near Granville Island:
- (0.02 mi) Maiwa
- (0.02 mi) Circle Craft
- (0.02 mi) Amity Design Studio
- (0.02 mi) Paper-Ya
- (0.02 mi) The Granville Island Hat Shop