10 Things to Do in Granville Island: Discover the Outdoor Fun
From the moment you step foot onto Granville Island, you’ll be captivated by the colorful market stalls, local shops, and mouthwatering food vendors that invite you to explore. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or simply looking for a charming place to unwind, there are things to do in Granville Island for you.
Let’s get into the depth of Granville Island activities and see how you can spend your time there.
Granville Island’s History
Originally a series of sandbars, Granville Island was historically utilized by Indigenous peoples such as the Squamish and Musqueam for fishing and collecting shellfish. In the late 19th century, industrial development began after the construction of the Granville Street Bridge, which promoted the area’s transformation into “Industrial Island” by 1916, when it was developed using dogged-up material from False Creek.
The area housed sawmills, warehouses, and factories, reaching its industrial zenith in the 1930s when it employed about 1,200 workers. However, post-World War II saw a decline in industrial activity, leading to economic downturns.
Recognizing the need for revitalization, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation took over Granville Island in the 1970s and initiated a redevelopment plan aimed at transforming the area into a great public space while retaining its industrial heritage. Ultimately, the Granville Island Public Market opened in 1978, becoming the centerpiece of this transformation, and has since attracted millions of visitors annually.
Things to Do in Granville Island
Here is a list of the things you can do while visiting Grandville Island:
1. Explore the Granville Island Public Market
The iconic Granville Island Public Market should be your first on the list of things to do in Granville Island, as the island is one of the best places to go shopping in Vancouver.
This indoor market features a plethora of stalls and shops selling everything from seasonal produce and fresh seafood to artisanal bread and handmade crafts.
You can spend hours wandering through the aisles, sampling free samples, and chatting with local vendors. For an enhanced experience, consider joining a guided food tour that introduces you to the market’s culinary offerings, including local cheeses, maple salmon, and baked goods. All in all, the public market is truly a food lover’s paradise.
2. Go Whale Watching
Granville Island is also an excellent launching point for whale-watching adventures, which is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. The local waters are known for their resident orcas and other marine life, making it a great spot for such trips.
Tours typically depart from Granville Island and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape while providing a chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Ensure you book your tour in advance, as they can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
3. Sample Craft Beers at Granville Island Brewing
For beer enthusiasts, a visit to Granville Island Brewing is a must. It is one of Canada’s pioneer microbreweries. The brewery offers an extensive selection of craft beers, including seasonal and limited-edition brews.
You can enjoy tastings at the onsite bar or take a brewery tour to learn about the beer-making process and sample fresh, locally crafted ales. Enjoying a pint in the brewery adds to the experience, offering a taste of the local craft beer culture. Ultimately, this is one of the most fun things to do in Granville Island.
4. Dine with a View
There are numerous eateries in Granville Island that allow you to dine with beautiful views of the water and the city skyline. Restaurants like Bridges and Dockside provide fantastic options for enjoying a meal while soaking in the scenic surroundings.
Bridges offers a casual menu with items like burgers and salads, whereas Dockside leans towards more upscale choices, including seafood and steaks. These settings are particularly magical at sunset, making them ideal for couples or anyone looking to unwind with a beautiful view.
5. Enjoy Street Performers and Buskers
Granville Island is known for its lively street performances, with buskers and local artists showcasing their talents in various outdoor plazas. Performers range from musicians and comedians to jugglers and circus acts, creating a dynamic atmosphere throughout the Island.
These performances are not only entertaining but also provide a glimpse into Vancouver’s art scene. You can support the performers by offering a small donation after their acts, contributing to the arts community. This should be on your list if you’re looking for artsy things to do in Granville Island.
6. Take a Ride on the Aquabus
The Aquabus is a charming water taxi service that provides a scenic alternative to conventional transport between Granville Island and various parts of Vancouver. With multiple stops along False Creek, including venues like Science World, the Aquabus offers breathtaking views of the city and a unique way to navigate the waterfront.
Fares for a mini cruise start at an affordable price, making it an enjoyable and economical option on the list of things to do in Granville Island.
7. Visit the Kids Market
Families with children will find the Kids Market an irresistible stop during their visit to Granville Island. This playful destination is designed specifically for kids, featuring over 25 shops filled with toys, games, and activities.
The market also includes a multi-level play area complete with arcade games and bumper cars, ensuring that children have plenty of options to engage and have fun. Meanwhile, parents can relax at the adjacent café, savoring a coffee while enjoying the fun, child-friendly atmosphere.
8. Discover Local Art Galleries
If you are an art lover, you should not miss the chance to explore Granville Island’s numerous art galleries, showcasing a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, and glassblowing. Nearly 30 galleries reside within the Island, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture and creativity.
Consider visiting the Granville Island Art Walk, which leads you through ten locations filled with artistic expression, enhancing your understanding of the Island’s artistic heritage.
9. Savor Fresh Seafood
Given its proximity to the ocean, Granville Island is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Vancouver. Dining establishments such as The Vancouver Fish Company and Tony’s Fish and Oyster Café serve freshly caught fish and delectable seafood dishes. If you like cooking, the Public Market has a variety of fresh fish available for purchase, allowing you to prepare your own meals if you have cooking facilities.
10. Participate in Events and Festivals
Granville Island serves as a venue for many exciting events and festivals throughout the year, highlighting its culture and community spirit. From the Vancouver International Jazz Festival to the Fringe Festival, there are countless opportunities to engage with local and international artists across various mediums.
Attending these festivals provides a fascinating experience filled with creativity, music, and entertainment, making it a memorable trip and one of the best things to do in Granville Island.
How to Get to Granville Island from Downtown Vancouver?
You can travel from downtown Vancouver to Granville Island in several convenient ways, each offering a unique experience. One enjoyable option is to walk; by crossing the Granville Bridge, you can reach the Island in about 15 minutes while enjoying views of False Creek.
Alternatively, you can take bus #50, which connects various points in downtown, including Chinatown and Waterfront Station, directly to Granville Island.
Additionally, you can hop on one of the water taxis provided by the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry, which operate continuously throughout the day and offer short rides across the inlet in approximately 10 minutes.
If you prefer cycling, Granville Island is accessible via the extensive bike paths along the False Creek Seawall, which offers special paths for cyclists. Lastly, driving is another option, although parking is limited and pay parking is in effect daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.
If exploring the island takes time, you can stay in Granville Island, which is one of the best hotels in Vancouver.
Conclusion
That was the creme de la creme of the things to do in Granville Island, and it is undoubtedly some of the best things to do in Vancouver as a whole. Plan ahead, pack your necessary stuff, and enjoy a day at this beautiful place.
FAQ
1. When Is The Best Time to Visit Granville Island?
The best time to visit Granville Island is during weekdays or mornings to avoid crowds, with summer months, particularly late July and August, offering pleasant weather for exploring outdoor attractions.
2. Are There Guided Tours Available on Granville Island?
Yes, you can join guided food tours at Granville Island Public Market, which allow you to sample various local dishes while learning about the area’s culinary scene. These tours often require prior reservations and can enhance your overall experience.
3. What Are Some Tips on Visiting Granville Island?
Here are some of the best tips while visiting the Island:
- Visit on weekdays or in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Use public transport such as the #50 bus or Aquabus, or walk from downtown to easily reach Granville Island.
- Wear layers, as the weather can change throughout the day, especially near the water.
- Plan to spend several hours or even a whole day to fully enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring the arts.
