There
are not many cities that boast an island in their centre, but Vancouver is one
that does. Granville Island is famous for its public market but, with the huge
variety of evident artistic talent and many cultural activities also taking
place, it is much more than just a market.
Nestled in between downtown Vancouver and the southern suburbs, one-time industrial area Granville Island has transformed into a cultural centre of quirky art and delicious food. It's a not-to-be-missed destination next time you're in Vancouver.
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| Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada |
Granville
Island Public Market
As
the main draw card to the island, Granville Island’s Public Market does not
disappoint. The daily displays of fresh local and exotic produce entice
visitors into the market place, the scent of freshly baked bagels other specialties
makes stomachs rumble. The crafts on offer delight and intrigue, and the
buskers entertain. The Farmers’ Market offers fresh plants, fruits, vegetables
and other produce such as meat and fish, and another section offers
ready-to-eat delights such as street food, delicatessen and cheeses. A separate
area is dedicated to unique boutiques selling locally created arts and crafts
such as jewellery, glassworks, ceramics, photography, fashion, hats, postcards,
kitchenware, candles and gifts.
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| Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver, Canada |
Get
arty
For
a small island Granville Island is bursting with artistic talent. With over 50
artisan studios and shops on Granville Island the streets are buzzing with
creativity and artistic flair. From glass art and hand crafted jewellery to
paintings, woodworks, leather products, metal works and even exotic crafts,
there is a huge variety of arts and crafts to appreciate and explore.
Take
a boat trip
With
it’s own marina, Granville Island is a hub for local boat traffic, and a great
place to start a boat trip to admire Vancouver from the water. Visitors can
take scenic tours of English Bay from the island, or catch the False Creek
Ferries to take a look at False Creek Inlet or a scenic city daytime or sunset
tour. The cute little boats keep passengers close to water level, maximising
the chances of getting up close and personal with the harbour seals too. Kayak
and whale watching tours also depart from the island.
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| Boats at Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada |
Have
a bite to eat
The
wide variety of food available on Granville Island is a clear reflection of
Vancouver’s diversity. While delicious snack foods are available from the
market, Granville Island is also host to a number of impressive restaurants, bistros
and cafes, many offering magnificent views from waterfront locations. A variety
of cuisines are available including Italian and Indian; there’s even a pub,
steakhouse, bakery, chocolate shop and organic coffeehouse. The real jewel in
Granville Island’s culinary crown has to be the fresh local seafood – don’t
miss out! If you’re more partial to a drink, British Columbia’s first ‘cottage
brewery’ is on Granville Island and offers brewery tours and the chance to try
local ales.
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| Eat fresh local seafood at Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada |
Be
entertained
As
well as the artistic, Granville Island has a strong culture of performing arts.
With performance venues on the island it is easy to catch one of the regular shows
such as stand-up comedy, classic or contemporary theatre.
Catch
a festival
As
such a magnet to creative souls, Granville Island is the obvious place to hold lively
and colourful festivals. With music, literature, sports, performing arts,
children’s and food festivals regularly taking place there is a festival for
everyone.
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| Boutiques line the streets of Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada |
Kids
market
As
if everything happening on Granville Island isn’t exciting enough, there is
also a Kids’ Market. Housed in a 100 year-old factory building, the Kids Market
offers activities such as magic and juggling, an indoor adventure zone, waterpark,
clowns, puppets, paper arts activities, and the largest toy shop I have ever
seen. Good luck come hometime!
Have you visited Granville Island? What was your favourite part?
Have you visited Granville Island? What was your favourite part?
Photo credit: Syue2k, tdlucas5000
