Granville Island
Vancouver's most beloved destination — a former industrial island transformed into a world-class food market, arts hub, craft brewery, and waterfront playground on False Creek.
From Industrial Wasteland to Vancouver Icon
In 1916, the federal government dredged False Creek and created an artificial island to serve as a manufacturing hub for the growing city of Vancouver. For decades, Granville Island — then called Industrial Island — was a working industrial site: cement works, a chain factory, a rope works, a shipyard. By the 1950s, as manufacturing declined, the island had become largely derelict and forgotten.
In 1972, the federal government launched one of the most successful urban revitalization projects in Canadian history. Rather than demolishing the old industrial buildings, planners preserved them and transformed the island into a mixed-use destination for arts, culture, food, and community. The Public Market opened in 1979 and was an immediate success — Vancouverites embraced it as their own, and it quickly became one of the most beloved places in the city.
Today Granville Island draws over 12 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited destinations in all of Canada. Yet it has never lost its local character — the market vendors are real producers and artisans, the studios are working spaces, the brewery is genuinely independent, and the island feels like a neighbourhood rather than a tourist trap. It's one of the rare places that manages to be both a world-class attraction and an authentic community hub.
The island is managed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and remains federal land — which is part of why it has been able to maintain its character against development pressure. The mix of market, studios, theatre, brewery, university, and waterfront is unique in Canada and has been studied and admired by urban planners around the world.
Six Reasons to Visit
Plan at least half a day — a full day if you want to do it properly.
The Public Market
The beating heart of Granville Island — a sprawling, covered market packed with over 50 permanent vendors selling fresh BC produce, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods, fresh seafood, flowers, and prepared foods from around the world. The market has been running since 1979 and remains one of the most vibrant food destinations in Canada. On weekends it's genuinely buzzing — locals doing their weekly shop alongside visitors from around the world, all drawn by the extraordinary quality and variety of what's on offer.
- ▸Over 50 permanent food vendors
- ▸Fresh BC produce, seafood & artisan goods
- ▸Open daily — busiest on weekends
- ▸One of Canada's top food markets since 1979
Arts, Crafts & Studios
Beyond the market, Granville Island is home to dozens of working artist studios, galleries, and craft shops spread across its industrial buildings and laneways. You can watch glassblowers, potters, jewellers, and printmakers at work, then buy directly from the maker. The Net Loft and the Railspur District are particularly rich with independent studios. The Emily Carr University of Art + Design is also based here, giving the island a constant creative energy and a stream of student exhibitions and events.
- ▸Working studios open to the public
- ▸Glassblowing, pottery, jewellery & more
- ▸Emily Carr University campus on-island
- ▸Buy direct from the maker
Granville Island Brewing
Granville Island Brewing opened in 1984 as one of Canada's first craft breweries — a genuine pioneer of the BC craft beer movement. The brewery is still operating on the island, and the taproom and tasting lounge are a great place to try their flagship Island Lager alongside seasonal and small-batch releases. Brewery tours run daily and give you a look behind the scenes at the brewing process. It's a piece of Vancouver history, and the beer is still very good.
- ▸One of Canada's first craft breweries (1984)
- ▸Daily brewery tours available
- ▸Taproom with flagship and seasonal beers
- ▸A landmark of the BC craft beer movement
The Waterfront & False Creek
Granville Island sits in False Creek, connected to the rest of Vancouver by a single road and by the beloved Aquabus and False Creek Ferries — small passenger ferries that hop between the island, Yaletown, Olympic Village, and Vanier Park. The waterfront is lined with marinas, houseboats, kayak rentals, and seawall paths. Sitting on the dock with a coffee watching the boats and the city skyline is one of the quintessential Vancouver experiences. The views across False Creek to the downtown towers are spectacular.
- ▸Aquabus & False Creek Ferries from downtown
- ▸Kayak and paddleboard rentals on-site
- ▸Houseboat community along the waterfront
- ▸Seawall path connects to the wider city
Kids Market & Family Fun
The Kids Market is a two-storey building packed with over 25 children's shops, a play area, and a water park outside that runs in summer. It's been a Vancouver family institution since 1986. Nearby, the Adventure Zone has a climbing wall, mini golf, and other activities. The island as a whole is extremely family-friendly — the market has plenty of kid-pleasing food, the waterfront is safe and interesting, and the street performers provide free entertainment throughout the day.
- ▸Kids Market: 25+ children's shops
- ▸Outdoor water park in summer
- ▸Adventure Zone with climbing & mini golf
- ▸Street performers throughout the day
Street Performers & Events
Granville Island has a long tradition of street performance — jugglers, musicians, comedians, and acrobats set up throughout the island, especially around the market entrance and the waterfront. The performances are free and often genuinely excellent. The island also hosts the Vancouver International Fringe Festival each September, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in July, and numerous other events throughout the year. The Granville Island Stage is home to the Arts Club Theatre Company, one of Canada's leading theatre companies.
- ▸Free street performers daily in summer
- ▸Vancouver Fringe Festival each September
- ▸Arts Club Theatre Company on-island
- ▸Vancouver Folk Music Festival in July
Don't Leave Without Trying
The market and island have dozens of outstanding food options — these are the standouts.
Lee's Donuts
Legendary fresh-made donuts — the lineup is always worth it
Siegel's Bagels
Montreal-style bagels, baked fresh all day
Oyama Sausage
Award-winning house-made sausages and charcuterie
Benton Brothers Fine Cheese
Exceptional BC and international cheese selection
Granville Island Brewing Taproom
Island Lager and seasonal releases on tap
The Stock Market
House-made stocks, soups, and prepared meals
Edible Canada
Pacific Northwest cuisine with a great waterfront patio
Terra Breads
Artisan sourdough and pastries baked on-site
Granville Island Through the Seasons
Open year-round — the market and studios never close.
Spring
March – May
Spring is a lovely time on the island — the market is full of early-season BC produce, the flower vendors are spectacular, and the crowds are lighter than summer. The waterfront comes alive as the weather warms, and the Aquabus starts running more frequently. Weekday mornings in April and May are among the most peaceful times to visit.
- ▸Early BC produce at the market
- ▸Flower vendors at their best
- ▸Lighter crowds than summer
- ▸Aquabus running more frequently
Summer
June – August
Peak season — the island is at its most vibrant. Street performers are out daily, the Kids Market water park is running, the patio restaurants are packed, and the Folk Music Festival brings huge crowds in July. Arrive early on weekends to find parking, or better yet, take the Aquabus from downtown. The waterfront is spectacular on a sunny summer evening.
- ▸Street performers out daily
- ▸Kids Market water park open
- ▸Folk Music Festival in July
- ▸Best patio dining weather
Autumn
September – November
Autumn brings the Vancouver Fringe Festival in September — one of the best times to visit for theatre and performance. The market is full of harvest produce, the crowds thin after Labour Day, and the light over False Creek is beautiful. October and November are quieter but the market and studios remain fully open.
- ▸Vancouver Fringe Festival in September
- ▸Harvest produce at the market
- ▸Quieter after Labour Day
- ▸Beautiful autumn light over False Creek
Winter
December – February
Winter is the island's quietest season but it has its own charm — the market is warm and fragrant, the Christmas shopping at the studios and craft shops is excellent, and the crowds are minimal. Many of the restaurants and breweries are at their most welcoming in the cold months. A great time to browse the studios without feeling rushed.
- ▸Excellent Christmas gift shopping
- ▸Warm market on cold days
- ▸Minimal crowds
- ▸Cozy brewery and restaurant atmosphere
From Factory to Icon
The federal government dredges False Creek and creates an artificial island — originally called Industrial Island — as a manufacturing hub.
The island becomes a major industrial centre with cement works, a chain factory, a rope works, and a shipyard employing thousands.
Industrial decline sets in as manufacturing moves elsewhere. The island falls into disrepair and becomes largely derelict.
The federal government launches a major revitalization plan, transforming the island into a mixed-use arts, culture, and market destination.
The Granville Island Public Market opens — the anchor of the revitalization and an immediate success with Vancouverites.
Granville Island Brewing opens as one of Canada's first craft breweries, pioneering the BC craft beer movement.
The Kids Market opens, cementing the island's reputation as a family destination.
Emily Carr University of Art + Design establishes its campus on the island, deepening the creative community.
Over 12 million visitors annually make Granville Island one of the most visited destinations in Canada.
Practical Information
Admission
Free to enter — the island itself has no admission charge
Individual attractions (brewery tours, theatre, Kids Market activities) have their own fees
Market Hours
Public Market open daily 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Individual shops and studios vary — most open 10 AM to 6 PM; some closed Mondays
Location
1661 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3
Under the Granville Bridge on False Creek — 15 min walk from downtown or 5 min by Aquabus
Getting There
Aquabus from downtown, False Creek Ferries, cycling, or driving (limited parking)
The Aquabus from the foot of Hornby St is the most fun and avoids parking entirely
Info Line
604-666-5784
Granville Island general information — for market vendor info call 604-666-6477
Website
granvilleisland.com
Full event calendar, vendor directory, and parking information
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings year-round; September for Fringe Festival
Summer weekends are the busiest — arrive before 11 AM or after 4 PM
Parking
Limited paid parking on-island — fills quickly on weekends
Strongly recommend arriving by Aquabus, bike, or on foot on busy days
Parking tip: On-island parking fills by 11 AM on summer weekends and is genuinely stressful. The Aquabus from downtown Hornby Street is a 5-minute crossing and costs a few dollars each way — strongly recommended over driving on busy days.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Take the Aquabus
The Aquabus from the foot of Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver is a 5-minute crossing and costs just a few dollars. It's the most fun way to arrive, avoids parking entirely, and the view of the island from the water is wonderful.
Go on a weekday morning
The market on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning is a completely different experience from a Saturday afternoon. The vendors are relaxed, the samples are generous, and you can actually have a conversation. Weekend afternoons can be genuinely overwhelming.
Eat your way through the market
Don't rush through — the market is best experienced slowly. Try the fresh-baked bread, the local cheeses, the smoked salmon, the fresh-squeezed juice. Many vendors offer samples. Budget at least an hour just for the market itself.
Explore the Railspur District
Most visitors stick to the market and the main drag. Walk deeper into the island to the Railspur District — a cluster of working studios and galleries in the old industrial buildings. Some of the best craft work on the island is here, and it's far less crowded.
Book the brewery tour
Granville Island Brewing tours run daily and are worth doing — the history of the brewery is genuinely interesting, the guide is usually excellent, and the tasting at the end is generous. Book ahead on weekends as they fill up.
Check the events calendar
The island hosts events almost every weekend — theatre, music, festivals, markets. Check granvilleisland.com before you go. The Fringe Festival in September and the Folk Music Festival in July are both world-class events.
Arrive by bike
The Seawall cycling path connects Granville Island to Stanley Park, Kitsilano, and the rest of the city. Arriving by bike is easy, free, and gives you the flexibility to extend your trip along the waterfront in either direction.
Kids love it here
The Kids Market, the water park (summer), the street performers, the Aquabus ride, and the general bustle of the market all make Granville Island one of the best family destinations in Vancouver. Plan at least half a day if you're bringing children.
Granville Island in Pictures
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