Vancouver is the best city in the world. Or at least it is for me. The city has so much going for it that it ticks just about every box when it comes to a perfect city break location, beach resort location, multicultural centre and perfect city working lifestyle. I mean seriously, there’s very little not to love about Vancouver.
Getting to Granville Island is possible either by bridge or by ferry boat. Walking to and then across the bridge will take you a long time so I’d absolutely recommend taking the ferry. It takes a matter of minutes to make the short river crossing and costs next to nothing (payment is on board, cash only) so it will allow you less time walking to Granville Island and I’ve you more time on the island itself.
As you disembark from the ferry you’ll be met by the vibrant atmosphere that makes Granville Island so special. This is of course a complete tourist trap so expect to be surrounded by families, selfies and people walking about aimlessly with maps. That doesn’t matter though as everyone is there for the same reasons, looking to grab a bite to eat in the restaurants and explore Granville Market.
Granville Market
Located inside an old factory Granville Market is a big indoor market that rivals any others that I’ve experienced around the world.
There are stalls here selling just about anything you can think of when it comes to food. There’s takeaway stands selling hot and cold food ranging from noodles and rice to burgers and chips or if that doesn’t get your taste buds tingling you can opt for some freshly caught seafood from any of the multiple fishmongers located here.
There are also many stands selling a variety of drinks ranging from alcoholic cocktails to freshly prepared smoothies and shakes. The choice is seemingly endless.
One thing that you must do if heading here however is find the cake stand that is located almost dead centre in Granville Market. There are all sorts of cakes to choose from and they are to die for!
Wandering around the narrow walkways of Granville Market, even if you are not interested in making a purchase is a fun way to spend an hour. There’s so much going on here and so many quirky vendors that you’ll be hard pressed not to be entertained and enjoy the atmosphere of it all.
There’s a huge number of things to do here and certainly far more things than I managed to squeeze in during my last visit however one place I did manage to explore was Granville Island.
Street performers
With (or without) food in hand, exploring the area around the outside of Granville Market will certainly add a smile to your face. There are street performers dotted around the place doing everything from juggling and telling jokes to playing classical music and guitar. If you are planning a trip here with kids it’s absolutely perfect as you can grab some food from the market and then sit on the benches outside and enjoy the entertainment.
What I loved about Granville Island was not only the food and the entertainment but the entire atmosphere of it all. It was a really happy and vibrant place where everyone was having a good time and wanting to enjoy themselves. Not only that but when standing at the railings it will offer you some amazing views looking back across the river to Vancouver.
I’m not sure that this is somewhere I would head back to for a second time as having seen it once it feels like beyond a bit of nightlife there’s little left to see. That said, as a first timer in this incredible city it should be right up there at the top of your list of things to see and do in Vancouver. Be sure to check it out!
Are you planing a holiday to Vancouver this year and planning to visit Granville Island? Let us know in the comments!
