Granville Street Mall/Granville Street
Granville Street Mall/Granville Street
3.5
About
A major congregation spot for all Vancouver's street performers, jewelry vendors and off-beat personalities.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Granville Street Mall/Granville Street and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Neighborhood: Shaughnessy
Residential neighbourhood to the ultra-wealthy, the gorgeous manor houses centred around The Crescent area are a fabled sight to behold. Shaughnessy is Vancouver's most verdant plotted neighbourhood, and its tree-lined streets, walking routes, bike trails, and charming public parks make for an ideal location to spend and afternoon communing with nature. Consequently, it is also the botanical centre of the city, featuring conservatories and an expansive Botanical Garden, taming and sculpting the wild into seasonal viewing areas and enchanting landscapes. Quiet, elegant Shaughnessy excels at providing the Three Gs: Gardens, Golfing, and Galleries.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,583 within 3 miles
Attractions
731 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
240 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
96
Average
62
Poor
19
Terrible
7
AnLil
934 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Granville Street is often a thoroughway to connect travellers from YVR airport (Richmond) or Marine Drive to downtown by the Waterfront. However, there are indoor and outdoor locations to explore, such as malls, markets and conservatories. For families with kids there’s Granville Street Mall on rainy days. Also, taxis from the airport charge a flat fare around $35 with tip to take travellers as far as Canada Place at the water, where the seabus connects transit riders to Lonsdale Quay market @North Shore. It’s not so nice once you cross Granville Street bridge, but at Pacific Centre mall further North, you’ll find skytrain access below. Some areas are better for biking or taking the bus, as local driver traffic downtown can be limited. There’s lots to see or eat along Robson Street—such as dining options near the Vancouver Art Gallery /Robson Square ice skating, to Denman Street bicycle rentals, outside Stanley Park (by Georgia Street or else English Bay/ Park drive). Towards South Granville, unless you’re catching a bus on Broadway & heading toward Alma (U.B.C.), there are artsy furniture & homeware shops as well as boutique stores along Granville Street. Buses frequently travel Granville, so it’s easy to hop on and off. Churches and synagogues are further South in the manor/residential area. When not a rainy day, it’s easy to book ahead to dine with a view at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Shaughnessy (5151 Oak Street); or visit the park’s indoor Bloedel Conservatory near the top of West 37th. Granville is not just about connecting travellers from the airport. Explore Granville’s Robson Square or park spaces, and you’ll catch a true, diverse glimpse of Vancouver!
Written January 2, 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.
hasile
Merzig156 contributions
Granville street is the place to be, especially at night. There are a lot of bars and theaters which makes it a good place for a beer and good music. If your hotel is on Granville street, the good points turn to bad because it´s quite loud until late night. With daylight, Granville street turns a little shabby - but most people prefer Granville street at night anyway
Written October 25, 2009
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.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,895 contributions
Feb 2021
Once considered the heartbeat of Vancouver, Granville has morphed and changed quite significantly over the years. I have a photo of my late grandfather, taken sometime in the early to mid-1940s, which shows a Granville Street vastly different from today. Back then, Granville was a vibrant hub and just starting its neon bloom. Nowadays, as many of the previous reviewers have noted, Granville is a shell of its former self – dirty, seedy and in need of a clean-up or revitalization.
Of course, that’s not to say Granville isn’t worth visiting. To imply as much would be misleading, in my view. Pre-pandemic, this area of Vancouver was actually still pretty fun, so long as we ignore or downplay the homeless on the streets. I’m not much of a party person, but the so-called “Entertainment District” was (and is) enough to keep one occupied. The Lennox Pub and the Roxy are a calling. Well, not right now due to public health orders . . . but maybe in the not too distant future. I always enjoyed patronizing the Commodore Ballroom to see live music acts; the small intimate space beat out a large arena or stadium any day. In fact, I was supposed to see The Zombies at the Commodore in 2020, but then the pandemic hit and any significant fun in the Entertainment District – besides boozing it up – was quickly snuffed out.
With the likes of the Orpheum, Commodore and Vogue closed until who knows when, and bars/pubs closed until at least late April (again due to public health restrictions), what is there to do on Granville? Granted, the neighbourhood’s “party” identity has been eviscerated quite handily by the pandemic, but there’s still a fair amount to do and see. Shopping, anyone?
Yes, beyond partying and peep shows (across from the Chateau Granville, if you’re interested), Granville Street offers some pretty decent shopping. For those in search of that rare band tee, I highly recommend the Rock Shop (see my review on this site); or, if you want some unique shoes, the Fluevog store is pretty awesome; finally, if you want something a little more commercial, then the overpriced Pacific Centre carries all the major high-end brands, as does HBC’s flagship store. You know, thinking about the Pacific Centre makes me nostalgic for the days of Sears and Eaton’s. Anyone remember them?
Granville isn’t all about commercial stuff, though. It also has some free attractions along the “mall” for those so inclined. Consider the BC StarWalk of fame, for example, or the Art Deco “Power Block.” The latter, which includes some famous buildings mentioned above, hints back to Granville’s robust beginnings and makes one yearn for yesteryear.
While Granville Street isn’t quite what it used to be, it’s still worth a visit. If the plethora of shops + classic architecture isn’t enough encouragement, then surely the impending arrival of Jollibee is! However, I’d recommend going during the day so as to avoid more of the area’s seedy underside. After the pandemic, though, I suspect Granville will be rocking again!
Of course, that’s not to say Granville isn’t worth visiting. To imply as much would be misleading, in my view. Pre-pandemic, this area of Vancouver was actually still pretty fun, so long as we ignore or downplay the homeless on the streets. I’m not much of a party person, but the so-called “Entertainment District” was (and is) enough to keep one occupied. The Lennox Pub and the Roxy are a calling. Well, not right now due to public health orders . . . but maybe in the not too distant future. I always enjoyed patronizing the Commodore Ballroom to see live music acts; the small intimate space beat out a large arena or stadium any day. In fact, I was supposed to see The Zombies at the Commodore in 2020, but then the pandemic hit and any significant fun in the Entertainment District – besides boozing it up – was quickly snuffed out.
With the likes of the Orpheum, Commodore and Vogue closed until who knows when, and bars/pubs closed until at least late April (again due to public health restrictions), what is there to do on Granville? Granted, the neighbourhood’s “party” identity has been eviscerated quite handily by the pandemic, but there’s still a fair amount to do and see. Shopping, anyone?
Yes, beyond partying and peep shows (across from the Chateau Granville, if you’re interested), Granville Street offers some pretty decent shopping. For those in search of that rare band tee, I highly recommend the Rock Shop (see my review on this site); or, if you want some unique shoes, the Fluevog store is pretty awesome; finally, if you want something a little more commercial, then the overpriced Pacific Centre carries all the major high-end brands, as does HBC’s flagship store. You know, thinking about the Pacific Centre makes me nostalgic for the days of Sears and Eaton’s. Anyone remember them?
Granville isn’t all about commercial stuff, though. It also has some free attractions along the “mall” for those so inclined. Consider the BC StarWalk of fame, for example, or the Art Deco “Power Block.” The latter, which includes some famous buildings mentioned above, hints back to Granville’s robust beginnings and makes one yearn for yesteryear.
While Granville Street isn’t quite what it used to be, it’s still worth a visit. If the plethora of shops + classic architecture isn’t enough encouragement, then surely the impending arrival of Jollibee is! However, I’d recommend going during the day so as to avoid more of the area’s seedy underside. After the pandemic, though, I suspect Granville will be rocking again!
Written April 13, 2021
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.
E1108WZjeffb
Wanneroo10 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I’d read about the raucous Granville Street with night clubs abound this was the centre of downtown Vancouver.
Alas this wasn’t what greeted us. Walking back from the seafront we took Granville Street up towards our hotel. First impressions were a congregating area for the homeless and as you walked up the street there we plenty of these poor souls occupying doorways of empty retail outlets. As our walk continued, passing the closed night clubs there was a distinctly uncomfortable feeling about the area that gave us cause to head off to the right and follow another road to our hotel.
I would advise avoiding Granville Street in the day. Maybe with clubs abound the nights are alive and electric glossing over the homeless souls who frequent during the day.
Alas this wasn’t what greeted us. Walking back from the seafront we took Granville Street up towards our hotel. First impressions were a congregating area for the homeless and as you walked up the street there we plenty of these poor souls occupying doorways of empty retail outlets. As our walk continued, passing the closed night clubs there was a distinctly uncomfortable feeling about the area that gave us cause to head off to the right and follow another road to our hotel.
I would advise avoiding Granville Street in the day. Maybe with clubs abound the nights are alive and electric glossing over the homeless souls who frequent during the day.
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.
Philip B
Vancouver, Canada65 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
Dirty with lots of vagrants sleeping on sidewalk and lots of beggars. Seems to be neglected by the City in spite of fairly recent “improvements”.
Written April 16, 2019
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.
GVancouver
Vancouver, Canada965 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
The Granville Mall as described in the TA link comprises two sections. The section north of Robson Street is a barren commercial strip. It is a route to get from place to place, not an attraction. Pacific Centre Mall and Nordstroms are along that strip, along with lots of other generic stores.
The area south of Robson Street is a war zone that should be avoided unless you enjoy stepping over druggies and being hassled by street people. Many stores are boarded up with street people camped out in front. Litter piles up on the street. At night it becomes a club and bar zone. Still to be avoided unless you're looking for a fight with drunk steroid monkeys.
This area should not be confused with SOUTH Granville street, a busy area of small stores, galleries and coffee shops on the stretch of Granville south of False Creek.
The area south of Robson Street is a war zone that should be avoided unless you enjoy stepping over druggies and being hassled by street people. Many stores are boarded up with street people camped out in front. Litter piles up on the street. At night it becomes a club and bar zone. Still to be avoided unless you're looking for a fight with drunk steroid monkeys.
This area should not be confused with SOUTH Granville street, a busy area of small stores, galleries and coffee shops on the stretch of Granville south of False Creek.
Written August 10, 2016
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.
Xanerin
Alice Springs, Australia1,465 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Sometimes people make a lot of hype about nothing. This is just another city street in another city with the same type of shops and problems faced around the world. Could not believe how many unsavoury characters I saw on the street. This city really needs a shake-up.
Written May 9, 2018
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.
MikeSportsMed
5 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Having travelled for 5 weeks across this great country of great people and visited Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Whistler and Vancouver, is there a more seedier, grubbier and dirtier street in Canada than Granville Street Vancouver? The fast food detritus, the carpet of cigarette butts, the vomit-stained sidewalk, the smell of urine mixed with the aroma of cannabis - walk the strip from downtown to the bridge and you will see what I mean. Only the few businesses who clean the sidewalk raise the standard to any degree. A real shame in a city that is architecturally outstanding. Mike Manchester England
Written July 1, 2017
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.
Brian C
Boise, ID97 contributions
Nov 2015
My family and I had a great shopping experience. I enjoyed all the beautiful scents for men and all the varieties. And I didn't blink at the prices. Why, because I'll never find what I brought ever again unless in travel to thoses specific countries, so thank you Vancouver City B.C. for giving what I wanted. Have a bless day.
Written February 18, 2016
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.
DeanMurphy2020
Orlando, FL7,764 contributions
Sep 2015 • Solo
Not to be confused with Granville Island
Located in downtown Vancouver along Granville Street, between Robson and Dunsmuir streets, this huge mall near the Yaletown District is not to be confused with Granville Island’s Public Market and all the shops on the island surrounded by False Creek. This area houses intense nightlife: clubs and restaurants. For those of us who believe the adage “early to bed, early to rise,” Granville Street Mall is a shopping paradise. But then, the shopping debunks the “wealthy” part of the early-to-bed adage☺ A word of caution about visiting this and other attractions at night. Canada has a commodity-based economy, thus with the collapse of crude oil and industrial metals prices, a recession has gripped the economy. There are many homeless people and illicit drug users throughout Vancouver, much the same as San Francisco. Use common sense when walking at night, especially after a few alcoholic drinks. It's safer to take a taxi from and to a hotel.
Located in downtown Vancouver along Granville Street, between Robson and Dunsmuir streets, this huge mall near the Yaletown District is not to be confused with Granville Island’s Public Market and all the shops on the island surrounded by False Creek. This area houses intense nightlife: clubs and restaurants. For those of us who believe the adage “early to bed, early to rise,” Granville Street Mall is a shopping paradise. But then, the shopping debunks the “wealthy” part of the early-to-bed adage☺ A word of caution about visiting this and other attractions at night. Canada has a commodity-based economy, thus with the collapse of crude oil and industrial metals prices, a recession has gripped the economy. There are many homeless people and illicit drug users throughout Vancouver, much the same as San Francisco. Use common sense when walking at night, especially after a few alcoholic drinks. It's safer to take a taxi from and to a hotel.
Written October 12, 2015
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.
chelvis4
Chicago, Illinois
Are there any good shops here with Vancouver souvenirs?
Written November 29, 2016
Downtown and Gastown are the best places for souvenirs....
Written November 30, 2016
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Related Stories
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing