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Granville Island

Granville Island, Vancouver: Address, Phone Number, Granville Island Reviews: 4.5/5

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Granville Island

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Granville Island
4.5
19,741
#2 of 441 things to do in Vancouver
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Islands
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About
Former industrial site has been transformed into an artsy, posh neighborhood with quaint shops, cafes and bookstores.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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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.
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The area
Neighborhood: Granville Island
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,816 within 3 miles
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
2,341
434 ft$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Lee's Donuts
290
138 ft$ • Bakeries
Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio - False Creek
321
0.2 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Peruvian • Seafood
The Vancouver Fish Company
689
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Tony's Fish & Oyster Cafe
523
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Canadian • Soups
Blue Hat Bistro at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
257
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Granville Island
437
306 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Bar
Go Fish
552
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast Food
A Bread Affair
107
116 ft$ • Bakeries • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Afghan Horsemen Restaurant
220
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Middle Eastern • Afghan • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
525 within 6 miles
Gigi B on Grandville Island
3
143 ftArt Galleries
Benton Brothers Fine Cheese
17
190 ftFarmers Markets
Granville Island Public Market
1,959
191 ftFlea & Street Markets
The Aquabus
2,618
436 ftFerries
The Liberty Distillery
209
0.1 miDistilleries
Granville Island Brewing
663
0.1 miBreweries
Burrard Bridge
69
375 ftBridges
Granville Giants Murals
43
495 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Eagle Spirit Gallery
14
366 ftArt Galleries
Ukama Gallery
7
420 ftArt Galleries • Speciality Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
19,744 reviews
Excellent
10,762
Very good
6,750
Average
1,866
Poor
302
Terrible
65
AmaA
England / Australia12 contributions
Fun and tasty. A must do in Vancouver
Couples
So many colours and smells and things to see (and eat).
You could spend the entire day here if you really wanted to.
We caught a boat across with granvilleislandferries from under the Burrard St bridge, near the aquatic centre. It was classed as 1 zone, only took about 5 mins from dock to dock, on a small, approximately 12 seater wooden boat. The fare was $3.50 one way or $6 return. On the way there I checked the timetable to make sure we got a particular boat, but realised that the boat that took us basically goes from the aquatic centre dock and back to Granville Island continuously, and didn’t do the loop of all the other dock locations; so was more frequent.

The market on the island is a melting pot of so much, from fresh fruit piled high to cooked food from a range of delicacies including Italian, Indian, Mexican, cafes, smoothie bars, burger joints, fish mongers, cheese sellers, gourmet chocolate, bagels, macarons, cakes & pastries, spices, ice cream and so much more.

There were also lots of other places to explore on the island from glass makers, totem pole story teller workshop, ironmonger, theatre, and even a broom shop. So much to see and do. The place was full of locals and tourists, and is family friendly.

Be prepared to wait in line for anything that is popular.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave Z
Coquitlam, Canada155 contributions
A good activity suitable for any budget for an hour or 2
Granville island is a great place to make a stop over, but usually not enough to fill the entire day. The Island itself it quite small and the main attraction being the public market with tonnes of food, homemade crafts and specialty groceries. There are a lot of unique and high quality foods , which always bring me back such as the home made pickle booth, and the specialty bagels. This is not a cheap market by any means, but typically the quality is worth the price.

The usual activities if your not looking to spend a whole wack of money on the market is just to buy maybe a cup of coffee or a nice bite to eat then grab a seat next to the ocean and enjoy a great view of the city. There is usually live music or a performance to watch while you enjoy your meal. You can also extend your activities by getting the sea bus back into the city or wander around the surrounding shops with novelty souvenirs. There is a super awesome improv show at the sports theatre which only cost 10$ which i highly recommend and a brewery which is great for a beer.

If your looking to get a little more involved and okay with spending a little more money, there are very delicious expensive restaurants in the area.

So there you have it, something for everyone!
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Annie B
Norfolk, UK179 contributions
So much to see and enjoy
We had a lovely day here, we walked over the bridge from downtown and headed straight to the Public Market where we spent a while choosing what to buy and eat! Then on to the artisan areas - saw some beautiful glass, jewellrey, art and sculptures and listened to some great live music that was going on around the market too. Restroom facilities nice and clean, plenty of hand sanitiser too. Very crowded but plenty of outdoor seating. Decided to get the little ferry back to town.
While we were there we noticed lines and queues for the car parks, and cars milling around looking for spaces, so if possible walk or get a bus or the ferry (which comes in right at the edge of the market)
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Libya V
Vancouver, Canada50 contributions
Lovely place to visit, don't drive if you don't have to!
Granville Island is delightful, and I say that as a local. The kids’ market is brilliant if you have little ones, there are several delicious restaurants, a great farmers’ market, and lots of shopping. The best advice I can give about visiting Granville Island is DON’T DRIVE IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO. Both False Creek Ferries and the Aquabus serve Granville Island from docks around False Creek. They are a beautiful way to see the city from the water, inexpensive, and most importantly spare you from the hair-pulling frustration of trying to find parking on the Island on a busy day. My husband and I visit the Island a few times a month, and we always hop on one of the wee boats.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,736 contributions
One of the top places to visit in Vancouver
Couples
Likely to be on most visitors itineraries. You can walk or cycle from downtown across the bridge but easiest to take the little ferry across the river for 6 CAD return.

Island has an interesting history with some of the original buildings still in use and converted into craft shops.

Plenty of interesting shops, art and community spaces, restaurants etc. Fantastic food market so ensure you go hungry as lots of lovely food options to eat on site as well as to buy for home cooking. There is usually some street entertainment going on to.

Great place to eat, drink, browse, wander and hang out.

Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Feneant
Moncton, Canada178 contributions
Great market
Granville island is one of those things you have to see when you go to Vancouver. The market is especially nice where you can buy food, snacks, arts and crafts, etc. and the rest is a similar mixture of shops and activities (whale watching, etc.). I suggest looking where things are made though as we avoid supporting places that sell 'BC indigenous art' that is made in China.

What I didn't like is how confusing the place is to navigate, you end up walking behind building, missing some stores, etc. without really knowing because the place is such a maze. That might have been our fault as we tried to avoid the crows because this place gets incredibly busy on weekends.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael C
5 contributions
Good Shopping/Window-Shopping
A nice shopping hub for local products, performances, and food/drinks.
There's a food court in there as well as multiple restaurants.
Lots of art-related shops like jewelry, pottery, textiles, and the like for your browsing curiosity.
To get here on a scenic route, I would recommend getting off the Skytrain at "Main Street - Science World" and walking over along the water.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LittleSis54
Chicago, IL220 contributions
Shopper's Paradise!
We were staying in Vancouver and as part of a city tour, we stopped at Granville Island. It was a Saturday, and it was crazy crowded, so we did not spend much time there. The next day was drizzly, so we went back and it was perfect, crowds did not start to build until around lunchtime. Love that there are no chains on the island, just artisans and independently owned shops. Great Farmer's Market if you need to pick up any foodstuffs. Bought some organic dog treats, but mainly just admired the nice shops and goods. Used the Aquabus to get over there from our hotel, perfect.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brysacker2017
Ottawa, Canada7 contributions
A Place To Stroll, Window Shop and have a Snack
Once popular place to stroll an enjoy the waterfront, this has become a relatively expensive place to visit because the city couldn't wait to charge for parking. My recommendation is to leave the car behind and take public transportation to the island.; go for a stroll; have a beverage and snack and enjoy the comings and goings of harbour taxis as they bob in the water. As you stroll check out and compare prices with your local super-marche.
There are LOTS of eateries and outdoor places to sit and enjoy the air, space and water. The island serves locals and is a tourist attraction so expect crowds.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mai Nguyen
Cape Breton Island, Canada1 contribution
A unique place to visit
Granville Island is a good place to visit in Vancouver. It provides an amazing view of the city of Vancouver with some fresh air as you can enjoy the view from the False Creek which is really beautiful during the day. Also, it is an amazing place to visit small little local shops that give you an overview of the diversity of Vancouver. A good place within Granville Island is the Grandville Public Market where is always open and has varieties of dessert and different types of Asian cuisine. It is really tasty! Public Market acts as the heart of the activity as well as one of the most cultural place with locals shops, brewing stores, craftings...This is a must to go here and I highly recommend to visit this area if you want to have some quality time relaxing and escape from the crowded city.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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