With summer in Vancouver officially underway, there’s no better time than now to get outside, revisit all of your favourite local destinations, and discover some new ones.
During a day trip to Granville Island, you can experience new tastes, smells, scenery, and culture right here in the city, while also paying a visit to the people, places, and things you’ve missed the most.
Parts of Granville Island feel like an oasis in the city, part of it feels like a European market, while the waterfront and ocean activity feels like a visit to an amazing holiday island, and that’s never been truer than now. So don’t worry about extra baggage fees or forgetting your passport at home. Jump in a car, on your bike, or get on one of the world’s cutest little ferry boats, and head over to one of the most unique destinations Vancouver has to offer.
For a perfect day of “travel”, your first stop would be the Granville Island Public Market.
Home to over 50 food vendors, you’ll find an array of different delights whether you’re looking for a complete meal or fun, local ingredients to put together a picnic basket on your own. Find cheese and charcuterie where the chefs shop at Oyama Sausage, delicious artisanal coffee from Petit Ami or full meals from Chau Veggie Express and the ever-popular French gourmet shop L'Epicerie Rotisserie, and while you’re there, do what the locals do, and send a buddy to the Lee’s Donuts line-up.
Dockside Patio. Photo: Granville Island.
You can take in a cooking class, a craft beer tasting, or some of Vancouver’s best dining experiences by heading to one of the amazing restaurants, bars, and pubs on Granville Island.
The Vancouver Fish Company offers a fresh, local take on seafood dishes with their chowder, famous seafood platter, and great entrées. Enjoy brunch, happy hour, lunch, and dinner on the patio of the award-winning Dockside Restaurant. Bridges Bistro provides fine dining upstairs, a bistro and pub downstairs, with amazing views of downtown and the mountains from the patio. You can even pull a boat up there!
Bridges Patio. Photo: Granville Island.
Once your bellies are full and you’ve had your coffee, it’s the perfect time to do some shopping!
Visit the Net Loft to explore unique goods made by local artisans right here on Granville Island. You’ll find everything from exquisite handmade designer clothes, to charming paper products and gourmet kitchen goods.
There’s lots of shopping to be found in the Railspur District as well. Here you’ll find everything from hand-carved sculptures, stunning woodwork, jewelry and even artisanal brooms! Take home a painting from Hilary Morris or a book from the delightful Upstart and Crow. Best part, you can watch the artisans at work in many of the studios.
Railspur Alley. Photo: Granville Island.
After you’ve been on your feet all day, there’s nothing better than a refreshing drink.
If beer is your thing, the obvious choice would be Granville Island Brewery. Fun fact: did you know that this microbrewery is the first of its kind in Canada, having been established in 1984? Their small-batch brews are always refreshing and tasty.
And if a craft cocktail is more your style, there’s the award-winning Liberty Distillery – who bring their spirits to life all the way from fermentation to the distillation process. You can enjoy a drink in their classic cocktail lounge or book a private tour or tasting.
Photo Credit: Granville Island.
Getting to Granville Island is part of the experience as well!
During the summer, from Victoria Day to Labour Day long weekend, Granville Island provides a free bike valet located on the island. Both False Creek Ferries and the Aquabus have stops along False Creek, Yaletown, Kitsilano and the West End, offering some pretty stunning views along the way.
Or, to make your Granville Island excursion a true staycation, book a room at Granville Island Hotel for a boutique hotel experience on the waterfront, with striking views of False Creek and the Vancouver skyline in the distance.
Safe and happy (local) travels!
Visit granvilleisland.com to plan your visit today.
