Granville Island
Granville Island
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
This large sandbar and former industrial site is now a posh, artsy neighborhood filled with quaint shops, eateries, breweries, and year-round arts and cultural festivals. Located in False Creek, it's famous for the Granville Island Public Market where you can get fresh produce, gourmet food, and artisanal handicrafts. Visit during summer when the island is exceptionally bustling with outdoor entertainment acts, or during the holidays for twinkling festive lights. You can get to Granville Island by car by crossing the Granville Bridge. Otherwise, you can also take a scenic ferry ride, or a walking or bike tour of the waterfront. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Neighbourhood: Granville Island
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Restaurants
2,810 within 5 kms
Attractions
564 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- janetc7575131 contributionsGreatGreat place to see with many art vendors as well as places to get food. There was a lot more art/cultural places than I was expecting, and of course so much food! I wish i had two stomachs so i could eat more :)Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 September 2023
- augustleroyManning, Iowa224 contributionsVisit hungry.This, as most reviewers of Vancouver would indicate, is not to be missed. The foods are spectacular, obviously, and the collage of visual offerings are well worth the fight you'll face with the midday and beyond crowds. It's best to stake a friend, if you have one, at a table while you and your friends, if you have any, gather your meals. If the crowd is light you should surf the hundreds of kiosk-like delis prior to staking your friend out. It might be safer that way and prevent your possible friendship from a complete collapse. No one wants to be that guy that has to constantly scare off intruders.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 September 2023
- eVe 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬Singapore, Singapore1,268 contributionsExplore Every Nooks & Corners for Surprises!!!We took the Aquabus from The Village dock near Main Street-Science World skytrain station (15 minutes walk). It is a good decision on hindsight as the 20 minutes boat ride (furtherest stop from GI) along the way was scenic. Granville Island Public Market will be the main highlight of most tourists. However, if you take your time to explore every nooks and corners, you will find something to your liking. Imagine we spent more than 4 hours on the island! No lack of choice for nice bakeries and we couldn't decide which ones to go for. We found a quiet and nice spot near a lake for lunch, away from main thoroughfare near the dock where most of the crowd congregate. Tip - no need to book in advance for the Aquabus. Get a cheaper return ticket from the boat pilot on board.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 September 2023
- TawnyrvalOntario, California3,877 contributionsWorth the visit, plan your day!Granville Island is a small walkable island located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. If you are familiar with Pikes Place, Grand Central Market, International Market Honolulu then you know what I’m talkin about. If you are tourist like ourselves, don’t drive there just catch an Uber or Lyft but If you plan to drive, here is some parking info - Parking is free before 11 am and after 6 pm. Pay parking in effect 11 am – 6 pm daily, $3/hour on weekdays and $4/hour on weekends and statutory holidays. Plan to spend most of the day here, you can get some fresh fruit, eat delicious fish and chips, pizza, doughnuts, pot pies, buy bread, bagels, souvenirs, toys and even purchase art. If you head over to their website, you can actually plan your day. The day we visited we played by ear, heading to the Vandusen Botanical Garden first then late lunch at Tonys, dessert at Lee’s and happy hour at Vancouver Fish Company (all reviews for these places should be up!) and in between we souvenir shopped, bought a book and looked at art!Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 September 2023
- Nicole JBuderim, Australia33 contributionsGranville Market an amazing place to see.This is a very interesting market with loads of history around it. We caught the aquaferry over from Hornsby St, so easy. There is lovely fresh produce in the market and also a wide variety of food stalls. Find somewhere to sit and eat, listen to the singers that I provide entertainment out side. There are also several shops to look in, bars and restaurants.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 September 2023
- Sinisha K13 contributionsStrongly recommend visit, especially when the weather is nice.It is always combination of gorgeous weather and lovely atmosphere that creates high scores for the place. Granville Island market, art studios, cafes, sailboats, restaurants with perfect view and affordable menus….and views at the Vancouver skyline. Take your time and enjoy it.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 September 2023
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia50,924 contributionsViews, food and shoppingGranville Island is a great place to walk around, do some shopping, eat some tasty food, enjoy spectacular views and have a fantastic time. We visited for one day, and so did a few thousand other people as well! A very popular destination. We got on the aquabus from Downtown Vancouver and the lovely trip took just a few minutes.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2023
- Ron TSalem, Oregon58 contributionsGreat Market with Lots of Food OptionsMassive market offering most anything one can imagine. From jewelry to clothes to leather goods to farm fresh fruits and veggies. Coffee, candy, and restaurants galore are all available. And it's all inside!Visited September 2023Written 30 September 2023
- SarahandRichPBromley, United Kingdom219 contributionsWonderful independent artsy areaWe went down as we were whale watching from there but spent all the time around it exploring Granville Island. It's a great little spot for independent shops, random food stalls and just a great artsy vibe. I think there is something for everyone. Lots to mooch around.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
- Bohemian_me84Calgary, Canada2,001 contributionsLove this placeI love Granville island ! I never get tired and every time I visit Vancouver I have to come here . There is little market with the best freshly baked buns , fresh fish , fantastic coffee , fresh flowers and little boutiques . You can sit and watch boats going by . Outside is dog friendly but not inside market .Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 11 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
20,054 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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Average
1,880
Poor
309
Terrible
69
Brysacker2017
Ottawa, Canada6 contributions
Nov 2019
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.
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 16 March 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.
Mikaela M
Brisbane Region, Australia64 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had fun looking around here, despite the rain!
Most of the letters on the famous Granville island red light sign was out. :(
The public market inside is crowded, but so warm and many shops and food stalls to keep you looking around for a while. Plenty of other shops and light displays to look at around the streets.
I’m sure in nicer weather, a walk around the wharf would be really nice.
We walked there in the rain from downtown which took about 40mins, but on the way back, we took the #50 bus right out the front of Granville island, to Robson st for maybe $3 which took about 10 mins. no cash required, you can tap your debit card!
Most of the letters on the famous Granville island red light sign was out. :(
The public market inside is crowded, but so warm and many shops and food stalls to keep you looking around for a while. Plenty of other shops and light displays to look at around the streets.
I’m sure in nicer weather, a walk around the wharf would be really nice.
We walked there in the rain from downtown which took about 40mins, but on the way back, we took the #50 bus right out the front of Granville island, to Robson st for maybe $3 which took about 10 mins. no cash required, you can tap your debit card!
Written 1 January 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.
peciacake
Brisbane, Australia127 contributions
Dec 2019
A wonderful way to spend a day browsing Granville Island Markets and many of the other attractions, including the Granville Island Brewery and tap room, who serve great craft beer and excellent pub food.
The fresh food market sets a new standard for presentation, range and quality. We were able to buy some amazing tropical fruits at very reasonable prices.
The fresh food market sets a new standard for presentation, range and quality. We were able to buy some amazing tropical fruits at very reasonable prices.
Written 7 January 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.
HighPriestessSusan
Olympia, WA72 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited Granville Island on a rainy day. Most of the public market is covered and we browsed there until the rain stopped. There is an amazing selection of all kinds of foods, fresh and prepared. Handmade items like soap, ceramics and jewelry are interspersed with the food vendors. Outside of the public market and many smaller boutiques with handmade and artisan items. Walkable and relaxed atmosphere, fun to explore.
Written 17 February 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.
John C
Christchurch, New Zealand12 contributions
Aug 2019
We enjoyed the couple of extensive market type buildings on Granville Island, buying fresh local produce and also the yummy
high quality takeaways for lunch, all at reasonable prices. We weren't overly impressed with the rest of the offerings, a lot of bitsy stores and craft stuff that might suit many people, but not us. Whilst vehicle traffic is very slow and regulated, I felt it would be a much safer and peaceful environment if cars were banned other than delivery vehicles early or late in the day. The concrete plant in the centre was quite odd/a novelty, but again added to a littlel uneasiness with trucks coming in and out amongst thousands of pedestrians. The best way to get there is on a water taxi-lots of fun.
high quality takeaways for lunch, all at reasonable prices. We weren't overly impressed with the rest of the offerings, a lot of bitsy stores and craft stuff that might suit many people, but not us. Whilst vehicle traffic is very slow and regulated, I felt it would be a much safer and peaceful environment if cars were banned other than delivery vehicles early or late in the day. The concrete plant in the centre was quite odd/a novelty, but again added to a littlel uneasiness with trucks coming in and out amongst thousands of pedestrians. The best way to get there is on a water taxi-lots of fun.
Written 13 April 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.
John Q
Dublin, Ireland104 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We went there twice over the Christmas holiday. On 12/26 it was deserted and empty and on 12/28 it was mobbed beyond comfortable.
Hard to make a judgement except that lots of people go there, the market seems to be full of interesting food stalls, and there is quite a lot of vehicular traffic.
Hoping to get a more balanced view when I return in the Spring
Hard to make a judgement except that lots of people go there, the market seems to be full of interesting food stalls, and there is quite a lot of vehicular traffic.
Hoping to get a more balanced view when I return in the Spring
Written 9 January 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.
Rohit
Vancouver, Canada4 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
After living in the city for almost a decade this was the very first time I visited Granville Island with my family. It's a good day trip with a great public market to purchase fruits and cheese and seafood. Shops around are very expensive but I believe those are to rip off the tourists. Some good activity for kids inside. Our little one who is 6 had fun and will want to go back but there are better places to hang around with kids in town.
Written 19 January 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.
MiriamBailey
Perth, Australia70 contributions
Dec 2019
Took the ferry over - $8 return trip, that was nice, the markets were also nice although difficult to get a seat in the eating area as very very crowded. The food was lovely and the desserts to die for - a large section of the market is devoted to fresh produce which as a tourist was a bit pointless but if I were local Id come here. Lots of artisan type products (very expensive) and touristy souvenirs etc too. A nice place to visit but don't stress if you don't have time in your itinerary...
Written 1 January 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.
MillNewcastle
Gateshead, UK403 contributions
Aug 2022
We were out and about in Vancouver and decided to walk across Granville Bridge to go to Granville Island. It is quite a long walk. The area is very busy but there were loads of restaurants and shops. The best part was the indoor market areas that were full of food stalls and fresh food counters. Great to wonder around and plenty of seats on the waterfront to sit and eat what you have bought. Saw the Aqua Bus while we were sitting and this was a much quicker and easier way to get back across to Vancouver and I think fares started from $3. Great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Written 15 September 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.
Nishadi L
Colombo, Sri Lanka162 contributions
Feb 2020
Took the the Aquabus from the Village dock (near Science world sky train station) just to experience the tiny ferry ride. Each way costs $6 on the aquabus (not cheap but just fun experience). Once we got to the island, we started exploring the plethora of artisan shops, the public market and ended up having a beer tasting session at the Granville Island Brewery. Warning: if you end up at Paper-ya, you're bound to end up wanting to buy the whole shop :)
It's a nice experience especially for a newcomer or a tourist but not many locals frequent this place as it is a bit overpriced (touristy). I would go again just to try and cover all the shops there but would I do my daily shopping here? Nope!
It's a nice experience especially for a newcomer or a tourist but not many locals frequent this place as it is a bit overpriced (touristy). I would go again just to try and cover all the shops there but would I do my daily shopping here? Nope!
Written 10 March 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.
Hours of Operation during summer?
I see hours listed as 9AM-6PM. However, I read online that the marked comes to live at night as well and parking is free after 6PM. Meaning - the hours of operation are somewhat confusing. Can you please clarify? Thanks
Written 10 April 2023
I am no expert but perhaps those hours refer only to the main market bldg?? There are lots of shops and restaurants outside that market bldg that definitely are open past 6pm. I would see if u can reach out through direct msg on social media to get clarification
Written 10 April 2023
Hi. Does Grandville Island Market closes for Winter? We will be visiting 1st week of December. Also, I'm very much looking forward on eating Longkong ( not longan}, an exotic fruit from Thailand.
Written 28 September 2019
Relax24898
North Vancouver, Canada
From the sandman’s hotel on Davies st. How do we get to the water taxis to Granville island?
Written 15 June 2019
I don't know your hotel but I'm sure the concierge will be able to help. On our first day there we bought 2 day tickets and did the full circuit on the taxi/ferry boats to orientate ourselves and I think that helped us over the next few days. Granville Island is a great place to spend a few hours with a choice of 'cheap eats' or more expensive options, plenty of shops to purchase souveniers and then you can have a rest watching the buskers which seem to change every hour or just watch the traffic on the water. Enjoy!
Written 16 June 2019
Any bar around that could be worth it ?!... live music or something to have a good time in town?!!...
Thanks!
Written 4 June 2019
Yes, there is a lot of stuff to do, even in the evening o at night. Nice food, good shops and music in the restaurants and bars around 👍🏻
Written 14 June 2019
Hi All
Is it good to drive to Granville Island? what time is best if I drive there, and how about parking areas
Thanks
Written 8 March 2019
Hi, No cars on Granville Island. Very difficult to find parking. It is best to take the bus or taxi to the island and then walk about.
Written 27 March 2019
Yuka M
Cary, North Carolina
We are planning to visit Granville Island (market) on either Thursday or Friday from morning to afternoon.
We are a family of four including 3 years old and 2 years old.
Do you recommend that we don’t bring a stroller?
I saw some pictures of the market and it was very crowded, so I thought pushing a stroller would be a real pain there.
But at the same time, I want to keep the kids safe and have them stay with us all the time. (3 yo is not really a problem but 2 yo is definitely)
We are planning to get there by car from our hotel on Barnaby, but I saw someone suggesting taking a public transportation rather than a car.
What is your thought?
Written 23 August 2018
7 days 9am to 7pm. ferry from aquatic centre 3.5 each way or 5.50 return
Written 15 May 2018
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