Granville Island Things To Do: A City Guide For Tourists Visiting Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada is an amazing city with a rich and vibrant culture. Located on the west coast of Canada on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it is known for its stunning natural beauty, cultural diversity, and modern and sophisticated lifestyle. With its mild climate, it is a popular destination for both local and international visitors alike.

Granville Island, located in the heart of Vancouver, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is home to a variety of different attractions, including a vibrant public market, galleries, restaurants, shops, and more. Granville Island has something for everyone and is the perfect place to explore when visiting Vancouver.

History Of Granville Island

Granville Island was originally a sandbar island in False Creek, located on the south side of Vancouver. It was first named “Industrial Island” by its first owner, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, which used it as a shipping port to transport sand and gravel from nearby quarries.

In the late 1950s, the government took over the island for public recreational purposes. At this time, the area was transformed into a vibrant urban oasis with shops, restaurants, galleries and a public market. Today, the island is one of the most visited places in Vancouver and is well-known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views of False Creek and the North Shore Mountains.

Things To Do On Granville Island

Granville Island is known for its diverse range of activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the island. Here are some of the top things to do on Granville Island:

Explore The Public Market

The Granville Island Public Market is the heart of the island. It is an indoor market that features local artisans, farmers and producers from all over British Columbia. Here you can find a variety of fresh produce, local specialties, artisanal food items, handmade crafts and more. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or find unique gifts for friends and family. The market also has many eateries where you can sample local dishes and other delicious treats.

Take A Sightseeing Tour

Granville Island is one of the best places in Vancouver to take in stunning views of the city skyline and nearby mountains. You can take a sightseeing tour on a boat or on foot to explore Granville Island and its surrounding areas. On a boat tour, you will get to experience the stunning views of False Creek and the North Shore Mountains from the water. You can also explore the nearby neighborhoods on foot to get a closer look at the charm of Vancouver.

Visit The Arts District

Granville Island is home to an arts district where you can find a variety of galleries and art studios. Here you can explore local artwork by painters, sculptors and other artisans as well as buy unique souvenirs and gifts. It’s also a great place to learn more about Canadian art and culture.

Take A Cooking Class

Granville Island is home to many cooking classes, where you can learn how to prepare local dishes with fresh ingredients from the Public Market. You can also take classes in baking or mixology to learn how to make traditional Canadian desserts or craft cocktails with local spirits and liqueurs.

Shop At The Boutiques

Granville Island is home to many unique boutiques where you can find handmade items such as clothing, jewelry, accessories and home decor. It’s a great place to find unique gifts for friends or family back home.

Popular Tours On Granville Island

Granville Island is a great place to explore on your own, but it’s also a great place to go on guided tours. Here are two popular tours on Granville Island:

Granville Island By Bike

This bike tour is a great way to explore Granville Island and its nearby neighborhoods while getting some exercise in the process! You will be able to visit all of the attractions on Granville Island and get to know the locals while pedaling through some of Vancouver’s most beautiful scenery. The tour will also take you through some of Vancouver’s famous parks and beaches as well as offer stunning views of False Creek and the North Shore Mountains.

Granville Island Food Tour

If you’re looking to experience some of Granville Island’s best eats, then this food tour is for you! You will get to sample some of Vancouver’s best dishes at local eateries while learning about the history of Granville Island and its culture. The tour includes tastings at some of Granville Islands top restaurants as well as visits to some of its unique shops and boutiques.

Conclusion

Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions due to its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Granville Island. The island also has many guided tours available including bike tours, food tours and more. So if you’re looking for something fun to do while visiting Vancouver, be sure to check out Granville Island!