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Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most well-known tourist attractions. Visitors from all over the world come to Granville Island to explore its famous public market, enjoy the beautiful views of False Creek and shop at the many artisan stores.
As a local who grew up in Vancouver, I wasn’t aware of the rich history of Granville Island until I took a food tour of the public market. I learned so much and would highly recommend booking one. Here are some of my favourite things to do on Granville Island.
For some inspiration on things to do in Vancouver, click here.
EXPLORE THE PUBLIC MARKET
There are so many things to taste at the Granville Island Public Market! Whether you’re looking for artisan foods or need to do some grocery shopping, it is a foodie’s paradise. Some highlights include Oyama Sausage, Lee’s Donuts and Sen Pad Thai. Fun fact: the JJ Bean at Granville Island is also first location ever! If you’re eating in the outdoor areas of the Public Market, beware of aggressive swooping seagulls who will steal the food right out of your hands. If you’re looking for a guided tour, I’d highly recommend Vancouver Foodie Tours.
TASTE ARTISAN SAKE
Artisan SakeMaker on Granville Island produces handcrafted sake with 100% Canadian ingredients. At their tasting room, you can try a selection of different sake with traditional Japanese snacks, such as Takoyaki and chicken karaage. In the summertime, their patio is a great place to sip on beverages and people watch. The staff here are always so friendly and welcoming!
RIDE THE AQUABUS
Granville Island offers beautiful views of False Creek and what better way to see them from the water? This ferry service stops at multiple locations in False Creek, including Yaletown, and David Lam Park. It’s an easy and affordable way to get around. You can find the Granville Island dock behind the Granville Island Public Market. The Aquabus is easily recognizable due to its rainbow coloured exterior, you won’t miss it!
TAKE A MACARON MAKING WORKSHOP
Bon Macaron Patisserie is one of the more well-known food vendors at the Public Market, but did you know they also have a workshop space on Granville Island? You can take hands-on workshops to learn how to make macarons alongside their chefs. The best part is you can taste savoury macarons paired with drinks such as champagne throughout the workshop.
SOAK AT CIRCLE WELLNESS SPA
Indulge in some self care at Circle Wellness, which moved to a newer and bigger location on Granville Island in 2023. You can choose from a 90-minute or 120-minute session. It is a completely private experience and that you experience the circuit at your own pace. The circuit starts with a shower and a relaxing soak in the cedar tub, followed by a cold plunge and sauna.
Location: 1297 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9. Click here for the map.
FEAST ON MEXICAN FOOD AT ALIMENTARIA MEXCIANA
It’s always a fun time dining at Alimentaria Mexicana! I love that they use traditional Mexican techniques to prepare their food. There are dishes and ingredients on the menu that I haven’t seen at many other Mexican restaurants in Vancouver, including Grilled Cactus and Huitlacoche. Sadly I don’t have any photos from my previous dining experiences, only videos for an IG reel I created here.
EAT PASTRIES FROM A BREAD AFFAIR
I love the pastries at A Bread Affair! This organic artisan bakery crafts their bread fresh every day. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to try their freshly baked goods, including kouign amanns, croissants and scones, and they’ve always been delicious. These treats are worth taking lactaids for.
GO ON A CHOCOLATE TASTING TOUR
Have you ever experienced durian flavoured chocolate? I hadn’t until I visited Kasama Chocolate, an award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate maker. At their storefront on Granville Island, you’re able to taste their unique chocolates and learn about how the chocolate is made.
PLAY GAMES AT THE ARCADE
I am fully aware that the arcade at the Adventure Zone is for children, but this is actually one of my favourite things to do on Granville Island! The Adventure Zone has a playground and old school arcade games like skeeball with tickets for you to exchange for small prizes. The arcade is small, but I love it and still have lots of fun here.
