Granville Island is a wonderful place and a must visit for any tourist to Vancouver. It is considered part of downtown Vancouver near areas such as Gastown, Chinatown, West End, Stanley Park, Canada Place and Robson Street. They are all within a few kilometers of the corners of Georgia and Granville streets which is the centre of the downtown core of Vancouver.

To easily locate Granville Island just go to the south end of the Granville Street Bridge and Granville Island is right under it. Just cross the Burrard Street Bridge heading south in direction, and then turn left at 2nd Avenue. Important to note tha the Public Market is closed on Mondays from Thanksgiving to Victoria Day, but pretty much all the craft shops and Kids Only Market are open every day of the week.

Granville Island’s location is near two of Vancouver main city bridges, at the place where English Bay becomes False Creek, it is an area that is always hustling and bustling. You can catch great views of the water from any point along its perimeter which makes this island a truly a unique place in Vancouver.

Granville Island today is now a sophisticated area containing the performing arts and education center, artists studios, workshops, art galleries and a wonderful public market has a wide array of fresh food in the Lower Mainland. In addition Granville Island is a great place to dine and place to meet your friends, eat and spend some time in a safe and relaxing environment.

As you look out on to the island, there are various marinas that have working fishing vessels and not to mention luxurious hi-tech personal pleasure craft and yachts and there is also a cement plant / factory that offers visually a unique contrast to its surroundings. Looking around you will also view the False Creek condo towers with marinas at the base of the condominiums which kinda looks like you are in Miami.

Activity:
There is a lot to see and do on Granville Island, you can shop for fresh vegetables, fruit, and seafood, grab a great cup of coffee at one of many unique coffe shops, buy flowers for your girlfriend or wife, or shop at the quaint shops. There is also a multitude of wonderful restaurants, artist’s workshops and Granville Island is located in a very picturesque spot, False Creek, so if you like taking pictures you can do that too. If browsing around markets is not your thing, you can picturesque walk around the seawall which goes along False Creek, and offers up a amazing views both of the city and mountains.

If you have kids your kids will enjoy The Kids Only Market (1496 Cartwright) where there is full of activities and things for your kids to do. There are toys, clothes, and video games, plus two playgrounds. One of playground has a water park and water slide which is open during the summer months. Your child can find many attractions including the Kid’s Market, a waterpark and playground, a Floating Village of houseboats and little bright coloured ferries taking people back and forth among points on the waterfronts.

Be aware that Granville Island can get very busy, mainly during the tourist season. If you don’t like crowds, the large amount of people might be a discouragement and parking can be quite difficult to find, but if you are persistent you will get a spot, because there are always people leaving.

History

Robson Street was named after John Robson who was the Premier of British Columbia starting from 1889 to 1892. Back in 1895 there used to be train tracks along Robson street because it was a trading and commercial area and eventually all types of small shops were set up by merchants to service Vancouver’s fast growing population.

After World War II Robson Street was known as “Robsonstrasse” which represented the European shopkeepers influence. The store owners ran small delicatessens, patisseries, and chic clothing boutiques that lined Robson street.  Over the next 100 years Robson Street’s popularity and character continued to evolve.

Robson Street is now Vancouver’s most famous shopping street right n the middle of downtown Vancouver. It’s a three block stretch between Burrard and Jervis street you will a great mixture of shops and restaurants which has become even more pronounced and more appealing in the last 20 years and today locals and tourist alike can find along Robson and its side streets, restaurants for fine dining, premier fashion brand stores and services. Also Robson Street is a great place to sit outside have a coffee and ‘people watch’ as the locals and tourist goes shopping and hangout on the street.

During the evenings Robson street and surrounding areas liven’s up with colorful buskers and performers. Both locals and tourist enjoy drinks and fine foods at some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Robson street is renowned both on a worldwide level and locally as it remains a favorite shopping destination for locals and well as foreign visitors. Robson Street is must see if you ever visit Vancouver’s downtown area.

Getting there

• By bus Direct Service by #5 Robson/Downtown
• By Skytrain Robson Street is located 2 blocks south of Burrard Street Skytrain Station