BC Highway-99 goes over False Creek on the Granville Bridge just as it goes into downtown Vancouver. If you could look below this bridge you would see a small island. Its name is Granville Island.

The island has an industrial past. Last time we were there a concrete batch plant, Ocean Concrete, and all its mixer trucks still existed on the island. All or nearly all of the rest of the industrial residents have left the island and their buildings have been or are being remodeled for commercial use.

The original draw to the island was industrial mainly because of its water access and proximity to Vancouver. In 1979 a transformation began on the island, it was the Granville Farmer’s Market. It created such massive flows of customers that other businesses such as restaurants were drawn to this unique location across False Creek from downtown Vancouver.

Since 1979 the customer traffic to the island has steadily increased. Today the island offers an interesting array of shopping opportunities and a variety of restaurants. There is also a water park for the kids.

Where is Granville Island?

Granville Island is most easily found by heading southwest on Howe Street in downtown Vancouver and crossing the Granville Bridge. At the south end of the bridge follow the signs, they will take you down under the bridge. The access to the Island is under the bridge as you can see in the photo.

At the south end of the bridge turn right (west) onto 4^th Avenue, go one block and turn right (north) onto Fir Street. Go 1 block and turn right on 3^rd Avenue. Go one block and take an easy left onto Anderson Street heading north. Anderson Street goes under the Granville Bridge and soon you will see the sign shown in the photo for “Granville Island.”

Once you are in sight of the “Granville Island” sign start slowing down and watching for pedestrians. Granville Island is a pedestrian friendly place with people everywhere. There is limited 3-hour free parking on the island and a couple of parking garages in the center of the island where you can pay to park longer.

The photo to the right shows one of the streets on the island. The island is not a driving place except for finding a parking place.

We suggest you set aside a day to discover Granville Island.

Recommended Attractions

Restaurants
See listings below
Lodging

Attractions

Museums
Granville Island Museum Co 1502 Duranleau Street (on the island) Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3W7 604-683-1939 http://www.modeltrainsmuseum.ca The museum on Granville Island is three museums in one. There is a model train	museum, a sport fishing museum, and a Model Ships Museum. They have historic and working displays and a gift shop with gifts for sport fisherman and model enthusiasts.
Parks & Gardens
Waterpark On Cartwright Street by the False Creek Community Center. A great place to give the kids a break. Open May thru September.
Visitor Information
CMHC Granville Island 1661 Duranleau Street, Second Floor Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3S3 (Duranleau Street is on Granville Island) 604-666-5784 http://www.granvilleisland.com PDF format map of Granville Island Map of Granville Island

Listed Attractions

We have not necessarily visited or recommend listed establishments

Restaurants

Beanstalk Bistro – 604-484-8288

1496 Cartwright St , Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3Y5

Bridges – 604-687-4400

1696 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H

The Cat’s Meow – 604-647-2287

1540 Old Bridge St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H

Dockside Restaurant – 604-685-7070

1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H

The Keg – 604-685-4735

1499 Anderson St, Vancouver, BC Canada

Market Grill – 604-689-1918

#104 – 1689 Johnston ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts – 604-734-4488

1505 2^nd Ave West, Vancouver, BC Canada

The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant – 604-669-9030

1535 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Restaurants – Ice Cream & Desserts

GI Gelato & Coffee House – 604-682-7865

#16 – 1535 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Restaurants – Pizza

Restaurants – Pubs

Granville Island Brewing Company – 604-687-2739

1441 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R7

Restaurants – Specialty

Curry2U – 604-662-7778

281 – 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

La Baguette et L’Echalotte Bakery – 604-684-1351

1680 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3S2

Gourmet Wok – 604-688-5581

#106 – 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Omi Japan – 604-685-8011

#110 – 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver BC Canada V6H 3R9

The Perogy Place – 604-893-8809

#150 – 1689 Johnston ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Stuart’s Bakery – 604-685-8816

#125 – 1689 Johnston ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Restaurants – Fast Foods

Celine’s Fish and Chips – 604-669-8650

#109 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Fraser Valley Salad Bar – 604-669-0727

#113 – 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Kaisereck Deli – 604-685-8810

#114 – 1689 Johnston ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3S2

La Tortilleria – 604-684-8220

#1145 – 1689 Johnston ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Phoenix Fast Food – Greek – 604-684-1714

#111 – 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Restaurants – Coffeehouse

Argo Café – 604-669-0724

1363 Railspur Alley, Vancouver, BC Canada

Blue Parrot Espresso Bar – 604-688-5127

#108 – 1689 Johnston ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Granville Island Tea Company – 604-683-7491

#117 – 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

J. J. Bean – 604-685-0613

#138 – 1689 Johnston ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Pedro’s Coffee House – 604-899-0741

1496 Cartwright ST, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3Y5

Petit Ami – 604-682-4044

235 – 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3R9

Lodging

Lodging – Hotels – (with room service)