Thing to do
Canada Place
Built for Expo 86 under white fabric sails on Burrard Inlet, Canada Place combines a cruise terminal, convention centre and a public promenade with harbour views.
Granville Island Public Market
Opened in 1979 in a converted industrial building, Granville Island's indoor Public Market has around 50 vendors selling seafood, produce, baked goods and international food.
At a glance
- Type
- Food market
- Area
- Granville Island, Vancouver, Canada
- Opening
- Open daily · 09:00–18:00
- Official site
- granvilleisland.com
Good to know
- Indoor market
- Outdoor seating
- Early coffee from 7:30am
- Open daily
Why we recommend it
Granville Island sits on the south side of False Creek, and its Public Market is the reason most visitors come. The island itself was reclaimed in 1915 as an industrial zone, first known as Industrial Island, and by 1923 almost every lot was taken by factories in corrugated-tin buildings. From 1972 the federal government, through the housing agency CMHC, took over its management and invested heavily in turning it into a public place for markets, arts and theatre.
The Public Market opened in 1979 in a converted 50,000 sq ft building, set up so that farmers and food producers could sell straight to customers. It is enclosed and runs all year, with about 50 vendors selling fresh seafood, meat, cheese, produce, baked goods, local staples and deli and international food. The market calls itself the jewel in the island's crown. Outside, a large eating area looks across the water towards downtown. Unusually, you may drink alcohol bought from market merchants, or brought with you, inside the market and its courtyard.
The market is open every day from 9am to 6pm. Early risers can get coffee from 7:30am at Blue Parrot and JJ Bean, and from 8:30am at Petit Ami. It closes on 25 and 26 December and 1 January, and on Mondays in January for annual maintenance, but stays open on other public holidays.
Leave time to explore the rest of the island. Ocean Concrete, its longest-standing tenant since 1917, has silos painted in 2014 by the artists OSGEMEOS as the mural Giants. Granville Island Brewing was founded here in 1984 and still brews small batches on the island, with tastings and tours. Theatres include the Arts Club Theatre Company, Carousel Theatre and Vancouver Theatre Sports League, and there is a separate Kids Market for children.
The most enjoyable way to arrive is by water. The small Aquabus and False Creek Ferries boats cross from downtown, Yaletown, the West End and Vanier Park. Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses also stop on the island, and a road bridge at the south end links it with the mainland. Combine a market lunch with a walk along the False Creek seawall.
Granville Island Public Market FAQs
What are the Public Market's opening hours?
Daily from 9am to 6pm. Some coffee stalls open earlier, from 7:30am.
When is the market closed?
On 25 and 26 December, 1 January and Mondays in January for maintenance.
How many vendors are there?
About 50, selling seafood, meat, cheese, produce, baked goods and international food.
When did the market open?
In 1979, in a converted industrial building of 50,000 sq ft.
Can you drink alcohol in the market?
Yes. Alcohol bought from merchants or brought with you may be drunk in the market and its courtyard.
How do you get to Granville Island?
By the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries from downtown, Yaletown, the West End or Vanier Park, or by road over the bridge at the south end.
Is there seating?
Yes, there is a large outdoor eating area facing downtown.
Is there anything for children?
Yes. The island has a separate Kids Market.