How long does it take to walk around Granville Island?

A thorough walk of the island’s main attractions takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes time to browse the Public Market and stop at artisan studios like the Broom Co.

Is Granville Island worth visiting for foodies?

Absolutely. The Public Market is home to over 50 local vendors, including famous spots like Lee's Donuts and Oyama Sausage, making it a premier culinary destination in Vancouver.

Can I see street art on Granville Island?

Yes, the most famous piece is 'The Giants' by OSGEMEOS, which covers six massive 70-foot concrete silos near the Ocean Concrete plant. There are also various smaller murals and sculptures scattered throughout Railspur Alley.

Is the Granville Island walking route accessible?

Yes, the route is mostly flat and stroller-friendly. While some side alleys have older pavement, the main paths and all major buildings like the Net Loft and Public Market are accessible to those with mobility concerns.

What is the best time of day to visit Granville Island?

Weekday mornings around 10:00 AM are ideal. You avoid the heavy weekend crowds but arrive late enough that all the artisan studios and the Public Market are fully open for business.

How do I get to Granville Island without a car?

The most scenic way is via the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries from downtown. Alternatively, you can take the #50 bus or walk across the Granville Street Bridge's pedestrian path.

Are there public restrooms on Granville Island?

Yes, there are large public restroom facilities located inside the Public Market and the Net Loft building, as well as near the Kids Market.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Granville Island is the beating heart of Vancouver’s creative and culinary scene, a peninsula that transformed from a gritty industrial manufacturing hub into a world-class destination for foodies and art lovers. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the island’s unique character at your own pace, moving from the sensory explosion of the Public Market to the quiet, leafy corners where local artisans keep ancient crafts alive. On this neighborhood stroll, you will discover why this former sandbar is the soul of the city, offering a blend of maritime heritage and modern artistic flair. Unlike a traditional guided tour Vancouver visitors might typically find, this audio walk gives you the freedom to linger over a artisan-made donut or watch a glassblower at work without a rigid schedule. You will start at the iconic Public Market, where the scent of fresh-baked bread and smoked salmon fills the air, before wandering into the Net Loft to see high-end Canadian crafts. As you weave through the island’s narrow alleys, you will encounter specialized shops like the Granville Island Broom Co, where traditional techniques are still used to create functional art. The route also highlights the island’s larger-than-life street art, specifically the massive 'Giants' mural on the concrete silos, which serves as a vibrant reminder of the island’s industrial roots meeting its colorful present. Whether you are looking for a walking tour Vancouver locals would recommend or a first-timer’s introduction to the city’s best flavors, this route captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Your journey concludes in the tranquil Ron Basford Park, offering a peaceful vantage point to watch the colorful Aquabuses zip across False Creek. This self-guided adventure is designed for those who want to see, smell, and taste the best of Vancouver while learning the stories behind the people who make this place so special. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Sample fresh local flavors at the Granville Island Public Market

Watch traditional broom-making at the Granville Island Broom Co

Discover high-end Indigenous art and crafts in the Net Loft

Marvel at the 'Giants' mural on the 70-foot concrete silos

Wander the artisan workshops and distilleries of Railspur Alley

Enjoy panoramic False Creek views from Ron Basford Park

Tour Stops (6)

Granville Island Public Market

Welcome to the Granville Island Public Market, the crown jewel of Vancouver’s food scene. Opened in 1979, this space was once a collection of industrial warehouses. Today, it hosts over 50 merchants selling everything from local cheeses to wild-caught salmon. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere—the bright colors of stacked produce and the hum of locals doing their daily shopping. Look for the famous Lee’s Donuts or the artisanal charcuterie at Oyama Sausage. This is the perfect place to grab a snack before you continue. Note that the market merchants can change, but the focus on high-quality, local ingredients remains constant. The market is as much a community hub as it is a shopping destination.

Net Loft

Just across the street from the market is the Net Loft, easily recognizable by its bright blue exterior. This building historically housed the nets of the local fishing fleet, but today it is a sanctuary for stationery lovers, hat makers, and art collectors. Inside, you will find Circle Craft, a cooperative representing hundreds of BC artisans, and Paper-Ya, a shop dedicated to the beauty of paper. The Net Loft celebrates the 'slow' movement—handmade goods that tell a story. It’s a great place to find a unique souvenir that wasn't mass-produced. Keep an eye out for temporary pop-up galleries that often appear in the central corridors.

Granville Island Broom Co

As you walk toward the south side of the island, you’ll find one of its most unique residents: the Granville Island Broom Co. This family-run shop keeps the traditional craft of Shaker-style broom making alive. Step inside and you’ll likely smell the earthy scent of broomcorn, a type of sorghum used for the bristles. The artisans here use antique equipment to hand-tie each broom, creating functional tools that are also works of art. From tiny whisk brooms to 'Harry Potter' style besoms, the variety is incredible. It is a rare opportunity to see a pre-industrial craft thriving in the heart of a modern city.

Railspur Alley

Railspur Alley is the artistic backbone of the island. This narrow lane is lined with working studios where you can often peek through windows to see glassblowers, potters, and jewelers at work. The alley gets its name from the old train tracks that once moved materials through the industrial district. Today, the 'materials' are more likely to be botanical spirits at The Liberty Distillery or hand-carved cedar at the Indigenous art galleries nearby. The creative energy here is palpable. Because these are working studios, the displays and artists present change frequently, making every walk down Railspur Alley a slightly different experience.

OSGEMEOS Silos

Standing tall over the island are six massive concrete silos, part of the still-functioning Ocean Concrete plant. In 2014, as part of the Vancouver Biennale, Brazilian twin brothers known as OSGEMEOS transformed these 70-foot structures into 'The Giants.' These six brightly colored characters are painted in the brothers' signature style, bringing a whimsical, global perspective to the island’s industrial landscape. This mural is one of the largest public art projects in Vancouver’s history. It serves as a bridge between the island’s past as a concrete manufacturer and its future as a global cultural destination. The scale is truly best appreciated from the ground looking up.

Ron Basford Park

Your walk ends at Ron Basford Park, a hidden green oasis at the island’s eastern tip. Named after the federal minister who was instrumental in transforming Granville Island in the 1970s, this park offers a peaceful escape from the market's bustle. Take a seat on the grassy amphitheater and look out over False Creek. You’ll see the gleaming geodesic dome of Science World in the distance and the constant movement of the tiny, colorful ferries. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the blend of industry, art, and nature that makes Granville Island so unique to Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is the best way to see Granville Island because it allows you to explore the Public Market and artisan alleys at your own pace. This 90-120 minute route covers the main market, the Net Loft, and the famous 'Giants' silos.