Discover the artistic ambiance of Granville Island. Once an industrial area, Granville Island received a makeover in the 1970s and is today one of Vancouver’s most-loved cultural districts. Replacing the one-time scruffy factories and warehouses are artisan studios, markets, performing arts venues, bars and restaurants. Find attractions for everyone from art enthusiasts to beer lovers and children in this urban oasis beneath a bridge.

Purchase food fresh from the source at Granville Island Public Market. Browse the stands of bakers, butchers, cheesemakers and greengrocers, shop for handicrafts and watch street performers. Enjoy the playground, toy stores and video arcade with your children at the Kids Market. Observe workers doing boat repair at the Maritime Market and Marina.

Gain insights into the lives and work of the island’s artisans inside the galleries, glassblowing workshops and jewelers’ studios of Railspur Alley. Examine exhibits by local artists at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. See First Nations art at Eagle Spirit Gallery, Inuit statues and prints at Inukshuk Gallery and Zimbabwean sculptures at Ukama Gallery.

Tour Granville Island Brewery and sample award-winning craft beers. Learn about the creation of hand-crafted gin, vodka and whiskey at The Liberty Distillery. Savor fresh seafood and locally sourced seasonal ingredients at the island’s varied dining options. Choose from bistros, brewpubs, organic coffeehouses and steakhouses.

Attend comedy shows at the Vancouver TheatreSports™ League and dance, music and other events at the Waterfront Theatre. Be part of boat, book, food and music festivals at the Ocean Art Works pavilion and Performance Works venue. Relax on the tree-shaded lawns of waterfront Sutcliffe Park. Have fun with the family at Granville Island Water Park, which features fountains, slides and sprays.

Granville Island is a short bus ride away from Downtown Vancouver. Alternatively, get here via False Creek Ferries or the Aquabus, which stop at several destinations around False Creek. Extend your fun with a self-guided tour of English Bay on a rented Jet Ski, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.