There’s a reasons 10 million+ people visit this place each year
It’s no exaggeration to say that our business is built on love for Granville Island. As one of Vancouver’s most iconic neighborhoods, it’s very near to our hearts, and the hearts of our customers. One of the most common reasons people order local gift baskets from us is because they visited friends, family, or colleagues living in greater Vancouver. And they never forgot their stop in Granville Island, so they want to give special, quality mementos from the neighborhood.
Anyway, this post is an unabashed love letter to the place that gives us our name. What exactly makes Granville Island the iconic, unforgettable place it is? Why do over 10 million people visit it each year, making it one of the most toured destinations in Canada?
Well…how about:
The Public Market
This bustling, colourful market regularly hosts over a hundred vendors. Think: fresh, local, artisanal, and eclectic. You can get organic produce, local seafood, meats, prepared foods for on-site dining, and beautiful crafts. We especially recommend charcuterie from Oyama Sausage, local cheeses from Benton Brothers Fine Cheese, and honey dip donuts from Lee’s Donuts!
Courtyard Busking
The courtyard by the Public Market frequently features busking by talented local Vancouver performers. There’s nothing quite like live music out in a public space to connect you to the magic of a city.
Granville Island Brewing
Vancouver is full of breweries—West Coasters love their craft beer—but Granville Island Brewing holds historic significance as Canada’s first microbrewery. It’s a great place to tour and enjoy a flight of local Vancouver beers. We recommend their Northwest Pale Ale.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Granville Island is famous for its restaurants, many of which emphasize farm to table cuisine. This is West Coast dining at its freshest and most local. That’s why our sister company, Vancouver Foodie Tours, focuses a large part of its award-winning food tour experience on Granville Island establishments.
Granville Island Water Park
Did you know that North America’s largest free water park is in the neighborhood? There are water pipes, fire hydrants, sprays, and a truly fun and very large slide. This is a wonderful place to bring the kids during the summer months. (Note that it opens after Victoria Day and closes after Labour Day.)
Arts, Arts, Arts
Granville Island is home to many artisans and a number of local theatres, so it’s fair to say the neighborhood has an artsy flavour. This is a place where you can see a theatrical production, attend a festival, or visit artists’ studios. (Ever seen a glass-blower do their thing? Pretty mind-blowing!)
So…have you been to Granville Island? Hoping to go someday? Whatever the case—whether you’re reminiscing or dreaming—you can always get a little taste of the neighborhood with our Vancouver gift baskets. Just so you know, these are the most “Granville Island” of our Granville Island local gift baskets:
Deluxe Charcuterie and Cheese Box
Here’s to one of Vancouver’s most deservedly iconic destinations! We’re so proud of this place, and the many local makers who have given it its colourful, lively, and resilient culture.