Granville Island Public Market
Price
Free
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Granville Island is one of those places that makes you understand why people love Vancouver. Sitting on a small peninsula under the Granville Bridge, this former industrial area has been transformed into a hub of food, art, and family fun that somehow manages to feel authentic rather than touristy.
The Public Market is the anchor. Under one roof, you'll find over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, artisan cheese, baked goods, handmade chocolates, fresh seafood, and prepared foods from a dozen cuisines. Kids love the sample culture here — most vendors offer tastes, and a walk through the market doubles as a grazing lunch.
Lee's Donuts has been a market institution for decades, and the line is worth it. A Bread Affair, Siegel's Bagels, and the many fruit stands are all kid-approved.
Outside the market, Granville Island keeps delivering. The free outdoor playground near the water is one of the best in the city — big slides, climbing structures, and in summer, the adjacent sprinkler park keeps kids cool. Street performers set up along the waterfront, and you'll often catch live music, juggling, or magic shows.
The Kids Market is a separate building on the east side of the island, housed in a converted century-old paint factory. It's two levels of toy shops, a four-level indoor play structure, bumper cars, an arcade, and even a kids-only hair salon. It's a great rainy-day addition to your visit.
Art-minded families will appreciate the studios scattered around the island. Many are open to visitors, and kids can watch glassblowers, potters, and printmakers at work. There are also several small galleries and the Arts Umbrella, which offers drop-in art workshops for kids.
Getting there: parking on the island is limited and stressful, especially on weekends. The best approach is to take the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry — small passenger ferries that zip across False Creek from several downtown and Kitsilano docks. Kids love the boat ride, and it drops you right at the market.
If you do drive, park under the Granville Bridge or in the nearby neighborhood and walk in.
Granville Island is free to visit — you'll only spend money on food and shopping, and both are entirely up to you. It's easy to spend a full morning or afternoon here, especially if you combine the market, playground, and Kids Market. In summer, it's one of the most joyful places in the city.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for breathing room. Weekends are packed but lively. Summer afternoons mean the outdoor sprinkler park is running for kids.
Wait Times
No entry wait; individual food vendors may have 5-15 minute lines
Nearby Food
The market itself has dozens of food vendors including Lee's Donuts, A Bread Affair, Siegel's Bagels, and Stuart's Bakery. Go Fish is a 5-minute walk for the best fish and chips in the city. The Sandbar restaurant overlooks False Creek.
Why Kids Love It
Granville Island is like a treasure hunt for kids who love food. There are free samples everywhere — cheese, chocolate, fruit, bread — and most vendors are happy to hand little ones a taste. The market itself is a sensory overload in the best way: huge displays of colorful produce, fresh doughnuts being made on the spot, and fishmongers calling out their catch.
Beyond the market building, kids gravitate to the free outdoor playground with its huge slides and in summer, the sprinkler park by the water. The whole island has an artsy, creative vibe with street performers, art studios where kids can watch glassblowing and pottery, and the Kids Market across the island with toy shops and an indoor play area. It's the rare destination where every member of the family is genuinely entertained.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Park off-island and walk in — parking on Granville Island is a nightmare on weekends
- Take the Aquabus mini-ferry from Yaletown or the Seawall — it's cheap, quick, and kids love the boat ride
- Hit the market first, then let kids run at the playground — not the other way around
- The Kids Market is a separate building on the island's east side — budget time for it
- Lee's Donuts in the market are legendary — the line moves fast, and they're worth every minute
What to Bring
- A reusable shopping bag for market finds
- Cash for some of the smaller vendors
- Swimsuit and towel in summer for the sprinkler park
- An appetite — you'll want to try everything
- Stroller for toddlers (the island involves a lot of walking)
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free entry; budget $40-60 CAD (~$30-45 USD) for food and treats
Tips to Save
- Entry is always free.
- Buy fruit and pastries from market vendors instead of eating at sit-down restaurants.
- The outdoor playground is free.
- Take the mini-ferry from downtown for a fun, cheap arrival.