Knotty Toys

Knotty Toys is a small specialty toy shop on Granville Island that focuses on wooden toys, handcrafted items, and unique finds you won't see at chain stores. The store has a warm, artisan feel that fits right in with Granville Island's maker culture.

The selection leans heavily toward natural materials — wooden vehicles, animals, puzzles, and building blocks. You'll also find puppets, music instruments for kids, and arts and crafts supplies. Everything is displayed at kid-accessible height, so children can pick things up, feel the textures, and play. It's a tactile, screen-free shopping experience that parents appreciate.

The store is compact but stroller-friendly, with a single open floor plan. Being on Granville Island means you're steps from the Kids Market, the Public Market, and the waterfront — making it easy to include in a longer Granville Island outing. Public restrooms with changing tables are available nearby in the Public Market building.

Granville Island is one of Vancouver's top family destinations, but it gets packed on weekends, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot for a relaxed visit. If you're driving, the island has paid parking lots, but they fill up fast. The Aquabus ferry from False Creek is a fun alternative that kids love.