Interactive Metro Vancouver

Where else in the world can rusty tin-sided factories boast rebirth as a Public Market, an art school, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, a hotel, and a great deal more?

It's a remarkable thing, this island in the middle of a city of two million. Embracing the surrounding metropolitan bustle, Granville Island's ambiance is matchless; its gritty, industrial past is proudly displayed in today's people-friendly, artistic, and energetic incarnation.

False Creek in the 1920s was the sawmilling hub of British Columbia's south coast, but the first tenants of Granville Island tended toward newer secondary industries serving the forest, mining, construction, and shipping sectors.

At its height in 1930, 1,200 workers were employed on the Island. Most of the workers arrived at work by streetcar.

In the 1950s, two plans emerged to solve the Islands economic decline: the first proposed to replace old heavy industry with new; the second sought to return public access to the waterfront.

After many lengthy discussions, disputes, evictions, and arguments, city officials finally set the course for the future: transform the site into a people-friendly place with various uses, from parkland to housing to public exhibition space.

This was done in the 1970s.

Granville Island Market offers a variety of entertainment, produce, views and seafood. You can fresh fruit, vegitables, and seafood. Or spend the day watching some of the live music, or other entertainers that wish to please. If you prefer the quiet, then you can sit on the pier and watch the sun set on downtown.