Granville Island

One of my favourite hangouts in Vancouver is Granville Island, an old industrial terrain along False Creek whose old factory buildings have successfully been renovated and now house artisan studios, arts and crafts shops, restaurants, cafes and theatres. On a sunny day it's a great place to sit on a waterfront terrace with a glass of wine listening to one of the many street artists and people-watching.

What draws me to Granville almost every week is the Granville Island Public Market, a food-lovers paradise with a fantastic assortment of stalls selling fresh local produce, seafood, meats, baked goods as well as international and exotic treats. Buskers are a regular fixture in and around the building and provide entertainment to the visitors. If you want to take your time and enjoy the market, come on a weekday when it's nice and quiet.

                        
                       

The market is not just a great place to buy food but also to taste it. There are many dining options on Granville Island, you can grab a bite from the small international food court inside the market or dine at a hip waterfront cafe or at a stylish restaurant. The choice is yours. 'Go Fish', a short walk along the seawall from the Granville Island entrance, is a popular seafood shack and is known as the city's best fish and chip joint. Their fish tacos, tuna sandwiches and daily specials - brought in by the local fishing boats - are also very tasty.

The highlight of my visit to Granville Island is the 15-minute ferry ride on the Aquabus back to Yaletown. Rain or shine, the ride along False Creek is always a pleasure and the ever changing light reflects on the high rise apartment buildings. Vancouver is just beautiful!