Vancouver
Granville Island
A dozen places in one and an oasis in the heart of Vancouver. Take a water ferry (a deal) from the downtown core across False Creek to Granville Island and schedule the trip around a meal. Then the kids can explore and run around the island.
Duck Pond
- The duck pond is always a big hit with toddlers. Lovely emerald-headed ducks chugging around the pond, always ready to be fed. Next to the pond, your little one can take the wheel of the S.S. Tupper, a brightly colored wooden boat.
Water Park & Sutcliff Park
- Open in the summer months is a free water park, complete with a giant water slide and water play area. Next to the water park, Sutcliff Park has grassy areas, picnic tables, playground with climbing structures, and a nice long promenade where you can stretch your legs.
Farmers Market
- In Triangle Square, every Thursday 10am - 3pm is the Granville Island farmers market with local fruits and vegetables, fresh breads, and more. June to end of September.
Street performers
- Except in the case of a monsoon or snow storm, there are always street performers all over Granville Island, from classical violinists to jugglers to martial arts displays.
Take a boat ride on False Creek
- Take a charming pint-sized boat for a ride around False Creek. The rainbow-colored
Aquabus
goes to and from Hornby St. (downtown) to Granville Island, with stops around False Creek and Science World. The
Water Ferry
goes to and from the Aquatic Center on Beach St., to the Maritime Museum at Vanier Park, and down False Creek to the Science Center. The round trip around False Creek is about 25 min.
Fun Food
The
Public Market
is a "must stop" any time of day - breakfast, lunch or dinner, snacks any time. Choose from a wide variety of dining options - fish and chips, crepes, curries, Japanese, vegetarian, pizza, sandwiches, bagels, ice cream and candies. Stock up for all your picnic supplies and shop for fresh fruits (cherries, peaches, berries, apples) from the bounty of the Okanagan Valley.
Shopping
The
Kids Market
is a building devoted to nothing but kids stuff
Check out the toddler play areas, clothes, games and toys shops
.
Buy kites to fly at Vanier park.
Crafts shops
- While there is a great range of shops on Granville Island, what makes it really special are all the crafts people: peek in one window and you'll see potters spinning their wheels, a blacksmith at work, a luthier making a new lute, or a boatwright building a new canoe.
