The strolling and tasting, the patio buskers, the window shopping – Granville island is like a tiny amusement park in the summertime. Far from just a tourist destination, this artist community is as interesting for locals as it is for out of towner's. Spend a day exploring Granville Island and fall in love with Vancouver all over again. Here are 5 fun stops to make.
Edible Canada (1596 Johnston St.)
If you're looking for the perfect gift for a foodie friend, you'll likely find it at Edible Canada, where the very best of all things local, artisan and foodie are brought together under one roof. The merhandise ranges from cookbooks to creative jellies to salts named after local neighborhoods. It's all carefully selected to represent the very best of Vancouver. Window shopping here is a treat for the eyes.
Go Fish (1505 W. First Ave.)
Stop by this busy lunch spot for a stellar feed of fish and chips. Think thick battered cod or halibut, wedge-like fries, and creamy coleslaw, blue and white checkered tablecloths, and a chalkboard written menu. It's the quintessential west coat seafood experience. It's a tiny joint and if its lunchtime, you'll likely have to wait outside, but it'll be worth it.
Granville Island Hat Shop (4-1666 Johnston St.)
For thirty years, this place has "hatted the heads of Vancouver residents and visitors alike" with chapeaus ranging from vintage pillbox to sassy fedoras. Even if you don't wear hats, you'll likely leave here inspired to. If not, visit their blog and read up on how hats make a great tool for flirting, and how a great hat can hold the attention of a whole room.
Paper-Ya (1666 Johnston St.)
Stationery nerds will be able to spend hours walking around this shop. The drawers of stylized writing paper, varying notebooks, the paper seals an waxes, Paper-ya is a writers' dream shop. Created by two artists back in '86, Paper-ya celebrates the beauty in the small things, right down to envelopes.
Agro Cafe (1363 Railspur Alley)
Stop by the Agro cafe for some seriously delicious (fresh roasted, hand picked, sun-dried, organic) coffee. According to Huffington Post BC, it's one of the best cafe's in the city. Their house made vegan soups, paninis and tasty baked goods make great market-strolling lunch. Date sweetened chocolate banana muffins, anyone?
