How to Catch the Ferry to Granville Island, Vancouver

Situated on False Creek, the neighbourhood peninsula of Granville Island is a popular and bustling space that comprises a fantastic public market, multiple shopping venues, arts studios and galleries, and heaps of small bistros and cafes.

Whether you’re heading to the island for an afternoon, day or weekend, we definitely recommend a visit here if you’re spending time in Vancouver’s city centre.

The island boasts a public market which offers fresh produce, artisan delicatessen and delicious freshly baked goods. Visiting family, we joined the long queue for Lee’s doughnuts, which is my dad’s favourite reason to head to the island.

Situated under the Granville Street Bridge, there is a road that connects the peninsula to Vancouver’s downtown, meaning there are multiple ways to access the island, whether it’s catching the bus, driving, cycling or walking on from it’s southern neighbourhood.

However, due to it’s location on the water, you can also catch a ferry to the island from multiple locations along False Creek. Catching the ferry to Granville makes for a really nice day out, especially if you tie in another area of the city you’d like to explore, whether that be Kitsilano Beach to the west or the Olympic village to the east.

Where can I catch the ferry?

There are two ferry companies that operate along False Creek, Aquabus and False Creek Ferries, both of which feature small, charming little boats that shuttle along the water and are impossible to miss. See both of the spots of where to catch the ferry (2022) below.

For operating hours, the ferries typically run from 7am, the last ferries departing around 8-9pm, although some locations have differing closing hours. Check their sites, links below, for up to date operating hours.

Photo: False Creek Ferries

Photo: Aquabus

How often do the ferries run?

Both companies state that it can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes for a ferry to arrive in the locations listed above, so head to the closest dock and you shouldn’t be waiting longer than 15 minutes. In terms of the time of the year, the ferries run year round, with Vancouver being the anomaly of your stereotypical Canadian winter, enjoying mild climates for most of the year.

Accessibility

If you’re a wheelchair user, look out for the Aquabus ferries, as over half their fleet is wheelchair accessible (although this may mean you may have to wait longer for an accessible ferry to pass). Only those with collapsible wheelchairs can ride the False Creek ferries, but strollers are allowed on both for parents with young ones hoping to head on, and your dog can also tag along provided they are on a leash!

The sweet little ferries can be seen meandering down the creek and are impossible to miss. The ferries drop off and pick up point is at the north western side of the island, right next to the Public Market and it’s adjacent courtyard.

How much is the ferry?

Riding both ferries on a one-time journey will cost you anywhere from $3.50-$7 per way for adults and $2.25- $5.00 per child, depending on where you’re picked up, and offer a slight discount for a return ticket. False Creek Ferries also offer an all-day ferry pass (hop on/ hop off style) if Granville Island isn’t the only place you’d like to see along the water.

If you’re staying in Van for a longer amount of time, and are looking to take the ferry more often, there are also commuter tickets, and monthly and annual passes to consider. Take a look at up to date pricing for for both False Creek Ferries here, and Aquabus here.

Although cash is accepted, payment by card is preferable!

What to Do on Granville Island

Once you’ve arrived on the island, there is so much to do depending on your interests, whether you’ve come to enjoy a meal, be entertained, shop, explore the outdoor space or learn a bit more about the region’s history.

For foodies, the Public Market is a great place to start as they have tons of produce that will give you some amazing inspiration for whipping up a masterpiece at home. If you’re in the mood to try something new, there are loads of restaurants, cafes and bistros to tuck into, so have a walk around the island to see where you fancy.

For shoppers, you’ll have your pick of local, handcrafted and artisanal goods whether it’s in homeware, furniture, fashion or jewellery. Once you’ve meandered around the Railspur District or the Net Loft and had your pick, consider one of the happy hours that take place on the island or duck into the distillery.

For history buffs, there are loads of historical ties in the island’s architecture and industrial past, and within it’s indigenous galleries and spaces.

For lovers of art, there are galleries and studios all across the island that feature really distinct pieces of art, crafts, handmade goods, all of which celebrate Canadian artists. There are quite a few theatre companies that put on productions, buskers who regularly perform on the streets, and the island even features a Fringe Festival once a year (inspired from Edinburgh).

For outdoorsy folk, the island also has a sea wall, similar to Stanley Park’s, that hosts a path that meanders along the waterfront, offering awesome views of the city.

For families, the island is particularly good to bring the kids to as they have loads of activities for kids including their Kids Market and Water Park.

If you need some inspiration and like to know before you go, head to the Granville Island Website, which offers awesome and specific ideas on what they recommend doing based on the time of year and where your interests lie. For updated seasonal hours of the public market, check them out here.

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If you’re visiting Vancouver, making the half day trip out to Granville Island is a great shout, and catching the ferry is one of the easier and more interesting ways to get there, truly making the most out of your visit.

Happy Travels,
Sam

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