The peninusla was an industrial complex for years and years. It was loaded with factories, cranes, and a place you stay clear of. During the Second World War, the peninsula became the hub of Candian ship-building activity. Then when the war stopped, the little peninusla feel into disrepair. It was urban blight at it's best.

A few insightful city planners wanted to turn this area into the city's premier entertainment, art, and cultural center. It was an uphill battle. Who would pay for it? Who would clean it up? If you built it, would people really come? But they fought for their dream and the island was tranformed. Today it is one the best sucess stories for urban renewal in the world.

The best way to get to Granville island is to take the Aqua Bus. The ferry to the island departs at the foot of Hornby Street in Vancouver. The cost is only C$2. Aqua buses are small ferries that run every 5 minutes. When I was here, there were three ferries working the route. The ferries carry passengers, dogs, and bikes. The captains are young guys and very friendly and chatty. Part of the fun of Granville Island is getting there!

The island is a mix of theaters, galleries, yacht brokers, a first-class hotel, and the famous Granville Island Brewery. The Brewery does tours and I urge you, before you leave Vancouver, to try their honey beer. It's served all over the city.

There are two famous markets on the island. One is the farmers market, that is full of fresh produce and foods (see the seperate journal entry) and the Kids Only Market. The Kid's Only Market is full of fun things for kids. You can find books, games, toys, dolls, and unique kid's clothing. If you have kids, this a must-visit.

Spend time walking the island. There are tiny little alleys and side streets that hold wonderful surprises everywhere - little galleries, quaint shops, or even a train museum. Granville Island is a place for your senses. I was sitting near the water when I realized I was smelling some exotic Indian food from the food stall behind me, listening to a street performer singing a French folk song, tasting the fresh blueberry muffin in my mouth, feeling the warm Canadian sun on my back, and looking across the water and seeing the blue sky and the Vancouver skyline. This was truely sensory overload!

Granville Island is not to be missed. I can easily spend a full day here. The locals have embraced it, and tourists fall in love with it. Thank goodness for city planners with a vision!

My only regret is that I missed the artist lofts that were located right behind the market. Numerous local artists make and sell their crafts to the public during the day. They were closed by the time I got there, but from the outside they seemed amazing! It was probably for the best that they were closed since I can tell I would have spent a fortune in these one-of-a-kind galleries!

The highlight, for us, was the Granville Public Market, with some 45,000 square feet of space and 50 outlets offering you everything from dramatic floral bouquets and freshly baked bread, to gourmet cheeses, seafood, produce—and just about any other food you could imagine. Treats such as strawberries mounded high in their boxes and home-made candies tempt even the strongest of willpowers.

You can eat at the public market, pick up fixings for a picnic, or wander over to the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, where you can dine with food prepared by up and coming chefs. Other restaurants, such as the Chao Phraya Thai Restaurant, which features a delicious luncheon special for two, offer you even more dining options.

At Granville Island Museums, Inc., you’ll be able to enjoy three museums in one and view the vast collections at the Model Trains, Model Ships, as well as the Sport Fishing Museums.

With the largest free water park in North America, Granville Island is a treasure for children. The Kids Markets offers 20 outlets, playgrounds, and the Arts Umbrella for youth.

Art lovers will enjoy the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design, as well as the arts and craft center of Vancouver, with arts and crafts and artists and artisans in over 35 studios and galleries.

There are many more reasons to visit Granville Island—as the eight million visitors each year will bear witness to.

Reach Granville by car (3 hours free parking; pay parking in 4 garages); boat (3 hours free moorage); bus (BC Transit #50 and #51); ferry (two ferry companies) and taxi. Or, you could really give yourself a great workout, as we did, by taking the hefty hike from downtown Vancouver, over the bridge, and onto the Island. (We took the ferry back!) For more information, call 604-666-5784, or visit .