Creative Community Spotlight: Granville Island

November 9, 2017

Sharing the gift of creativity this holiday season? Visit Granville Island to find your favourite art supplies & gifts at Opus and shop from local artists and artisans, too!

Granville Island is truly the one-stop-destination for all things magical, particularly during the winter season. Offering a plentitude of fun activities, delicious foods, and artisanal shops, historic Granville Island contains everything people of all ages would need or want to prepare for and enjoy the holiday festivities while supporting local artists and businesses.


Click to download our Map of Granville Island

  1. Peppered with locally-crafted gifts and artisan stores, explore the Public Market, Maritime Market, and the Net Loft for Christmas shopping, delicious food, local art, and more!
  2. With Emily Carr University of Art + Design’s departure, additional parking has opened up on the Island, particularly near ECUAD’s former location, so you can find a parking space worry-free! Many spots offer FREE 3-Hour parking!
  3. Celebrate Winter Solstice at Granville Island! One of three lantern processions leaves from Granville Island’s Triangle Square at 6 pm and will meet up with the other two at the Water Park. Enjoy the Labyrinth of Light at Performance Works (PW), and other indoor events at the False Creek Community Centre (FCCC) from 6–9 pm, and then join the procession at 9:10pm to the Fire Finale in Ron Basford Park at 9:30 pm.
  4. Learn about the new winter brews from Granville Island Brewing, stop by for a tasting or brewery tour, or fill up a growler for the perfect holiday gift.
  5. Meet Santa Claus at the Kids Market when he arrives on December 2 at 11am! Then finish your visit with a walk through the market shops.
  6. Visit us at Opus Granville Island then take a stroll and view the many light displays down Railspur Alley and by the Public Market.
  7. Explore the artwork of professional, local artists during the FCA Members end-of-year exhibition, 365, on display until December 31 at the Federation Gallery.
  8. Pick up an advent calendar and some other sweet treats for the holidays at Rogers’ Chocolates.
  9. Looking to grab a bite? Check out Edible Canada for a local culinary experience. They also have gift baskets and a variety of Canadian-made gourmet food products, perfect for the foodie on your list.
  10. Grab your selfie-stick and check out the Vancouver Biennale mural Giants by OSGEMEOS at Ocean Concrete. A larger than life work of art that can’t be missed!

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Granville Island, or have been there more times than you can count the hairs on your paintbrush, there’s room for discovery in every twist and turn.

As you tour the island, be sure to stop by some of the many artist studios, and the shops and galleries that offer beautiful items by local artists and artisans, such as Ainsworth Custom Design, Craft Council of BC’s Shop & Gallery, the Crystal Ark, Malaspina Printmakers Gallery, the Gallery of BC Ceramics, The Granville Island Pet Treatery, Beadworks, Maiwa Supply, The Cloth Shop,Make Vancouver, and so many more – Granville Island is filled with local inspiration, holiday gifts, and creative materials!

Helpful Links:
Granville Island Hours, Map, and how to get to the Island.
Opus Granville Island Hours, Events, and Map to the store.