From our hotel in downtown Vancouver, we decided to head to the Granville Island Public Market on foot, crossing the waterway by boat. It was a good 15-20 minute walk (downhill mostly) on the main city streets, and it was a good way to get our bearings and to take in some of downtown. The city immediately reminded me of BOTH Sydney and Melbourne, with a really relaxed vibe. Apartments downtown had an almost charming feature where highrises were surrounded by townhouses, leaving lots of space, light and air around the towers. It gave the city an airier feel, and I am sure most of the apartments had wonderful views.
The waterfront was just downright beautiful and very picturesque… Everything seemed so clean, ordered, planned and people and animal friendly. It helped that the weather that day was SPECTACULAR with crystal blue skies and temperatures in the 60’s or so. A waterfront park had grassy fields and lots of pedestrian walkways to take in the views and work off a sweat. We just wanted to work up an appetite for the early brunch we planned to eat at the market.
Waterfront apartments and lots of sail and powerboats moored at the marinas…
…more sailboats and one of MANY yoga studios in town, as if they weren’t all relaxed to begin with. :)
Waterfront parks and esplanades for public use…
…the Granville Island Public Market across the waterway…
…a kinetic or moving sculpture…
…and the cute little aquabus that takes you across for $4 or so for the 5 minute crossing. It was like a little toy boat — can’t imagine crossing the Pasig River in one. :)
Note: Last two photos taken by Mrs. MM.
12 Responses
I miss vancouver!!!! That’s where i stayed last year!! i love the granville market, aquabus…there’s a restaurant there Monk’s mcqueen , i think. good food! i love stephos, las margaritas, and that japanese sushi resto on richards. i love Vancouver
Hi MM! Nice post. I suppose you’ll have a post about the market in Granville? It’s a really nice one. Didn’t you see any rowing team practicing? Love Granville too.
lovely reasons to visit Vancouver…Thanks, MM.
The oyster fritters at Granville Market are the best! I used to go there a lot during my office lunch break. Your pictures bring back lots of happy memories!
and on Day 2 of our Vancouver stay, we went to Granville Island on foot and by aquabus, too!!! we picked that day because it was a Thursday and they had their farmer’s market then. you had a glorious sunny day though and we had a grey and drizzling one.
can’t wait for what you’ll post next! :)
That whole area near the waterfront where the tall condominiums and walkways are located was the former World Expo 86 site. It was purchased and developed by a well known Hongkong land developer Li Ka Shing. It was a controversial land sale because the critics said it could’ve been sold for a lot more money if sold in parcels to different developers. But it turns out a lot better the former way. With one developer the whole area called Expo land was beautifully developed with lots of green spaces and pedestrian walkways amidst the tall condo towers.
Granville Island public market is my goto place to relax. It’s just awesome being able to buy foodstuff from the market and have a picnic in the open area, enjoying the view and the performance of buskers. I’m glad you were able to visit it.
You’ve enumerated some of the reasons why we love this city and have now adopted it as our permanent home. Although expensive, we are fortunate to be living in this beautiful and welcoming city. Just don’t come to town when the Canucks are playing and losing in the Stanley Cup finals …..:-(
Cheers!
Excited to see your next post on Granville. It’s one of my favorite places to visit when I’m there.
Lovely Pictures.
armando’s meat!
A few years back when we visited Vancouver, my cousin also brought us here to Granville Island Public market riding the Aquabus from the Science Center.We met her hubby there for a steak lunch—forgot the name of the restaurant. Now, seeing these pictures brought back good memories of that day. Hope to visit Vancouver again in the near future.
Lovely photos Mr & Mrs MM! I second La Emperor’s comment. Indeed we are blessed to be living here. Thank you for showcasing Beautiful British Columbia! We’re looking forward to your next visit. Keep well . . .