Granville Island Markets

We have been going to Granville Island Markets a lot to buy fresh produce and survey the mouth watering bakeries and gourmet foods. And also to sit and enjoy the passing parade of people-both local and visitors- and a variety of street performers.
Located between the two main bridges of Granville and Burrard Street, the view across the Creek and up to English Bay is lovely.

The markets are a short ferry trip from our apartment across False Creek and are busy every day, but especially on the weekend. Crowds sit out in the sun eating their food, drinking coffee, and listening to the variety of buskers and street performers who entertain on a rotation each day. There is a fresh produce market hall, all under cover, where you can buy organic meat, fruit and vegetables, fresh French bread, a vast selction of cakes and treats, burgers, gourmet delicacies from British Columbia, salmon and seafood, hand made jewellery, artwork, photography…

Around the Public Market are many sheds and buildings that house artists studios and gallery spaces, gifts and clothing. There is a theatre there and there are a couple of micro breweries. There is also a ship building yard, a marina, a dock for working fishing boats, and restaurants, bars and cafes. There is always something different to see and do and it is just a great place to shop, eat, wander and relax.
The local fishing coop has an outlet for fresh fish and chips down by the fishing boat harbour. We haven’t tried it yet but there are often cues around the building. The food is supplied in bamboo baskets and there are plenty of lovely spots to perch and take in the views.

Gardens and Flowers in Vancouver:
With “summer” in full swing in Vancouver city the parks and gardens are filled with bright colour and green trees. There has been a lot of effort put into making many green spaces amongst the hi-rise and city buildings. The flowers are amazing with bright purple Lobillia and pink, purple, red and yellow Begonias everywhere.
People also take pride in their small apartment street frontages, with many people planting their own flower gardens even in the pavements and street round-a-bouts.
It would be nice to see more of this in Sydney’s city areas.