Sunday at the Market

(Granville Island Market, Vancouver, BC)

Last week we went to a place where they were selling fish and shrimps directly "off" the docks. Today we had brunch at a waterfront restaurant and strolled the market looking at all the varieties of food available . For those that have never visited Vancouver will not know that Vancouver is on a peninsula surrounded my water on 3 sides. Most often you will need to travel over a bridge to arrive into the downtown area. Granville Island, is of course an island, in False Creek nearly directly beneath the Granville Street Bridge



False Creek is actually an inlet and we have a passenger ferry system which can transport you along many stops as far east as Science World. The most populace areas of the city are located in Kitsilano and the West End, and they are just a short ferry ride over to the other side.



There is a very large public market and public pier on the Island. Whilst it is not summer there are fewer people out exploring, but many are enjoying a day without rain or enjoying some food and beverage from a multitude of fast food vendors scattered around the area. You have a choice of foods from around the world; greek, oriental, japanese, thai to name a few, or the good old standby of burger and fries.



These docks are for those who arrive by water. Rather empty this time of year. If you look through the bridge you will see the former site of Expo 1986, which is now bustling with new development and condominiums. There is a walking & bicycle path around the whole inlet which will take you from the West End (and English Bay) to nearly the University of British Columbia campus on the far Western region of the city.



Last week we were able to purchase directly off the pier. Today the fish are laid out in rows of ice tempting you to make a purchase.



There are several fish vendors in the market. Actually there are vendors for nearly every possible combination of foods. You will be able to find food from anywhere around the world. Or even organic vegetables if that is your desire


(Organic tomatoes)


(deli food)


(eat dessert first)

I think it would be a good idea to eat first before you wander the isles as there is just too many things to buy. Everything looks delicious



Then there is the bakery



and if you wander over to the other side you will see this



and here is a place which only sells pies. You can buy a piece to have now, or a whole pie to take home. They also sell completely finished pies ready for the oven so you could take it home and bring home the freshly baked oven smells of fine home baking.



There are several bakeries to choose from, each specializing in their own signature dishes



This is a one stop shopping destination. Vegetables, fruits, baked goods, herbs, you name it and you will surely find what you are looking for. Granville island is a collection of buildings, clothes, outdoor wear, handicrafts, brewery, Arts club, it's hard to imagine what they don't sell here.



If you are not of the adventurous sort, and you only want carrots or potatoes, they have those too



Granville Island, an oasis in the middle of False Creek. An Island like no other. Be sure to visit when you come to Vancouver