How to Plan Your Food Walking Tour of Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver

How to Plan Your Food Walking Tour of Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver

If you’re looking for things to do in Vancouver that combine culture, history and food in one delightful package, a walking food tour of Granville Island Public Market is your best bet. With over 50 years of history, Granville Island Public Market is a top Vancouver attraction, and what better way to experience it than with an off-duty chef as your guide? In this 2-hour food walking tour, you will explore the Granville Island Public Market with an expert guide, learning all about local Canadian cuisine, getting insider tips on where to shop for the freshest produce, unique foods and discovering the cultural highlights of the area. Here’s how to plan your food walking tour of Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver.

Step 1: Booking Your Tour

The first step is to book your food walking tour in advance. You can book your tour on this website here. Tickets cost $84 per person and the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 people. The tour runs on a regular schedule throughout the year, so you can choose a date and time that suits you best.

Step 2: Meeting Point

The meeting point for the tour is on East 2nd Avenue at Anderson Street, Vancouver BC V6J 1H2, Canada. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point. You should arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time for the tour.

Step 3: What to Expect on the Tour

The tour includes food tastings at various stalls throughout Granville Island Public Market. You’ll try locally sourced artisanal foods like maple-cured salmon, cheeses, freshly-baked bread, artisanal chocolates, and more. Your guide, who is also a chef, will share insights into the techniques, preparation methods, and history of the food you’ll be tasting. You will also get to explore Granville Island’s craft beer scene, art galleries, and specialty restaurants. The tour is a fun and interactive culinary adventure suitable for people with varying dietary needs. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please inform your tour guide in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements. The tour is conducted rain or shine unless there is severe weather which will make it unsafe to walk around the market. In the event of a cancellation, you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

Step 4: What’s Included

  • Food tasting
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
Please note that alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at some of the vendors’ stalls but are not included in the tour price.

Step 5: What to Wear and Bring with You

The walking tour is casual but comfortable shoes are recommended. You will be on your feet for the duration of the tour, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes. Vancouver’s weather is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. You should also bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses if it’s sunny.

Step 6: Enjoy the Tour!

Once you have everything in order, all that’s left is to show up on time and start your tour. Our expert guide will take you though everything you need to learn, and all you need to do is to have a great time while enjoying delicious food samples!

Book Your Tour Now

In conclusion, planning your food walking tour of Granville Island Public Market is easy and straightforward. Book your tour in advance, arrive at the meeting point on time, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and be prepared to learn and sample some of the finest artisanal foods Vancouver has to offer. Book your tour now and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver

If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, Canada, you may have some questions about what to do, where to go, and how to get around. In this FAQ, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Vancouver to help you plan your trip.

1. What is Vancouver known for?

Vancouver is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including mountains, beaches, and forests. It’s also known for its diverse cultural scene, which includes everything from food to art to music. Some of the top attractions in Vancouver include Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and the Museum of Anthropology.

2. When is the best time to visit Vancouver?

The best time to visit Vancouver depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, the best time to visit is in the summer or winter. However, if you’re looking for lower prices and fewer crowds, the fall and spring may be better options.

3. What are some popular tourist attractions in Vancouver?

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver include: – Stanley Park: This large park is home to a variety of attractions, including beaches, hiking trails, and the Vancouver Aquarium. – Granville Island: This vibrant island is known for its art galleries, shopping, and restaurants. – Capilano Suspension Bridge: This suspension bridge is located above the Capilano River and provides stunning views of the surrounding forest. – Museum of Anthropology: This museum is home to a large collection of First Nations artifacts and artwork. – Grouse Mountain: This mountain offers skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, as well as stunning views of the city. – Vancouver Aquarium: This aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, otters, and sea lions.

4. What are some of the best restaurants in Vancouver?

Vancouver is known for its diverse food scene, which includes everything from sushi to poutine. Some of the best restaurants in Vancouver include: – Miku: This Japanese restaurant is known for its sushi and views of the harbor. – Vij’s: This Indian restaurant is known for its creative dishes and lack of reservations (get there early!). – Acorn: This vegetarian restaurant is known for its inventive dishes and cozy atmosphere. – Maenam: This Thai restaurant is known for its authentic cuisine and stylish decor. – The Fish Counter: This seafood market and restaurant is known for its sustainable seafood and fish and chips.

5. How do I get around Vancouver?

Vancouver has a variety of public transportation options, including buses, trains, and ferries. The Skytrain is Vancouver’s rapid transit system and is the fastest way to get around the city. If you’re looking for a more scenic option, you can take the Seabus across the harbor. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

6. What should I pack for my trip to Vancouver?

What you pack for your trip to Vancouver will depend on the time of year you’re visiting. In the summer, you’ll want to pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. In the winter, you’ll need warm clothing, including a coat, hat, and gloves. It’s also a good idea to pack a raincoat or umbrella, as Vancouver is known for its rain.

7. Is Vancouver a safe city?

Vancouver is generally considered a safe city, but like any city, there are areas that are safer than others. It’s a good idea to use common sense and take precautions like not leaving valuables in your car and avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

8. What is the currency in Canada?

The currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar. You can exchange currency at banks and currency exchange offices, or withdraw cash from ATMs.

9. Do I need a visa to visit Vancouver?

It depends on your country of origin. Visitors from some countries may need a visa to enter Canada, while visitors from other countries may be able to enter without a visa for a limited period of time. Check with your local Canadian embassy or consulate for more information.

10. What is the drinking age in Vancouver?

The legal drinking age in Vancouver (and all of British Columbia) is 19.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Vancouver

Vancouver, one of the largest and beautiful cities in Canada, is a top tourist destination in the World. It is an ideal city to travel to because it has a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and modern development. If you plan to visit Vancouver soon, you may wonder what you can do and see there. In this guide, we will provide you with a variety of tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Vancouver.

1. Visit Stanley Park and the Seawall

Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America and a must-visit place if you go to Vancouver. It is located in the downtown area, offering magnificent views of the city skyline and the North Shore Mountains. You can rent a bike or rollerblade to explore the park, or you can walk around and admire the many scenic spots, including the Totem Poles, Lost Lagoon, the Rose Garden, and the Vancouver Aquarium. The Seawall is a famous 10 km waterfront path that surrounds Stanley Park and offers stunning views of the Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver, and the Pacific Ocean.

2. Explore Granville Island

Granville Island situates south of downtown Vancouver, which is famous for its bustling public market, artisan studios, galleries, and theaters. You can take a water taxi or a bus to reach the island, where you can taste fresh seafood, craft beer, fruits, and vegetables, or watch street performers and artists at work. Granville Island is also home to the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, which you can visit to enjoy its galleries and exhibitions.

3. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you are adventurous and not scared of heights, then you should visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of the top tourist attractions in Vancouver. It is a 140 meters long and 70 meters high wooden bridge that hangs over the Capilano River, offering breathtaking views of the temperate rainforest, the Treetops Adventure, and the Cliffwalk.

4. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

Vancouver is also famous for whale watching tours, mostly from April to October. You can take a boat from the downtown harbors, and in about four hours, you can see Orca whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Some companies offer guided tours with experts in marine biology who educate tourists about the whales’ behavior and conservation.

5. Visit the Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology is a world-renowned institution that showcases the cultural diversity of British Columbia’s First Nations. It is located at the University of British Columbia’s campus, and it has over ten thousand artifacts, including masks, totem poles, and carvings. You can also attend workshops, concerts, and performances at the museum, making it an excellent educational and cultural experience.

6. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Vancouver is famous for its ski resorts, and you can reach them within an hour from the downtown area. The three most popular ski resorts are Whistler-Blackcomb, Cypress Mountain, and Grouse Mountain, which offer various slopes, trails, and ski lifts for all levels of experience. If you don’t have ski equipment, you can rent it on-site or buy it from many outlets in Vancouver.

7. Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a stunning attraction in Vancouver that offers a glimpse into Chinese culture and history. It is located in Chinatown, and it features traditional Chinese architecture, intricate landscaping, and a charming tea house. You can take a guided tour to learn about the garden’s construction, symbolism, and importance, or you can enjoy a cup of tea or a Chinese meal in a peaceful environment.

8. Walk around Gastown

Gastown is a historic neighborhood in Vancouver, which has preserved its Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets. It is famous for its colorful boutiques, restaurants, bars, and galleries, and it is the main spot where you can see the steam clock, a mechanical clock that works with steam and whistle.

Book Your Tour Now

Vancouver has many more attractions and activities to explore, and this guide should only serve as a starting point for your journey. Other places you might want to check out include the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Museum of Vancouver, English Bay, and Science World. Make sure to use public transportation, including the bus, sky train, and seabus, to move around the city quickly and conveniently. Enjoy your time in Vancouver, stay safe, and have fun!

How to Plan Your Food Walking Tour of Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver