Special feature by guest contributor, Alison Frost

Granville Island, on the south shore of Vancouver?s False Creek, is not just a hotspot for summer visitors in search of unique dining and shopping experiences, water sports and sightseeing, but is also the location of my favourite art supply store, Opus Framing & Art Supplies. When the ivy at the base of the Granville Street Bridge has gone red and the school term at the Emily Carr Institute is back in full swing, I am reminded that Granville Island is an essential part of our local identity, a place deserving of continual rediscovery by each and every one of us.

Originally a dingy 37-acre industrial park, Granville Island has evolved over the past 25 years into a hub of cultural activity. Whether your interests are highly artistic, crafty, culinary, or theatrical, whether you are eight or eighty, the Island offers up plenty of activity all year round.

At the island?s south entrance you can?t miss the big yellow Kids Only Market, a collection of stores each specializing in different childhood delights from candy and toys to clothing and educational products. There is no better place to experience the magical anticipation of the holiday seasons than at the Kids Market!

Of course, you could spend your whole day at the Granville Island Public Market, open seven days a week until 6pm. There may be no better way to start the day than watching the fog lift over the Burrard Inlet with a coffee and pastry! Street performers make for great free entertainment over lunch or snacks from the countless food outlets in and outside of the market.

After fuelling up on food and drink, there?s plenty left to do. You won?t have any trouble finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts in shops in the Netloft, for instance, and if it is original local artwork you?re after, you?ve come to the right place. Malaspina and Dundarave Printmakers and the Federation of Canadian Artists make up only part of Granville Island?s vibrant arts community.

One of the most exciting features of the island is the number of workshops and galleries?several of which are easily found right behind Opus, along Railspur Alley?that allow the public to watch artisans at work on jewelry making, glass blowing, ceramics, furniture and boat building. Continue your exploration of the island culture with a visit to the Maritime Market, the Granville Island Brewery, or by delving into the fascinating history of the island at the
Information Centre.

Before you leave for the night, pop back into the Public Market for the freshest fish, meat and produce around, as well as plenty of organic delights. Take home treats like homemade fudge, maple syrup or decadent desserts. After all, these are one-of- a-kind vendors, selling products rarely found at your standard grocery stores. Granville Island epitomizes the richness of each new season; the market is overflowing with fantastic fall gourds and floral arrangements of all sorts, while the smell of fresh roasted chestnuts reminds you just how cozy November can be.

And don?t leave just because the sun goes down. Granville Island is known for its nightlife, housing several theatres including Carousel, Arts Club, The Revue Theatre and Performance Works. The Sandbar, Cat?s Meow, Bridges and the Granville Island Hotel's very own Dockside Brewing Co. are perfect for nighttime dining.

An exceptional feature of Granville Island is its accessibility by land and water. A trip across the Burrard Inlet on one of the water taxis departing every few minutes from Hornby, Thurlow or Davie streets, Yaletown and Science World makes for a lovely and convenient experience in and of itself. Granville Island can also be reached on foot, bike, or roller blades from east or west along Vancouver?s famous sea walls and the scenic False Creek Inlet. Buses are always an option.

If you haven't been to Granville Island lately, there's no better time than now as we all gear up for the holidays. Get ready for some special Granville Island Yuletide events, beginning on Friday December 3rd with a special late-night shopping and Customer Appreciation Evening, horse-drawn trolley rides and the holiday lighting ceremony. So don?t miss out on Vancouver?s most treasured island right here in the center of
the city.

1. Kids Only Market
2. Public Market
3. Net Loft
4. Malaspina Printmakers
5. Dundarave Printmakers
6. Federation of Canadian Artists
7. Carousel Theatre
8. Arts Club Theatre
9. The Revue Theatre
10. Performance Works
11. The Sand Bar
12. Cat's Meow
13. Bridges
14. Granville Island Hotel's Dockside Brewing Company