How To Get Away Locally With A Granville Island Staycation

Sometimes, you just need a short getaway where you can decompress and take a little time for some self-care. When I was invited to the Granville Island Hotel for a night, I of course said yes.

Taking in a fresh perspective on Granville Island is easy when you stay at the iconic Granville Island Hotel. The only hotel tucked into Granville Island, it’s easy to be seduced by its charm and elegance.

My suite for the night offered unobstructed views of the waterfront and the hotel’s popular Dockside Restaurant, which boasts one of Vancouver’s best patios. It is a prime destination for those seeking a front row seat to the bustling waterfront with its cityscape and North Shore Mountains vistas.

I have dined here before, so I knew I was in for a special treat. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Josef Driemel, awarded two illustrious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand accolades in 2022 and 2023. Earlier this year, Driemel explained his culinary vision for Dockside: “Paying homage to our multi-cultural city, we will introduce new flavours and techniques inspired by diverse cultures, while sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, keeping the Pacific Northwest cuisine at heart.”

The night I arrived, I headed to Dockside for its Happy Hour and curled up in one of the outdoor patio’s most coveted spots. Like any captivating experience, food is crucial to the overall experience. Driemel and his team create great seasonally inspired classic Pacific Northwest flavours with a twist. I went for the king prawn scampi, a classic Italian dish cooked in a buttery, garlicky white wine sauce, with a glass of Okanagan’s Burrowing Owl Merlot. Dockside’s take on this celebrated staple dish was worthy of licking the plate clean.  FYI: It is easy to linger here for hours, watching the boats and the world go by.

Then next morning, my internal alarm clock had me gazing once again at the views from my comfy bed. A five-minute walk away, Granville Island Market glowed in the early light. I laced up my runners and walked the False Creek Seawall, a world-class walking and cycling path connecting English Bay with Yaletown, Science World, Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach.

Then, it was time for breakfast at Dockside Restaurant. If you are an avocado toast enthusiast, rejoice. Dockside’s unique take on avocado toast, with its crispy shallots, house pickles served on multigrain toast with organic greens drizzled in a champagne vinaigrette, guarantees you will satisfy your palette. Not only that, but the coffee was perfect too.

Exploring Granville Island

The landmark Granville Island is actually not an island, it’s a peninsula. Located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver, Granville Island was once a thriving industrial manufacturing area; in fact, there are remnants of its rich manufacturing history, such as the large cranes and rail tracks.

Today, many of Granville Island’s buildings have been preserved and repurposed to house the shops, artisans, and vendors who work on the island today.

The historic Granville Island Market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, and one that has long been known as a foodie’s culinary dream. But with so many options, where do you start? Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, fresh breads or sweet treats, this bustling market has something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to bite into a warm honey glazed donut at Lee’s Donuts  or indulge in a divine peach rosemary tart from Terra Breads.

For lunch, I went straight to Oyama Sausage to grab some of its most popular charcuterie items, such as Le Campagnier, a velvety double cream brie from Fromager d’Affinois in France. It was also suggested to me that I try the Kazu Coppa, an Oyama original, where East meats West. It is made from BC pork shoulder soaked in local Granville Island saké. My favourite item was the Finocchiona Salami, which Chris Halsey-Brandt, general manager and co-owner of Oyama Sausage, explained to me was air dried salami, made after an Italian inspired recipe with wild fennel, red wine and garlic, aged a minimum of six weeks. Everything paired perfectly with a Grand Verdus 2019 from Bordeaux from Liberty Wines Merchants. I found a spot outside to eat and enjoyed some great people watching.

For art lovers like me, another huge draw is Granville Island’s art galleries – many of which represent Canadian artists. Whether you are interested in painting, sculpture, or photography, you are sure to find something that catches your eye … it happened to me. I went inside the InukShuk Gallery and my eyes captured sight of art work from Mohawk artist Lee Claremont. I was completely taken by her use of vibrant colours. I walked out a little poorer in my wallet but rich in art. As one of my good interior designer friends likes to say: “If an art piece speaks to you, buy it.” I listened! 

Earlier, I had spent an hour and a half in one of Vancouver Water Adventures double kayaks. What’s more fun than navigating the waters off Granville Island for a bird’s eye view of some of the most jaw-dropping luxury boats in the city, Olympic Village, Science World, BC Place stadium, plus dozens of Vancouver’s must-see sites. FYI: Vancouver Water Adventures, located at on Boatlift Lane off Duranleau Street, offers boat tours; SUP and kayak lessons, tours, and rentals; and jet ski tours and rentals available from April to October.

As the day winded down, Granville Island still has plenty to offer for dinner. One that I wanted to try was Alimentaria Mexicana, which brings a serious approach to authentic casual food. As soon as I entered, I was taken by the décor, which features wooden furniture and floors, bright yellow and orange walls and stools, fashioning an all-together vibrant eatery. Opened in 2021 by Mexican-Canadian Chef Ernesto Gomez (famed for Chancho Tortilleria, Nuba, Fayuca), he gives his patrons a cultural and unique culinary experience. Tempted by its chicken adobo tacos, a delectable combination of red abobo roasted chicken and feta, and seduced by its spicy salsas and creamy guacamole, I sealed my meal with one of the best lime margaritas I’ve ever sipped on.

Whether you are looking for an urban and culinary adventure, or a chance to relax in a sophisticated hotel and watch the boats go by, Granville Island delivers on all fronts. —Michelle Hopkins