Granville Island, Vancouver (must see)

Granville Island, situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, is both a peninsula and a vibrant shopping district. It is located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver, right beneath the southern terminus of the Granville Street Bridge. While once a hub of industrial manufacturing, it has now transformed into a thriving hub for Vancouver's tourism and entertainment scene. The peninsula derives its name from Granville Leveson-Gower, the 2nd Earl Granville.

This island enclave is host to a diverse array of 275 businesses and facilities, providing employment for over 2,500 individuals and contributing significantly to the economy with an annual economic activity surpassing $215 million.

Granville Island offers a range of attractions, including a spacious public market, a well-equipped marina, a hotel, Arts Umbrella, False Creek Community Centre, a variety of performing arts theaters — among them Vancouver's exclusive professional improvisational theater company, the Vancouver Theatresports League — as well as the Arts Club Theatre Company, Carousel Theatre, fine arts galleries, and an assortment of shopping boutiques.

Beyond its day-to-day offerings, Granville Island stands as the focal point for various yearly celebrations. These include the Vancouver International Children's Festival, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and the Vancouver Writers Fest, which all contribute to the island's vibrant cultural tapestry.