Granville Island is usually a bustling hub of activity for locals and visitors as they take in the shops, artisans’ galleries, and restaurants. During the COVID-19 era, Vancouver’s busiest attraction is anything but busy, however it remains an essential location for Vancouver and the neighbourhood to get fresh, local groceries and produce.
While not all Granville Island merchants have been able to stay open due to physical distancing restrictions those which have taken measures to ensure customers’ shopping experience is as safe as possible.
Granville Island Public Market reminds guests that grocery shopping is not a social activity so it’s best to shop alone whenever possible, groups and tours are not allowed in the market. The Public Market is open from 9am – 5pm, with the first hour reserved for senior shoppers. The Public Market and Granville Island lanes are spacious allowing shoppers to maintain appropriate distance from each other. Cleaning staff are making sure the Market is clean and sanitized but shoppers are asked to touch only products they intend to purchase and follow any special instructions.
Some businesses are doing online sales with curb-side or window pick-up or are asking shoppers to line-up outside to maintain distance whilst they serve customers. As local residents have become more accustomed to maintaining social distance more vendors have opened for take away check GranvilleIsland.com for the up to date listing of which merchants are open and their hours.
Restaurants and vendors are not the only shuttered businesses, Granville Island Buskers are also unable to perform live at the Island’s gathering spots. However, they continue to bring their music to audiences online. Performers are regularly live-streaming on Facebook and Instagram, visit granvilleislandbuskers.com for links to all the performers.
Following advice, signage and maintaining social distance measures will ensure your Granville Island visit is safe and successful for you and the merchants.