ViajeraGypsyGirl

If you’re on the wrong side of the Burrard Bridge to get there, walk the beautiful seaside paths over to the Maritime Museum and the False Creek Ferries. From Maritime you will be taken to the Aquatic Center (which is on the other side of the Bridge, you can go straight there if that’s the side you’re on), and then to Granville Island.

It’s a blast even for a local, the sea is the most beautiful mode of transportation in this city, I think most would agree. The second best way to get to Granville Island is to walk on. As others have said, do not try to park.

Also, try to get there when there’s going to be music in the square. It’s usually pretty spectacular.

...try for the beach on the other side of the hotel through which trespassing is prohibitted. It’s pretty easy to get through unscathed, at least in August early in the morning. There’s paths all the way through, I think. Don’t jump off cliffs where it tells you not to jump off—it really is a suicide mission, they’re not just being paranoid.

The real jumping cliffs are over on the main side, the ten people per square meter part. But, if you don’t get caught in the nasty current that hangs out on the other side, there’s some surface-scratching snorkeling and a pretty beach awaiting you. Plus very few people, because it’s not perfect.

And the water really is that gorgeous.

A little on the cold, wet, gray, rainy side, which of course suited me better. Get to the beach through a surreal-looking, gorgeous rainforest. Water is generally colder than most other places, but it’s worth it for the amazing array of fish. I won’t even bother mentioning everything I saw. It drove me nuts, trying to remember everything. So amazing.

Try to arrive early, and go during off season, otherwise I’ve heard it’s nearly literally cars parked on top of each other and people sitting on each other’s blankets. Luckily when it starts to rain people usually run.

But do try to go, it’s sweet.