How to get from Stanley Park to Granville Island
Stanley Park’s rainforest paths and seawall set you up for one of Vancouver’s classic micro-journeys: cruising to Granville Island’s waterfront markets, studios, and theatres. Choose a breezy walk-or-bike + ferry combo, a straight-shot city bus, or a quick rideshare/taxi. Use the table to pick your lane, then follow the exact steps to make it effortless.
At A Glance (Stanley Park to Granville Island)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶♀️🚲⛴️ Walk/Bike + False Creek Ferry | ~25–45 min to dock + 2–5 min ferry | Scenic, no traffic, fun arrival |
| 🏷️ Cost: Ferry ~C$4–7 one-way (adult); day passes available. Pair your arrival with tastings on GetYourGuide. | ||
| 🚌 City Bus (TransLink) | ~25–45 min (transfer/time-of-day) | Budget, stroller-friendly |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~C$3–4 adult (1-zone); kids 12- ride free with paying adult. | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft) | ~12–25 min (traffic) | Door-to-door, luggage, rainy days |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~C$15–30. Prefer fixed-price? Compare quotes on GetTransfer. | ||
| 🚴 Cycle All the Way (via Burrard Bridge) | ~20–35 min cycling | Active travelers, sunny days |
| 🏷️ Cost: Free if you own a bike; rentals from ~C$20–40/day. Compare availability on BikesBooking (Vancouver). | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive (car rental) | ~15–25 min (parking-dependent) | Linking multiple sights in one day |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~C$65+/day + parking. Check options on Booking.com Cars (Vancouver) | deals on Trip.com. | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Most iconic arrival: Walk/Bike + False Creek Ferry—seawall views + tiny boat ride straight to Granville Island Dock.
- Cheapest & simple: City Bus—frequent, accessible, no steep hills.
- Fastest door-to-door: Taxi/Ride-hail—especially in rain or with little kids.
- Active day out: Cycle all the way—dedicated lanes over Burrard Bridge.
- Multi-stop day: Self-drive—but mind Granville Island’s limited parking.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Time your market visit: Arrive mid-morning for peak selection; line up food tours on GetYourGuide or browse experiences on Klook and Trip.com.
- Luggage light? Store bags near downtown or Kits via Radical Storage (Vancouver) before the island’s cobblestones.
- Stay nearby: Compare West End, Downtown, or Kitsilano hotels on Booking.com.
- Ride-hailing notes: Uber and Lyft operate across Vancouver; set your drop to “Granville Island Public Market” or “Granville Island Entrance.”
- On-island mobility: The core is pedestrian-first; bikes must be walked in key zones—bring a lock.
⛴️ Option #1 — Walk/Bike + False Creek Ferry (Most Scenic)
Scenic Stress-free Kid-friendly
- Overview: Follow the seawall from Stanley Park toward English Bay, then hop a tiny False Creek ferry from Aquatic Centre, Hornby St, or Yaletown-Roundhouse docks to Granville Island Dock.
- How to book (with price): No reservations; buy at the dock. Expect ~C$4–7 adult one-way; returns and day passes available. Pair with a timed tasting on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Best views, frequent service. Cons: Brief outdoor waits; limited late-night frequency.
- Official websites: Aquabus (routes & tickets) | Aquabus fares | Aquabus docks map | False Creek Ferries map & schedule (PDF) | Granville Island – Getting Here
Step-by-step: Walk/Bike + Ferry
- From Stanley Park seawall, head south toward English Bay.
- Continue to one of these docks: Aquatic Centre (closest via seawall), Hornby St (downtown side), or Yaletown-Roundhouse.
- Buy ticket at the kiosk; keep small card/cash handy.
- Board the next ferry to Granville Island (sailings every few minutes in daytime).
- Disembark at Granville Island Dock; markets are steps away.
Getting to the main embarking points (Ferry Docks)
- Aquatic Centre Dock: Follow the seawall east from English Bay beach; look for the ferry signs by the Vancouver Aquatic Centre.
- Hornby St Dock: From downtown, walk down Hornby to the waterfront walkway under Burrard Bridge.
- Yaletown-Roundhouse Dock: From the Roundhouse area, head to the seawall by David Lam Park.
🚌 Option #2 — City Bus (Best Value)
Budget Frequent Accessible
- Overview: Ride a short feeder from the park into downtown, then take Route 50 South False Creek to Granville Island (bus stop at the island entrance).
- How to pay (with price): Adult 1-zone ~C$3–4. Tap to pay with contactless debit/credit or mobile wallet; concessions require Compass products.
- Pros: Cheap, sheltered, stroller-friendly. Cons: Can be busy at rush hours.
- Official websites: TransLink – Route 50 schedule | TransLink – Fares | TransLink – Ways to pay (contactless)
Step-by-step: City Bus
- From Stanley Park, walk out to W Georgia St @ Denman or Georgia & Thurlow for frequent downtown-bound buses.
- Ride into the Granville St corridor and transfer to Route 50 “South False Creek” (look for buses signed to Granville Island).
- Alight at Granville Island stop by the entrance archway.
- Walk 3–6 minutes to the Public Market and artisan lanes.
Getting to the main embarking points (Downtown Bus Stops)
- Georgia & Denman: Closest major stop leaving the park’s west side.
- Granville St transfer: Follow overhead signs to Route 50 stops southbound.
🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Ride-hailing (Fastest Door-to-Door)
Convenient Weather-proof Higher cost
- Overview: Catch a licensed taxi or use Uber/Lyft. Rides are quick outside peak bridge traffic.
- How to book (with price): Typical fare C$15–30 depending on pickup (e.g., Aquarium vs. Prospect Point) and traffic. For fixed quotes and larger vehicles, compare on GetTransfer (Vancouver).
- Pros: Zero transfers, great with kids or groceries. Cons: Surge pricing during storms/events.
- Official websites: Uber Vancouver | Lyft Vancouver | Granville Island – Drop-off info
Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-hailing
- Set pickup to a clear spot (e.g., Vancouver Aquarium or Lumberman’s Arch parking area).
- Set drop to Granville Island Public Market or your venue.
- Meet curbside; Granville Island has a signed drop-off loop near the entrance.
Getting to the main embarking points (Pickup/Drop Zones)
- Stanley Park: Use lots by the Aquarium or Totem Poles for easiest pickup.
- Granville Island: Ask for the Public Market loop; drivers know it well.
🚴 Option #4 — Cycle All the Way (Burrard Bridge Lanes)
Active Dedicated lanes Dismount zones
- Overview: Ride the seawall counter-clockwise to English Bay, follow bike routes up to Burrard Bridge protected lanes, descend to Granville Island. Dismount and walk bikes within posted pedestrian areas.
- How to rent (with price): Day rentals typically C$20–40. Compare inventory and pickup points on BikesBooking (Vancouver).
- Pros: Gorgeous views, flexible timing. Cons: Short uphill to the bridge; walking required inside the island core.
- Official websites: City of Vancouver – Cycling routes & maps
Step-by-step: Cycle Route
- From the seawall, ride to English Bay and follow bike wayfinding to Burrard Bridge.
- Cross in the protected lane; take the signed southbound ramp toward Granville Island.
- Lock at bike racks outside the Public Market or by the Net Loft; walk bikes where signed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Bike Access)
- Bridge access: Use the west-side path up to Burrard Bridge; avoid narrow sidewalks on Granville Bridge.
- Racks: Racks cluster near the Public Market, Arts Club Theatre, and Ocean Art Works.
🚗 Option #5 — Self-Drive (Car Rental + Parking)
Flexible Multi-stop day Parking limits
- Overview: Short drive via Beach Ave or 4th Ave ramps. Parking is paid and can be competitive on weekends/holidays.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~C$65+/day (class/season). Compare fleet and pickup spots on Booking.com Cars or Trip.com.
- Pros: Easy with groceries or mobility needs. Cons: Pay parking, limited stalls at peak times.
- Official websites: Granville Island – Parking info | How to get here
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Reserve a car near the West End/downtown via Booking.com Cars or Trip.com.
- Navigate to Granville Island Entrance; follow signs to public lots (time limits may apply).
- Pay for parking; keep the receipt visible; walk to the market (2–5 minutes).
Getting to the main embarking points (Car Access)
- Approach: From Burrard St turn onto Pacific/Beach Ave, then follow Granville Island ramp signage.
- Lots: Closest to the Public Market fill first; try farther lots toward Ocean Concrete if full.
FAQ (Stanley Park to Granville Island)
What’s the easiest first-timer route?
Walk the seawall to the Aquatic Centre Dock and take a False Creek ferry straight to Granville Island—zero stress and gorgeous views.
Can I take a direct bus from the park?
Not usually from inside the park. Walk to Georgia St to catch downtown buses, then transfer to Route 50 to Granville Island.
Are ferries frequent?
Yes—every few minutes during the day. Waits can be slightly longer late evening or in shoulder season.
Can I bike on the island?
Yes, but many core lanes are pedestrian-priority. Dismount and walk where signed; use the plentiful bike racks.
Where can I store bags?
Use partners around downtown/Kits via Radical Storage (Vancouver) before exploring the market.
Where should I stay?
For easy access to both Stanley Park and Granville Island, compare West End or Downtown stays on Booking.com.