The holiday season brings magic to Granville Island in Vancouver, turning it into a hub for unique and memorable shopping experiences. Home to a diverse array of businesses, each with its own story and charm, Granville Island is the perfect destination for those seeking thoughtful and distinctive gifts. This gem of a location located in the centre of Granville Island is filled with over 300 awesome businesses. Here are 10 of our favourites that we tend to frequent.
1. Kroma Artist Acrylics
Kroma Artist Acrylics is not just a store; it's a haven for artists and creatives. Established by a passionate artist in 1970 who wanted to offer high-quality, reliable paints, Kroma has grown into a community staple for both professional and amateur painters. Their handcrafted on Granville Island acrylics, known for their rich pigmentation and smooth texture, have become a favourite world wide.
The best gift for any art lover. Don't forget to check out their famous 'Vancouver Grey' which is made by collecting and blending the colourful pigment residue from their mill over the year, resulting in a unique annual batch of grey that varies in tone and subtly enhances other colours in artwork.
Visit their website HERE
2. Provence en Couleur
Provence en Couleur brings the essence of the French countryside to Vancouver. This quaint store specializes in authentic French linens, lavender products, and artisanal soaps. Each item in the store is handpicked, reflecting the owners', dedication to bringing genuine Provençal charm to their customers. Watch them produce the goods right there in the store!
Walking into Provence en Couleur, one is immediately enveloped in the scents and sights of southern France. Our current favourite product is the Lavender Body Oil that is a dream to apply and enjoy with the aroma. They are one of the newest business on Granville Island and they couldn't be better neighbours!
Visit their website HERE
3. Lee's Donuts
Lee's Donuts is a name synonymous with Granville Island. Since its inception in the late 1970s, this family-run business has been serving up some of the city's most beloved donuts. Known for their classic Honey Dip recipie and commitment to freshness, Lee's has become a landmark for both locals and tourists. So much so that Seth Rogan totes them as one of his favourite donut shops as a Vancouver local.
The story of Lee's is one of passion and consistency. Despite the influx of new culinary trends, they have maintained their traditional approach, winning hearts one donut at a time. You can't miss their store, it always has a lineup outside of excited donut lovers, but don't worry it's the fastest moving line on Granville Island that is well worth the wait.
Visit their website HERE
4. Northern Bars
Northern Bars, located at the heart of Granville Island's Public Market, specializes in reinventing the iconic Nanaimo Bar. Embracing both tradition and innovation, they've taken this beloved British Columbian treat and elevated it. With a mission to introduce the Nanaimo Bar as Canada's most beloved classic treat to the world, Northern Bars offers a modern interpretation, focusing on high-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques
Founded in 2020 Samuel Hartono and Michelle Avelena, Northern Bars is relatively new compared to the others in the market but their bite-sized, aesthetically appealing, and beautifully packaged Nanaimo Bars, are a perfect addition to the island and the tasty treats around them.
Visit their website HERE
5. Search & Rescue Denim
Search & Rescue Denim Co. began in a small Kitsilano apartment, where they initially crafted aprons exclusively for tattoo artists. This humble beginning quickly evolved into a full-time commitment, driven by the growing demand for their unique aprons. This leap of faith led to an expansion of their client base beyond tattoo artists, catering to professionals like barbers, chefs, hairstylists, and more, united by their entrepreneurial spirit
The company's turning point was the move to Granville Island, where they opened their first retail shop, which they quickly outgrew. Now situated in a larger studio on Granville Island, they continue to innovate, creating more than just aprons.
Visit their website HERE
6. Kasama Chocolate
Kasama Chocolate is a small-batch chocolate maker that has revolutionized the local chocolate scene. Started by a group of friends with a shared love for chocolate, Kasama sources ethically produced cacao beans to create their exquisite chocolate bars. Their dedication to quality and sustainability is evident in every bite of their bean to bar chocolate bars.
Their chocolate bars, each with distinct flavors, reflect the diverse origins of their cacao beans. Their Sipping Chocolate is to die for and this is because the team's passion for chocolate making is infectious. If you have a sweet tooth, it's a must visit located near the Granville Island Hotel.
Visit their website HERE
7. V&J Plant Shop
V&J Plant Shop began as a small venture by two plant enthusiasts who wanted to share their love for greenery with others. Their carefully curated selection of indoor plants and bespoke arrangements quickly made them a favourite among plant lovers in Vancouver.
The shop offers more than just plants; it provides expertise and a welcoming community for both seasoned plant parents and newcomers. Whether you're looking for a rare specimen or just starting your plant journey, V&J Plant Shop is the place to be. You can't miss them as soon as you walk into the Public Market.
Visit their website HERE
8. MAKE Vancouver
MAKE Vancouver stands out as a hub of creativity and innovation. Starting as a small custom print shop, they have expanded their offerings to include a wide range of customizable products. Their ability to turn almost any idea into a tangible item has made them a go-to for unique gifts. They even have a Ten Tree mini store at the back of their space.
With a friendly, knowledgeable staff, MAKE is the perfect place to find a gift that truly reflects the personality and creativity of its recipient. Print your own t-shirt, embroider a one of a kind toque or laser engrave a brand new wallet. Your imagination is the limit.
Visit their website HERE
9. Granville Island Broom Co
Granville Island Broom Co has a fascinating story, rooted in the revival of traditional broom-making. Each broom is handcrafted with care, using age-old techniques and natural materials. The result is a range of brooms that are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Harry Potter anyone?
Who would have thought you would have found a broom store on Granville Island. That's what makes this place so unique, these brooms are pieces of art, each with it's own character, watch their craftspeople build these beautiful brooms right before your eyes.
Visit their website HERE
10. Arts Club Theatre Company
Founded in 1958, the Arts Club Theatre Company, situated on Granville Island, is Western Canada's largest theatre company. Over a quarter of a million people annually enjoy their diverse range of productions, from musicals and contemporary comedies to new works and classics. The company, which began as a private club for artists, has a rich history of nurturing Canadian talent and introducing innovative works. With the Granville Island Stage added in 1979, it has become known for award-winning performances and a dedicated community following
Don't miss our on their great shows HERE
Visit Granville Island Today and we will see you soon!
Granville Island's eclectic mix of businesses offers a shopping experience that's as diverse and vibrant as the island itself. From artisanal crafts to gourmet treats, these 10 businesses represent the best of what Granville Island has to offer for your holiday shopping needs. Explore these gems and discover the unique stories and products that make each of them special.