Granville Island is a small peninsula connected to downtown Vancouver via the Granville Street Bridge. Once an industrial area with sawmills and steel factories, it is nowa popular area boasting a large public market as well as many galleries and shops.
History
The area had been used for heavy industry since 1917 and became a ship building center during the Second World War. Since the sixties, the terrain was hardly used, and the site was totally run-down.
A couple of business-men started to redevelop the area in the beginnings of the 70s and with the help of the federal government, they tuned into a multi-use facility, including industry, commerce and entertainment. 
Most of the renovation of the industrial buildings was finished at the end of the 70s; the area is now a nice place to walk through.
Attractions
The whole island includes several theaters, a huge market place, numerous galleries and shops. It also contains a ‘Kids only Market’, with many shops geared towards the younger.
Other attractions you find on the island is an indoor play station and a Water Park with movable water cannons. You can also get a tour in the Granville Island Brewery, a well-known cottage brewer. But the best way to get the feel of Granville Island is to stroll through its renovated streets.