Granville Island has become the city's best arts-oriented, visitor-friendly oasis. It offers art galleries, theatres, artists' studios, craft shops, specialty shops, and a very unique public waterfront market known for its fresh seafood and produce. The Island is also home to restaurants and marinas, and even has its own acclaimed brewing company. For the convenience of residents and visitors alike, small ferries connect passengers to the Island from Downtown.

Driving time from False Creek to Downtown is about five minutes during peak times. Transit takes about ten minutes, while biking will take about fifteen.