For this shopping trip, I went to the fabled Granville Island, just south of the waterfront area in Vancouver. I left the SkyTrain at the Olympic Village stop, and walked west to get to the island. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I approached the island.
Looking at the glowing neon sign at Granville Island
For sure, was no mistaking the glowing neon logo and colourful signs that welcomed me; I had definitely come to the right place.
In front of the sign
It turned out to be a fascinating opportunity for sightseeing. There were musicians freely playing their songs for all to hear. There were no traffic lights; people darted out across the streets in packs, while the cars slowly crawled along and waited to spring forward at the next opportunity. There were tiny boutiques and a huge, living public market. There was even a small vegetarian bakery, where I stopped for some hearty chili and one of my most favourite foods: corn bread! So good!
Thankfully there were also some souvenir shops mixed in with all of the other, more specialized stores. I managed to get just about everything on my list from this trip, though it was involved quite a lot of circling the island and checking the maps (which were very handy!) that were displayed on most of the streets.
Granville Island seems primarily to be a shopping- and food-oriented destination. I’m not much for shopping, but I’d definitely come back for more food! Overall, I have to say I’m glad I explored this well-known landmark in Vancouver.
Adjustin' in BC
December 11, 2016
I went on the first of what will probably be several shopping trips, this weekend. I decided that I’d use touristy souvenirs from Vancouver as the theme of my gifts, so I traveled to the best spot I know in order to get some.
Downtown Vancouver, in the Gastown area, was just as captivating as the last time I was there. Seeing (and hearing!) the Steam Clock, while walking the cobblestone streets and seeing the antiquated buildings all around, is such a fantastic novelty!
Luckily, there were quite a few souvenir shops in the area. I had a lot of options to choose from, and I took my time in deciding what to get for each of my relatives back home. I also came up with the idea to use postcards instead of ordinary Christmas card, which I think was much more fresh and interesting.
It wasn’t all fun, though. I became more and more exhausted as I walked around. My feet were getting tired, and I was hungry. As I desperately scanned the streets for the nearest restaurant where I could have a late lunch, I caught a glimpse of a small wooden sign on the sidewalk. “Cottage Deli”, it read. I looked around. I couldn’t see the restaurant; there was only a path leading into a crescent-shaped arcade filled with tiny shops and boutiques. I followed it.
Me, sitting down to eat inside Cottage Deli
It didn’t take too long for me to locate the restaurant among the little stores in the arcade. Oh boy, what a pleasant surprise the Cottage Deli turned out to be! I stumbled into the tiny restaurant, tired and hungry, and ordered a delicious spinach and feta omelet. As I sat down to eat, I noticed the incredible atmosphere in the eatery. And the view! Incredible!
The view from the windows along the dining area in the Cottage Deli! Canada Place, the bay, and the mountains are all visible!
All in all, it was a great experience and a productive one, too! I look forward to where my Christmas shopping journeys will take me next.
A clearer view of the brick-walled dining area inside Cottage Deli!
Adjustin' in BC
December 4, 2016