Creekhouse Shops, Vancouver

Every year, millions of visitors come to Granville Island, and one of its most enjoyable areas to explore is the Creekhouse. Located directly beneath the massive steel structure of the Granville Street Bridge, about halfway along the island's waterfront, this maze-like complex is easy to recognize by its interconnected low-rise buildings, wooden walkways, open courtyards, and balconies overlooking False Creek.

From the Aquabus terminal, walk east along the waterfront for about two minutes until you reach the entrances beneath the bridge. Once inside, follow the main covered passage running beneath the bridge. Most of the specialty shops branch off this central walkway, making it easy to explore without worrying about a specific route. The winding corridors eventually lead back to Johnston Street.

One of the first shops you'll likely notice is Hollyfield Home & Garden, recognizable by its displays of decorative planters, garden ornaments, seasonal flowers, and home décor extending into the walkway. Nearby, Stone Age Art Company is hard to miss thanks to the large crystals, polished geodes, fossils, and colorful mineral specimens displayed outside its entrance. A short distance farther along, you'll probably smell the Granville Island Soap Gallery before you see it, as the fragrance of handmade soaps, bath products, and candles fills the corridor, while brightly colored artisan soaps decorate the windows.

Continue exploring until you reach Gallery Indigena Vancouver, also known as the Inukshuk Gallery, one of the island's leading Indigenous art galleries. The entrance is marked by striking Inuit soapstone carvings, while inside you'll find sculptures of polar bears, owls, seals, and inuksuit, alongside limited-edition Inuit prints and works by First Nations artists.

Before leaving, take a few moments to wander down the smaller side passages or step onto the wooden decks overlooking False Creek. They offer unexpected views beneath the bridge and peaceful places to pause. Although many of the shops cater to visitors, the Creekhouse remains one of Granville Island's most rewarding places to browse, combining local craftsmanship, Canadian art, and unique souvenirs in a relaxed waterfront setting.