Before Granville Island became what it is today, it once was used as a local fishing area for First Nations tribes. These are the ancestral lands for three nations; the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Today it is a small tourist mecca offering a range of culture, art, food, shops, entertainment and adventure – the possibilities are never ending!

Google Map of Granville Island
Getting There
We flew with Harbour Air, but there are several ways to get to Vancouver from Victoria, by air or by sea. Flying with Harbour Air was the perfect start to the trip! Being able to go from downtown Victoria to downtown Vancouver (harbour to harbour) in approximately 30 minutes and is an easy way to make the trip over! It was such a unique experience with breathtaking views of the Salish Sea from above. Bonus: We spotted orcas from the air on the way back!!
Alternate ways to travel between Vancouver and Victoria:
- Helijet (also convenient and upscale harbour to harbour service)
- BC Ferries
- About to board the plane to Vancouver!
- The Captain positions the plane for take off.
- We wait for the runway to be clear, and I take the opportune moment to capture another plane!
- Flying over the beautiful scenery created by the archipelago of the Salish Sea
- Me (Bryttni) and Taira during the flight!
- Close to the greater Vancouver area the is a noticeable change in the colour of the water column. This is due to the runoff of the Fraser River!
- The cabin of the plane! It was cool to watch the pilot in action!
- Flying over Downtown Vancouver.
Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures:
One of our three locations is located on Granville Island in Vancouver! We offer half-day tours on our large state of the art catamaran that last up to 5 hours and offers adventure of the Georgia Strait. We even have a gift shop with swag to remember your excursion. This season we have teamed up with Bon Macaron to provide our passengers with a bonus macaron after the tour!
The deals don’t end there! Did you know that local bar and bistro ‘Off the Tracks’ gives Prince of Whales passengers a 10% discount?! They offer all day breakfast, baked goods, sandwiches, and of course coffee!
- Prince of Whales and Sea Vancouver sign!
- Our office and gift shop located on 1516 Duranleau St
- Come visit us on Granville Island! here we offer Whale Watching (of course) and zodiac waterfront tours.
- The newest vessel Salish Sea Freedom
- Board for the 4-5 hour whale watch!
- Vancouver Operations Manager Syvlie, and Captain Malcom! Sylvie is holding Bon Macarons, given to each passenger after a tour – yum!
Sea Vancouver Adventures
An exciting soft adventure for the whole family!! This 90 minute tour departures from Granville Island with a relaxing cruise into False Creek, then gets up to speed as you embark on the adventure route into Burrard Inlet. With over 20 points of interest, you’ll enjoy sights of Coal Harbour, the North Shore, English Bay and Stanley Park! Your skipper will narrate with fun facts and history of the city as you take in the iconic sites. You can also customize a tour for you and your bubble, we are here for you, and the area is your oyster for 90 minutes. This is an exciting and unique way to see the city!
- Skipper Joe and Operations Manager Sylvie in front of the zodiacs
- A shot of downtown Vancouver from False Creek
- Sea Vancouver zodiacs at the dock
- Waterfront view of downtown Vancouver
Other points of Interest
There is so much to see, so make sure to plan ahead and take your time to look around!
- The ‘Digital Orca’ located by the Vancouver Convention Centre
- Off the Tracks Bar & Bistro.
- Did you know our passangers receive a 10% discount!
- Bon Macaron’s new location in the Granville Island Market.
- Yummy macarons calling my name!
- Super cool display made with macarons.
- Lee’s Donuts, also located in the Granville Island Market
- Lee’s Donuts!
- Granville Island Market!
For families with children, Granville Island is one of the best places in Vancouver to explore with your kids, and includes their very own market.

Photo Credit: www.takingthekids.com
Sources:
Kids Market Photo: https://www.takingthekids.com/2019/08/07/vancouver-b-c-a-kids-paradise/
Cover Photo: Anthony Kaulfuss