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Treasure Island: Everything There Is to Love on Vancouver’s Granville Island

You can’t just shop for snacks all day (sorry). In between bites, here’s where our editors like to shop and play.

By the Editors /

BANQUET WORKSHOP

1249 Cartwright St.

I’m embarrassed to admit I wasn’t aware of Banquet Workshop’s lovely studio space until a friend showed me one of their excellent “Chips & Dip” tote bags. Stock up on gorgeous hand-screened cards in a riot of colours, lovely table linens patterned with frogs and butterflies and, of course, those excellent tote bags, including an iconic seagull-emblazoned Granville Island souvenir.

—Anicka Quin, VP of content

ARTISAN SAKE MAKER

1339 Railspur Alley

It’s very on-brand for me, as a Japanese-Canadian, to have a special place in my heart for Artisan Sake Maker. Founder Masa Shiroki has been using traditional Japanese methods and 100-percent Canadian ingredients to make this sweet, strong drink for nearly 20 years. It’s a unique celebration of mixed heritage (and tastings start at only $8, which any culture can get behind).—Alyssa Hirose, contributing editor

VANCOUVER STUDIO GLASS

1440 Old Bridge St.

From quirky sculptures to functional vessels, this glass studio features the work of local Canadian artists. You can pop into the little gallery to shop and browse, and if catching a glimpse of the glass-blowing studio piques your interest, they also offer beginner classes. I took the Object class, which was super fun and not scary at all, and made a little catch-all bowl for my jewellery. Pro tip: Book the class in the cooler months because it’s hot in there! —Rebekah Ho, digital manager

Blowing glass and heating it with fire

THE CRYSTAL ARK

3–1496 Cartwright St.

I’d never really stepped inside the little shack kitty-corner to the Kids Market until recently; it always felt too small and crowded and too likely for me to break things. But crystal person or not (I’m not), it’s a gem! There are beautiful stones that claim impossible healing powers and even a little section in the open air where you can frolic shoeless in the rocks (mildly painful but weirdly delightful). Don’t miss the chance to look at pretty stones and find that one special cosmic rock to cure what ails you (way cheaper than therapy… and cuter!). —Kerri Donaldson, assistant editor

CIRCLE WELLNESS SPA

1297 Johnston St.

If you don’t know about Circle Wellness by now—well, you obviously haven’t been reading this magazine, because we’ve mentioned it in at least two other issues over the last 24 months. Shame on you. Reflect on your mistake inside your private circuit spa suite, built inside a shipping container and outfitted with a sensory-deprivation salt sauna. —Stacey McLachlan, editor-in-chief

Circle Wellness Spa

PAPER-YA

9–1666 Johnston St.

A well-organized stationery store is my kind of retail therapy. Perusing Paper-Ya’s printed, patterned and embossed treasures is as soothing as it is inspiring, and buying a cute notebook and a pen you love might just motivate you to finally start the bullet journal you’ve been dreaming of since 2013.—Stesha Ho,  art director

MORE SPOTS TO KILL TIME BETWEEN MEALS

1. Nooroongji Books 

A multicultural indie bookstore with beautiful tomes sourced from around the world. nooroongji.ca

2. Granville Island Water Park

The giant (and free!) yellow waterslide is open through the summer for a quick thrill ride on a hot day. falsecreekcc.ca

3. Opus Art Supplies

Inspired to paint a still life after seeing those towers of berries at the Four Seasons stall? Find all the gear you need here. opusartsupplies.com

4. Allison Wonderland 

The longtime Vancouver designer opened the doors to her “slow fashion” boutique last fall; browse patterned jumpsuits and summery dresses made here. allisonwonderland.ca

5. Kaboodles

The go-to for birthday party gifts and a curated selection of kid-approved playthings, from Lego castles to cat-shaped watercolour crayons to crystal-growing kits. kaboodlestoystore.com