Vancouver: Granville Island Market Food Tour with VIP Tastings

Summary

Granville Island’s flavors and stories with every step

You’ll taste your way through Granville Island Market with a local guide who knows every hidden corner — from artisan sausages to fresh donuts still warm from the fryer. Expect laughter over cheese samples, coffee breaks to dodge the rain, and real conversations with Vancouver food makers. By the end you’ll feel like part of the market’s story yourself.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this one — it’s got wild boar in it,” our guide grinned, holding out a slice of Oyama sausage. I hesitated for half a second (wild boar? in Vancouver?) but the market air was already full of so many smells — bread, smoked meats, something sweet and yeasty from the donut stand — that I just went for it. The bite was peppery and rich, and honestly, I still think about it whenever I walk past a deli now.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a food tour. Our group was small, maybe eight of us, and everyone loosened up after the first round of cheese at Benton Brothers. The brothers themselves were behind the counter, talking about Canadian dairies like they were old friends. Someone asked if all their cheeses were local; one brother shrugged and said, “We love Canada but we cheat on her with French brie.” We all cracked up. There was this moment where the light came through the windows just right — you could see dust motes floating above baskets of apples and jars of honey.

Our guide (her name was Li) knew everyone — she’d wave at the tea shop lady or slip behind counters for “VIP” samples. At JJ Bean she ordered espressos for us (“You’ll need this to survive Vancouver rain,” she joked), and then we zigzagged through crowds to a pickle bar that looked straight out of New York. The pickles were crunchy and sharp; my friend tried to say thank you in Mandarin and totally butchered it, but Li just laughed.

The whole thing felt more like wandering with a friend than ticking off stops on a list. Even when my shoes got wet from puddles outside (it rained, obviously), I didn’t mind. There’s something about sharing bites with strangers that makes everything warmer — or maybe it was just the honey dip donut at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Granville Island Market food tasting tour

• Meet expert tour guide
• Visit Oyama Sausage Co.
• Taste artisanal sausages and pâtés
• Try classic Honey Dip donuts
• Enjoy espresso at JJ Bean
• Sample authentic Pad Thai at Sen Pad Thai
• Visit Hobbs pickle bar
• Taste fine cheeses at Benton Brothers
• Sample teas from over 200 varieties
• Explore Public Market behind the scenes

Top questions

How long does the Granville Island Market food tour last?

The tour is designed as a progressive meal with multiple stops; plan for around 2-3 hours total walking time.

Is this Granville Island food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian and pescatarian options are available if you let them know when booking.

Are there any accessibility options on this food tour?

The route is wheelchair accessible throughout Granville Island Market and nearby areas.

How many tastings are included on this VIP Granville Island Market tour?

You’ll sample over 20 signature Canadian bites across more than 10 destinations in the market.

Does this tour run if it rains in Vancouver?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions — just dress appropriately for rain or shine.

Is transportation included or do I need to get to Granville Island myself?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

Can children join this Granville Island Market walking food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to more than ten delicious stops inside Granville Island Market, exclusive VIP tastings like artisan sausage, cheese, pickles, tea, coffee, and donuts (over 20 bites in total), plus stories from your friendly local foodie guide who shares personal recommendations and discounts for later exploring on your own. All routes are wheelchair accessible and groups stay small for a relaxed pace throughout False Creek’s colorful market scene.