Granville Island Market, Vancouver: In the 1970s, a former industrial site was transformed into one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. Overlooking False Creek, the island features a busy food market, art galleries, an eponymous microbrewery, boutique distilleries, flashy restaurants, two theatres, various bars, a hotel, a water park, and gift shops. There are more than 300 stores, with the toy-like Aquabus ferrying visitors along the creek. Stroll around the market for fine cheeses, chocolates, fruit, baked goods, condiments, and artisan gifts. Listen to buskers while you have a snack on the outdoor deck (but watch out for the turkey-sized gulls!) For a harbour adventure, hire a motorboat, or rent a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak. Little ones will lose their marbles inside the Kids’ Market, which has a four-level indoor Adventure Zone and an old-fashioned arcade.
St. Lawrence Market, Toronto: National Geographic once called the St. Lawrence Market “the world’s best food market.” Toronto’s largest indoor market has been located on Front Street for more than two centuries, although portions of the buildings were destroyed by fire and rebuilt. The two-storey South Market has more than 120 specialty vendors, with fresh produce, meat, fish, baked goods, and artisan cheese. You’ll also find various restaurants and cafés. Retail businesses are located in the St. Lawrence Hall, where you can also find exhibitions, concerts, and rental space. The market is a short distance from other Toronto must-do’s, and is well serviced by buses and streetcars.
By Ward Market, Ottawa: Conveniently located close to Ottawa’s primo attractions (Parliament! The Rideau Canal! The National Gallery!), ByWard gets its unusual spelling from the area’s original surveyor, John By, and the ward in which the market was located. Attracting some 50,000 people each summer weekend, the original market building has produce and retail stores surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and gift shops. Open-air vendors sprout up on George and York Streets, too, and buskers add to the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the warm, sweet Beaver Tails on the corner of George and William, the fine coffee at various establishments, the Obama-inspired baked goods at Moulin de Provence, and a taster flight at the Clocktower or Lowertown craft breweries.
The Forks, Winnipeg: There are several terrific urban markets in the Prairies — Saskatoon’s and Regina’s farmers’ markets come to mind — but only one of them has 6,000 years of Aboriginal history and is a National Historic Site to boot. The area at the confluence of the mighty Assiniboine and Red Rivers once attracted hunters, traders, pioneers, and settlers. Today, tourists hunt for souvenirs and locals gather up gourmet treats. There’s a theatre, children’s museum, boutique hotel, and a provincial tourism exhibit. It’s also just a short walk from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (see page 192). When the Assiniboine River freezes over in winter, out come the skating trails, Olympic-sized rink, and the popular RAW:almond, a pop-up restaurant. Parks Canada operates an adjacent area with walking trails, a prairie garden, outdoor amphitheatre, and canoe beach. The Oodena Celebration Circle, with its eight steel arms pointing toward specific constellations, is another highlight for visitors.