The Granville Island was a major industrial center in the 1917 and was later on used as a ship building center during WWII. It soon fell into disuse around the sixties and the site became totally run-down. In the beginning of the 70s, the federal government encouraged new and people friendly developments and Granville Village was turned into a multi-use facility, which included industry, commerce, and entertainment. It was decided that this unique town would maintain its original look and as a result, buildings that were formerly factories and warehouses were turned into galleries, restaurants, artist studios, and theaters.

The best way to describe Granville Island is to call it a huge playground with a lot of things that will catch your fancy. There’s a Kids Only Market that has an indoor play area for … well, children, along with shops where you can buy toys, kits, art supplies, and several other things that will keep your little angel happy.

If you have some time, you can rent a kayak and go for a row around the island and explore water creek. If you don’t feel confident enough to do that alone, you can opt for a guided tour, and those who are keen to learn can opt for lessons. A 3-hour kayak lesson will teach you some basic strokes, which will be enough to get you started.

For those with a cultural bent of mind, the Granville Island Museum is the hot destination. You can check out their collection of miniature trains and model boats. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm, the Museum is sure to have some exhibits that will intrigue you.

Do what your heart desires here or do nothing at all, it’s your call. Browse through the popular Granville Island Market, considered to be one of the best all-around markets in North America, sample delicacies at the various food stalls, watch a theater performance, stroll along the waterfront under the moonlight, have some home brewed ale, pick up mementos for your friends, or simply take in the character of the village by walking about it. Like we mentioned before, Granville Island is best explored at your own pace and you are free to chart your own itinerary here. That’s just the best way to do it.

The Hotel is located at a vantage point and is only a block away from Robson Street, a major attraction for shopaholics. Stanley Park, Gastown, and Granville Island Market are also a stone’s throw from Four Seasons as is the Pacific Center, which is known as the premier indoor fashion mall of Vancouver.

The 373 guest rooms, including 67 suites, are large, bright, and airy, and you can see interesting sights of the downtown and even some glimpses of the mountains in the distance. The rooms are done up in soothing colors the give the rooms a warm and soothing touch. The beds are comfortable and you can sink into them and sleep off your tiredness. Even if they are smaller than you expected, the marble bathrooms have a tub and shower combination and they are well designed. The private bars and dresser drawers are housed in a custom-designed credenza with a rich cherry finish. The rooms are luxurious in a subtle manner with none of pomposity usually associated with hotels.

When you step into any hotel, the first thought that crosses your mind is what your dining options are. The Four Seasons doesn’t disappoint you here either. The YEW restaurant (named after the rare Pacific Yew Tree) has been the talk of the town since it was inaugurated in Dec 2007. 12 meter high ceilings, rich wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling sandstone fireplace, large windows and skylights, and contemporary design elements complete the look of this restaurant. You can choose to eat at the communal table that can seat up to 14 people and has been made from a slab of native maple from Vancouver Island. You can also choose to dine in the exclusive glass enclosed private dining room that is skylit. Of course, there are the intimate dining booths as well. The open kitchen and the dramatic bar set off by the massive green wall in YEW make for an interesting décor to take in as you enjoy culinary delights created by Chef Oliver Beckert.

Be it food, convenience, facilities, rooms or service, Four Seasons is going to exceed your expectations, season after season …..all seasons!