Vancouver, Canada + Add a trip

Granville Island is a large market near downtown - a huge covered food market, surrounded by buildings full of local artisan products. Accessible via car, transit and water taxi. http://www.granvilleisland.com/en/node

There are also a number of local farmer's markets that happen year-round, check www.eatlocal.org for dates and locations

farmers markets and granville island market are NOT cheap but have great stuff if you can afford it!

If going to Granville Island as a visitor take the Aqua Bus accross False Creek. No parking hassles and fun.

Other top markets are Meinhardt's in the Kits and South Granville areas, two locations. Original on Granville street is in a great area for shoping, lots of boutiques and a few brand names like Williams & Sonoma and DKNT.

Downtown Urban Fare are full of delights, three locations.

Granville Island is the main public market - it'll have the biggest selection all year round. There's also an art college (http://www.ecuad.ca/) and quite a few art galleries as well - worth a visit.

Parking can be a hassle on the weekends - the Aquabus is a great suggestion.

I recommend Granville Island market for tourists..., but you can also do budget ethnic grocery on Commercial Dr. (Several cozy coffee shops such as Calabria on the same street.) My favorite grocery store, however, is Capers (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/capers/) where they sell organic foods (and serve yammy soup -- in Kits as I know) .

For local flavor, try the Vancouver Flea Market by Main Street- Science World station (open Weekends and holidays only), Granville Island, and Lonsdale Quay Market (Catch a SeaBus from Waterfront Station)

Definitely Commercial drive, hands down. It's cheap and fresh and full of culture, there are lot's of coffee shops as well as great Italian markets to buy meats and cheeses. Granville Island is cute but kinda more upscale.

Commercial Drive is good for Italian, east-side vibe. Robson for upscale. Chinatown for...Chinese food. Gastown is very touristy. I also like Yaletown, but pretty uppity uppity.

In the summertime though, the Richmond Night Market is tops with food.