The most scenic way from Granville Island to Kitsilano Beach is by water: False Creek Ferries run between Granville Island and a Kitsilano Beach stop. On land, the choice is a bus, a bike or a walk along the waterfront, and the best one depends on the weather and what you are carrying.
False Creek Ferries
False Creek Ferries serve nine stops across False Creek, from Kitsilano Beach to Science World, and Granville Island is one of them. Aquabus is the other operator on the creek, but it does not go to Kitsilano Beach, so make sure you board a False Creek Ferries boat. Boats run roughly every five to 15 minutes in the day, with longer hours in summer, though times vary by route and season. Check the operator’s schedule and fares before you go. Bikes are not carried, so the ferry works best for walkers.
By bus
TransLink route 50 serves Granville Island, running between Waterfront Station and Olympic Village Station through South False Creek, but it does not reach Kitsilano. Routes 4 and 84 both start at UBC and serve the Kitsilano area. Use the TransLink trip planner to find the exact transfer from your start point, since stops and routes change from one service update to the next.
Walking or cycling along the shore
The False Creek shoreline paths and nearby streets link Granville Island with Vanier Park and Kitsilano Beach. Pedestrians and cyclists share parts of the route, so slow down at busy times. The City of Vancouver publishes a cycling map that shows the current routes, so look at it before you pick a way through the streets.
Taxi for beach days
Beach trips come with bags, chairs and towels, and the ferry will not take a bike. When you carry a lot, door to door is easier than a transfer. A cab also suits small children and a cooler. The Vancouver taxi page shows how to book, and the taxi fare estimator gives a rough cost before you ride.