The most enjoyable way from Kitsilano to Granville Island is the False Creek Ferries boat from the Maritime Museum dock at Vanier Park. A bus is the other option if you start farther from the water, and the TransLink trip planner will give you the route that fits your starting point.
The boat from Vanier Park
False Creek Ferries is a private water taxi company. Its Kitsilano stop is at Vanier Park, beside the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and it connects to Granville Island on the Maritime Museum line. According to published service information, boats on that line leave about every 10 minutes at peak times and about every 15 minutes at other times. Schedules vary by season, so look at the operator’s timetable before you set out.
This dock is not at Kitsilano Beach. If you are on the beach side of the neighbourhood, you need to walk or ride to Vanier Park first, and a map app will give you the quickest path from where you are. The ferries charge by distance, with fares across the False Creek network ranging from a few dollars up to around eleven for the longest trips. Ask at the dock or check the company’s fare page for the current price of this short crossing.
Aquabus is not the Kitsilano boat
The Aquabus is a separate operator. It runs from Hornby Street and along False Creek, calling at Granville Island, but it does not serve Kitsilano. It suits trips that start in downtown or Yaletown. Its published hours are daily from early morning until the evening, and the operator posts its own timetable.
Bus, bike or car
Several TransLink buses serve Granville Island from the Kitsilano side. Put your starting address and Granville Island into the trip planner, and it lists the route numbers, the stops and the next departures. This is the better plan if you are heading from the west end of Kitsilano or in poor weather.
Cycling is popular, and the paths along the waterfront connect Kitsilano with the island. Parking on the island is limited and fills quickly on weekends, so leaving the car at home is easier. If you need a ride, a taxi or rideshare from Kitsilano is a short trip. Compare costs with the taxi fare estimator or the Uber calculator, and see the Vancouver taxi page for local cab options.