From the West End the most direct way to Granville Island is the Aquabus from the foot of Hornby Street. It crosses False Creek and docks at Granville Island, so you skip the buses altogether.
Aquabus from the Hornby Street dock
The Hornby Street dock is near the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, a walk from most of the West End. Aquabus calls at eight docks along False Creek, including Granville Island, and it is the only operator with a Hornby Street stop. Boats have run about every 15 minutes through the day, with shorter hours in winter and later boats in summer, so check the Aquabus site for the current timetable before you head out. You pay on board or at the dock, and prices are posted there.
Bus 50 from Waterfront Station
If the weather is bad or you prefer a bus, Route 50 runs between Waterfront Station and Olympic Village Station by way of Granville Island. It stops near the entrance to the island, the closest of any public transit option. Service is frequent, every 15 minutes or better through most of the day, and summer weekend afternoons are a little more frequent.
To reach Waterfront from the West End, walk or take a bus into downtown and catch the Expo Line or Canada Line. A single TransLink fare is valid for 90 minutes across bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus, so the connection does not cost twice. Use the TransLink trip planner for the best option from your block.
Walking, cycling and driving
The Seaside Greenway links the West End, Yaletown and the Olympic Village toward Fairview and Kitsilano, with separate lanes for walkers and riders. It is a longer trip than the ferry, but it suits a fine day. Mobi bike share has stations along the way if you do not have your own bike.
Granville Island is busy, especially on weekends, and parking is limited. If you would rather not deal with it, a cab drops you at the door. The taxi fare estimator gives a rough cost, and Vancouver taxi covers pickups in the city.
On the island itself, the public market, shops, galleries and restaurants are all within a short walk of each other.