NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE: GRANVILLE ISLAND by Eoin Finn and Insiya Rasiwala

This month, we visit Granville Island, to discover whether it is possible to find health and peace on this bustling, tourist-filled locality and come away pleasantly zen-ified.  

Granville Island is a unique treasure in Vancouver.   Only a few decades ago the island was a decaying industrial site that has transformed into a unique arts and cultural oasis and model community that is essential to the Vancouver Lifestyle.

With the continuing evolution of this area it was just a matter of time until Granville Island witnessed the yoga and healthy living scene starting to flourish.

Here are some of the places yogis should look out for while visiting the island:

1650 Johnston St. (right outside the market)
604.682.7099
granville@halfmoon.bz
http://www.halfmoonyogaprops.com

Half Moon Yoga Lifestyle Store:  

What will impress you about Halfmoon, located just outside the public market, is that it is a company that is deeply committed to yoga and the yoga lifestyle. The store caters not just to yoga practitioners but to those interested in healthy and balanced living. Their mission: "helping people to flourish and evolve."

Halfmoon evolved out of Halfmoon Yoga Products -- a Vancouver based company that has been supplying yoga and meditation gear for over 16 years. Recently they have added their own clothing line including the popular Tie Pant that has gathered a devout following. Retail Manager Alicia Tobin explains, "We provide

beautiful and durable clothing, that transitions practical wear to practice wear. And we focus on organic fabrics and local lines".

Alongside the Vancouver made Halfmoon products, you will find funky, organic tees local label Twice Shy, comfortable yoga crops and tops by LA favorite Natural High, graphic tees by Yoga Girl, practice-wear by Blue Canoe and those wild and durable bags by the San Francisco company Timbuk2.

While the selection of music, books and dvds isn't massive, every item is carefully considered before being displayed and is guaranteed to be a real gem!

Pier 32, 2nd floor
604-739-2087
info@semperviva.com
www.semperviva.com

Semperviva Yoga Studio:

Semperviva is committed to healthy living.   Their studios are rooted in Owner Gloria and Scott Latham's commitment to health and well being which originally started with a retail store on Broadway and Trafalgar specializing in alternative medicine, vitamins and natural living products.   Yoga was a natural extension of the healthy lifestyle that they were promoting.   Now Semperviva has three studios in Vancouver.   Two in Kits and a third, overlooking the water... on Granville Island.   The studio is an incredible space with unobstructed views of downtown, False Creek and the nautical activity that takes place in the tranquil waterways of False Creek.  

False Creek Community Centre:

This beautiful building, formerly a factory as befits Granville Island's past hosts a variety of classes in activities ranging from hatha yoga, Nia and Vipassana meditation.   Visit http://falsecreekcc.ca/programs/adult/a_healthwellness.htm for more details.  

Granville Island Tea Company:

Boasting some of the best chai in the city, the Granville Island tea company, also makes delicious matcha lattes hot or iced and will serve up your own special dreamed-up blend of tea.   Perfect to prolong that post-yoga bliss.   In the Granville Island Public Market.

Organic Connection:

Granville Island is famous for its bustling markets of fresh produce from local and global sources.   Tucked away inside the West entrance is Organic Connection, a unique gem that sells produce from Friesen Farms in Abotsford, BC.   Stop by year round for local tomatoes, fresh mixed greens, green beans, ripe fruit, organic cheeses and spreads.

Farmer's Truck Market:   Every Thursday until October

For those in the know, the Granville Island Farmer's truck market is a draw each Thursday for fresh cut flowers to brighten your zen-like sanctuaries, local, organic produce and honey.