Granville Island

Vancouver’s Granville Island is “One of the World’s Great Places”*, a bustling shopping and entertainment destination for visitors and locals alike. Once an industrial manufacturing district, Granville Island retains evidence of its heritage: original warehouses and factories have been transformed into shops, studios, theatres, cafes and a colourful Public Market bursting with the best produce, seafood, shops and bakeries the world has to offer.

Granville Island is a living theatre starring a vibrant cast of characters: world-famous buskers and street performers, artists, passionate merchants and craftspeople. Visiting the Island is an experience that engages all the senses. Get so close to artisans at work that you can feel the blast of heat on your face from a glassblower’s furnace or a bagel-maker’s oven. From the dazzle of sunlight on the harbour, to the sights and smells of baking bread, fresh flowers, and perfectly ripe local fruits and vegetables, Granville Island is a world of sensory delight.

Edie Hats

At the heart of the Island is The Net Loft, a building that was once used for repairing and storing fishing nets. Now the Net Loft is home to Edie Hats, an essential stop on any visit to Granville Island.

This is a hat shop like no other. Warm wood, antique furniture, comfortable leather armchairs and inviting musical instruments set the stage for a floor-to-ceiling selection of incredible hats. From dramatic one-of-a-kind works of wearable art, to classic fedoras and cloches and whimsical knitted hats, there is something here for everyone.

Edie Hats is a treasure trove that holds the promise of discovery like a grandmother’s attic or the private rooms of a famous artist. It’s a place where your imagination can take flight, where you can escape into another world of play, pleasure and dramatic possibility.

On special nights, Edie Hats transforms into a magical performance space complete with a sprung-wood floor and real theatre lighting. On these evenings, Edie Hats hosts wonderful events and exclusive performances of music, dance and experiential theatre.

Like Granville Island itself, Edie Hats is a world of delight and discovery, full of hidden treasures to inspire you to create, play, dress up and enjoy.

*Project for Public Spaces, 2004

My Granville Island interviews Edie about Edie Hats.