A taste of the Granville Island Markets, Vancouver

Early in the morning, the first Aquabus of the day putters across False Creek, heading towards Granville Island. The morning sun might just have barely risen, still blinking sleepily down through the clouds. The sounds of the island, too, are likely beginning to stir.

Fruit-filled crates destined for the Public Market clap against the ground and the cries of resident seagulls echo against the water. Somewhere in all of this is the mysterious secret of Granville Island, which draws some 10.5 million people each year. Rumour has it that there's a magic recipe that makes visitors long to return to the island.

The Public Market is arguably the epicentre for Vancouver's culinary enthusiasm. The goods tell their own stories: strawberries straight from Fraser Valley, Okanagan cherries, fresh Coho salmon and live Dungeness crabs. It's small wonder that Vancouver top chefs are often spotted shopping here for high-quality and rare ingredients for their menus.

Luckily, even the casual visitor can partake in the abundance. Several delis and restaurants feature a variety of cuisines. Slurp Japanese noodles. Nosh on Greek gyros. Grab a slice of Italian pizza. Could the vast quantity and array of food be Granville Island's secret? After all, that's certainly one way to win over fans.

This video take a trip around the Granville Island Market so you can taste what makes it so special.