Granville Island is nothing but a headache to us as well, we make it a point to avoid it and it really mostly harbors interests to tourists. Way too difficult to navigate to and park and very few interesting shops, services and eateries. Recent openings like Popina just further its reputation as a tourist cash grab. As a local living in the west side I'd much rather walk around South Granville, W. 4th and even the few shops and services near Kits Beach than Granville Island.