FAQ

What is parking like on Granville Island and how do I pay?

Parking on Granville Island can be challenging, especially at peak hours like after school and on weekends. Pay parking is in effect 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily. You can pay by using pay stations located across the island or select mobile apps. Our favourite spot to park is in the parkade behind Arts Umbrella, accessible via Old Bridge Street. There are also several free, five-minute drop-off spots available outside the Arts Umbrella building. Please note that all parking on Granville Island is managed by CMHC. The most up to date parking information can be found HERE.

What are other ways to get to Granville Island?

Aside from arriving by car, you can get to Arts Umbrella Granville Island by foot, bike, bus, and ferry. In the summer, CMHC-Granville Island offers a free bike valet to safely store your bike free of charge. The #50 bus makes regular scheduled stops at Granville Island; check the schedule by visiting translink.ca. False Creek Ferries docks on Granville Island and has regular service with many stops throughout False Creek to allow you to travel by water with ease.

Who is teaching my class?

Staffing is finalized about 2 weeks before the start of each season and will be updated online as soon as instructors are confirmed. If your class has an instructor listed online as “Faculty AU” that means we’re still in the process of finalizing staff for that class.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my class?

Yes! Just give us two weeks’ notice for Spring Break and Summer camps or before 48 hours after the second scheduled class of the session for sessional programs. Before these deadlines, you have the choice of either a 90% refund or a class change free of charge. Yearlong and Mini-Session programs are subject to their own unique refund policy. Contact Student Services at [email protected] for more information.

Does someone supervise my student between classes?

Arts Umbrella only provides supervision during scheduled class times. The exception to this rule is during yearlong class packages, Spring Break, and Summer Session packages when break time between classes is supervised. If you’re unsure about your class, contact Student Services at [email protected] for details.

Can I transfer my student to a different class?

Yes! Just give us two weeks’ notice for Spring Break and Summer camps or before 48 hours after the second scheduled class of the session for sessional programs. Before these deadlines, you can change classes free of charge or receive a 90% refund. Yearlong and Mini-Session programs are subject to their own unique refund and transfer policy. Contact Student Services at [email protected] for more information.

How do waitlists work?

You can add your student to a waiting list through our online registration system. You can join as many waitlists as you like, free of charge. If a spot were to open up for your student, the Student Services team would get in touch with you right away. Once contacted, you would have 24 hours to claim the spot by registering and paying for the class by phone at 604-681-5268 x1. If you do not register within the 24-hour period, you will lose your place on the list, and we will offer the spot to the next person. Please note that waitlists for summer camp packages are recorded manually, so if you are looking to join a waitlist for a Summer Session package, please contact Student Services at [email protected].

Where can I find information on Yearlong classes?

Great question. We offer Yearlong programs in Dance, Theatre, Music, & Film, and Art & Design. For more information on each department’s offerings, you can email [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].