You’re standing at the edge of False Creek, looking at the water. It’s a sparkling, slightly murky green, and honestly, the views of the glass towers are incredible. But you’ve got a problem. You need to get to the Public Market, and walking the Burrard Street Bridge feels like a marathon in the rain. This is where the vancouver ferry to granville island comes in. Most people think there is just "the ferry." There isn't. It’s actually a localized battle between two rival companies—False Creek Ferries and Aquabus—that have been shuttling people across this tiny strip of water for decades.
It’s easy to get confused.
You’ll see little blue boats and little rainbow boats. They look like floating bathtubs. They’re adorable, sure, but they are serious transit for locals and a total trap for tourists who don't know how the ticketing works. If you buy a round-trip ticket on the blue boat, you can't hop on the rainbow boat to come back. I’ve seen so many frustrated families standing on the dock, realizing they just wasted ten bucks because they didn't pay attention to the branding.
The Two Players in the False Creek Game
Let’s talk about the hardware. The "rainbow boats" belong to Aquabus. They have a massive fleet and, frankly, they’ve cornered the market on visibility. If you’re at the foot of Hornby Street, you’re likely jumping on one of these. They even have a specialized "Cyquabus" that can handle bicycles, which is a lifesaver if you’re riding the seawall and realize your legs are jelly.
Then you have False Creek Ferries. These are the blue and white ones. They’ve been around since 1982. There’s a bit of a "local's secret" vibe with them because they tend to hit some of the quieter docks like Maritime Museum or Freshwater Marina.
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The experience is basically identical. You get on, the diesel engine chugs away (though some electric versions are finally rolling out), and you spend about three to seven minutes on the water. It’s short. Really short. But it’s the best three minutes you’ll spend in the city. You’re low to the waterline. You see the underside of the massive bridges. You might even spot a seal near the Granville Island docks if the fishmongers are tossing out scraps.
Why You Shouldn't Just Buy a Single Ticket
If you’re just going once, fine, pay the five or six bucks. But if you’re planning to explore the whole creek—from Science World all the way down to Kitsilano—you need a day pass.
Most people don’t realize that the vancouver ferry to granville island is part of a much larger ecosystem. You can take these boats to Olympic Village to see the giant bird statues. You can head to Yaletown for a fancy lunch. You can go to the West End to hit the beach. It’s basically a hop-on, hop-off bus service, but way cooler because you're on a boat.
Wait. One thing to keep in mind: these are private companies. Your Compass Card—the one you use for the SkyTrain and the big SeaBus to North Vancouver—does not work here. Don't be that person holding up the line trying to tap your card on the wooden railing. It won't work. They take credit, debit, and cash. Usually.
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Navigating the Docks Without Losing Your Mind
Granville Island itself is a maze. When you get off the ferry, you’re usually dropped off right behind the Public Market or near the Arts Umbrella building.
- The Public Market Dock: This is chaos. It’s loud, there are buskers playing violins, and the smell of smoked salmon is everywhere.
- The Maritime Museum Stop: This is on the Vanier Park side. If you want to see the old St. Roch schooner or hit the Space Centre, get off here.
- The Aquatic Centre Dock: This is the main gateway from the downtown side. It’s right under the Burrard Bridge.
Is it worth it? Totally. Taking the ferry saves you a 20-minute walk through some of the windiest spots in the city. Plus, the skippers are usually characters. I once had a skipper give a full history of the Sun Tower while dodging a rogue kayaker. It’s chaotic, it’s tiny, and it’s uniquely Vancouver.
The Weather Factor
Vancouver is wet. We all know this. The boats are covered, so you won't get soaked while you’re moving. However, the docks are exposed. If it’s pouring, you’re going to get damp waiting for the next boat. Luckily, they run every 5 to 15 minutes depending on the season.
In the summer? It's a different story. The lines get long. Really long. If it's a sunny Saturday in July, expect to wait through two or three boat rotations before you get a seat. My advice? Go early. Get your Lee’s Donuts before 10:00 AM, and take the ferry back before the afternoon rush hits.
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What Most Guides Forget to Tell You
The "ferry" isn't a government service. It's a business. This means the prices aren't subsidized like the bus. It's a bit of a splurge for a short distance, but you’re paying for the view and the convenience.
Also, the boats are small. If you have a massive double-wide stroller or a huge suitcase, it's going to be a tight squeeze. The skippers are great at helping, but space is at a premium. If you’re traveling heavy, consider the #50 bus instead, though it’s significantly less charming.
Real Talk on Safety and Accessibility
Most of the boats are not wheelchair accessible in the traditional sense. A few of the newer Aquabus models have ramps and can accommodate chairs, but you should check their website or call ahead to see which dock they are currently serving. The docks themselves can be steep depending on the tide. High tide? Easy walk. Low tide? You’re walking down a pretty significant gangway.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Don't just wing it. If you want the best experience taking the vancouver ferry to granville island, follow this specific sequence:
- Check the Tide: If you have mobility issues, try to go during high tide when the ramps are flatter.
- Pick Your Color: Decide now if you want the Blue boats (False Creek Ferries) or the Rainbow boats (Aquabus). Stick to one if you buy a return ticket.
- Start at the Aquatic Centre: It's the most iconic "short hop" and gives you the best view of the Granville Island sign as you approach.
- Buy the Day Pass: If you have more than three hours, the day pass pays for itself by the third stop. Use it to go to Olympic Village for a beer at Craft or Tap & Barrel after you're done with the market.
- Skip the Peak: Avoid the 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM window on weekends unless you enjoy standing in lines with seagulls eyeing your snacks.
The ferry is more than just a ride; it’s a perspective shift. Seeing Vancouver from the water, even just for five minutes, makes the city feel smaller, friendlier, and a lot more like the coastal village it used to be. Grab a seat on the outdoor bench at the back if you can—it's the best seat in the house.
To make the most of your time, head straight to the Granville Island Public Market dock, grab a coffee from JJ Bean, and then use your ferry pass to explore the further reaches of the creek like the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. This allows you to see the entire waterfront without the exhaustion of trekking the seawall on foot. Over and out.