The Aquabus
The Aquabus
4.5
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
Monday
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday
6:45 AM - 10:30 PM
About
The Aquabus's 13 vessels make stops up and down False Creek every 15 minutes or less -- so you never have to wait long for a ride. All of our routes are wheelchair accessible and bike-friendly. Hop aboard our iconic rainbow boats to enjoy the spectacular Vancouver skyline from a unique and impressive vantage point! The Aquabus is a family-owned business that has been providing ferry transportation in False Creek since 1986. With over 30 years of experience serving False Creek and the surrounding area, the Aquabus is an essential adventure for tourists and commuters alike. Let our friendly and knowledgeable skippers ferry you around Vancouver in comfort!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Granville Island
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Best nearby
Restaurants
2,667 within 5 kms
Attractions
557 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- DeanWellington, New Zealand773 contributionsFun and very transport over the water to Granville IslandCaught the aqua bus from the Hornsby Street dock. The dock is literally across the water from Granville Island by about 150odd meters. The Aquabus runs every few minutes between those two points and takes about 40 people per trip and include bikes. The cost can be paid on the bus and cost $4 one way (for an adult) or $3.25 Canadian dollars if you purchase online. You can do this at the dock by scanning the qr code and paying by credit card. In the time it took the aquabus to head to Granville Island and before their return, I had purchased my ticket and received a email confirming my ticket. The trip itself took left that several minutes from boarding to travelling and then disembarking on the Granville Island dock. I would definitely use this mode of transport again.Visited February 2023Travelled soloWritten February 20, 2023
- Cecie H2 contributionsCute and handySuper easy to jump on one next to the Public Market building. If you're staying in downtown VanCity and using rideshares, it might be faster/less hassle to take the aquabus over to Hornby and catch your ride there rather than have to wait for it to work its way through the Granville traffic. Fare was $4 per person. Note that if you only have American currency, they'll take it but at 1:1 (you can pay via credit card).Visited February 2023Written February 26, 2023
- CanuckJamesNishinomiya, Japan1,437 contributionsA nice way to get around False CreekA great way to cut across False Creek. For pedestrians, cyclists, and pet walkers - it is a great way to get to the 'other side'. We were on food, on the downtown side, and wanted to go to Granville Island. Hopped on at the foot of Hornby Street - a couple of minutes to get to the island. We then wanted to go to Roger's Arena from Granville Island, we took the Aquabus to Yaletown and it was a short, picturesque walk. It was a decent weather day which made this trip even more enjoyable. You can see the False Creek area from a different perspective. Note: This is not cheap - however think of this not as transportation but more as an experience then the price isn't a bother.Visited March 2023Written March 9, 2023
- ArdiVancouver, Canada33 contributionsUnique and handy transportation serviceThe Aquabus is a fun and scenic way to get around False Creek. I particularly recommend it to get between downtown (Hornby or Yaletown) and Granville Island. Service is frequent and you can either pay on the bus or at one of the ticket booths.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten March 11, 2023
- Peter DLedbury, United Kingdom382 contributionsFabulous way to see the city from the waterWhat a bargain $17 all day ticket with frequent boats it’s a great way to see the city from the water. Easily accessible from a few metro stops approx 400m walk. Use the service to get to specific sights, we went to Granville Island market which is fantastic. The staff are friendly helpful and knowledgeable - easily worth the ticket priceVisited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten April 8, 2023
- Larry P4 contributionsGot the all-day pass.My wife and I were walked out. We hiked all over the city. Aquabus - seven stops. Hit them all over a sunny afternoon. Had some snacks and eats at a couple of stops. Helped me pick a part of the city to visit the next day.Visited June 2023Written June 15, 2023
- tarquin_10Sydney, Australia176 contributionsA nice personal journey around False CreekWe needed to get from downtown (The Plaza of Nations) to Granville Island and were going to get the False Creek ferry but the Aquabus turned up first so we jumped on. It was slightly cheaper than the False Ck ferry and they gave us a ticket that allowed us to get to Granville Island, stop for an hour or 2 and then get back on to go across the creek to the Aquatic Centre side so we could get out to the sea walk and on to Stanley Park. The operators were casual but professional and very friendly and helpful. They got us to Granville Island and later to the eastern side of the creek with a minimum of fuss.Visited June 2023Written June 24, 2023
- Paula A13 contributionsGreat fun and very convenientGreat fun, very convenient. We purchased the day tickets ($36 for 1 senior and 1 adult) great value, as we hopped on and off all day, and could easily have just sat there and gone round and round 😁😁 False Creek is interesting with Granville Island at one end and the Science World at the other (looked to be an amazing place for family groups!) lots of parks along the edges that the ferries stop at.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2023
- LauraScully124 contributionsThe best way to cross the creekThese little boats are one of my favourite things about Vancouver. It's such a fun way to get about False Creek. We typically got it from Hornby St to Granville Island, which takes a couple of minutes only. The staff are always friendly and laid back, and the boats themselves are just so cute and colouful.Visited May 2023Written July 17, 2023
- Susan DBexley, Ohio90 contributionsFun Little Boat RideA great way to see Vancouver from the water. It’s a real bargain at $11 for seniors. We just rode around once and got off. It took about an hour. Aaron, the firefighter, and Leila were a great crew. We had a blast chatting with them.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten August 20, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,649 reviews
Excellent
1,547
Very good
858
Average
193
Poor
37
Terrible
14
Jim E
Redondo Beach, CA50 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Paid $19.00 for a day pass and it was more than worth the price, started off heading to Granville Island, spent a few hours looking around caught the Aquabus to all of the other stops got off and looked around at each stop, got on again and moved to the next one. Longest wait for a ride was less than 5 minutes. Staff was very friendly, ride was smooth. Great way to get around False Creek for some sightseeing.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Happsters
Honolulu, HI7 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
First time here in Vancouver, and I was extatic to ride this aquabus. My husband and I rode this to all points of enterests, from 1 through 8 stations.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elaine h
Ottawa, Canada70 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
We had a few hours to explore Granville Island and Yaletown. Great alternative to public transit. Boat operators in both directions were amazing. They provided information on the area and great fun facts.
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan D
Bexley, OH90 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
A great way to see Vancouver from the water. It’s a real bargain at $11 for seniors. We just rode around once and got off. It took about an hour. Aaron, the firefighter, and Leila were a great crew. We had a blast chatting with them.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil G
Selby, UK20 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
The crossing was pretty straightforward and painless, a very convenient way to get across the Bay to Granville island, you can pay by cash or card.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraScully
124 contributions
May 2023
These little boats are one of my favourite things about Vancouver. It's such a fun way to get about False Creek. We typically got it from Hornby St to Granville Island, which takes a couple of minutes only.
The staff are always friendly and laid back, and the boats themselves are just so cute and colouful.
The staff are always friendly and laid back, and the boats themselves are just so cute and colouful.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Berline D
Laval, Canada37 contributions
Jul. 2023
It was my first time visiting Vancouver and using the aquabus and I really found the experience short but so Fun
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee F
Santa Barbara, CA101 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Friends
Nice way to get around on a pretty day. Yes, it’s touristy, but who cares? Much better than being in a bus. The ferries are clean and prompt.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mayumi
2 contributions
Jul. 2023
High price for short trip across from one end to other. Trip was safe and quick and convenient if you need to go to granville island from DT.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dorothy t
3 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
Great value for money 19 dollars for a day pass.. means you can hop on and off where you want along the route when the boat docks .. great views of False creek… friendly helpful staff
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I get a pass for both the Skytrain from the airport and the Aquabus? Or is it two separate companies?
LONDONGIRL51
Preston, UK21 contributions
Hi. Can anyone tell me, how much does it cost for a day pass. And would that allow me to hop on and off at various stops.
brizy83
Newbury, UK379 contributions
Day pass is 16 CAD (14 CAD for seniors & children) and saves money if you are doing at least 3 stops in a day
Do you have to pre purchase tickets online or can you just walk on and pay
brizy83
Newbury, UK379 contributions
You can just turn up and pay
Olga B
7 contributions
I was checking info for ferries on internet and google gave me aqua bus and false creek ferries. Is it the same or two different companies? The false creek has an extra stop at maritime museum which aqua bus doesn't have. Thank you!
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,350 contributions
Hi Olga, they are two different businesses with separate tickets and separate stops. And you are absolutely correct that Aquabus will not get you to the maritime museum but False Creek Ferries will.
Vanier Park (Maritime Museum location) is on the other side of the Burrard Bridge. You can catch the ferry from roughly the same general area (Public Market) as the Aquabus.
"Granville Island Ferries" (the name for this particular business) has a very helpful website with all the information you could possibly need plus they have a "contact us" tab.
Bonnie S
Grande Prairie, Canada1 contribution
How long is the ride from plaza of nations to Granville island?
chellebarnaby
Cumberland, WI55 contributions
It would vary slightly depending upon how many of the stops your boat makes. If it's a straight ride, probably 10 minutes. Even with a couple of stops, you're looking at not more than 20 minutes.
Traveller
Elgin, UK6 contributions
Can you purchase a day pass at Holby Street Dock or do you need to purchase online? Depending on weather will decide what day I travel
finakee
Melbourne, Australia59 contributions
You can purchase a round trip ticket on board, just explain at the time of purchase what is wanted and the are eager to help
Carmen A
Mexico City, Mexico20 contributions
Hola, estoy planeando ir a Vancouver en junio, me interesa saber ¿qué costo tiene el aquabus y cuáles son los horarios en que funciona?
Me podrias indicar que otra forma hay para llegar y si sabes los costos apreciaria mucho si los compartes.
Muchas gracias!
Mary A
Leon, Mexico173 contributions
Hola, los costos varían dependiendo de la distancia a la que vayas y tienen costo menor para personas de tercera edad, el Aquabus tarda aproximadamente 10 minutos entre uno y otro y él servicio es continuo de 7 a 10:30pm más o menos, sale de grandville island a diferentes lugares y de regreso tú decides donde tomarlo de acuerdo a tu conveniencia
GreenLakeGirl1
Home of the Space Needle32 contributions
Hello! Can you ride the Aquabus all the way around, to each stop? If so, how much is the ticket and which ticket(s) would I buy? Wondering if it's a good way to tour False Creek or if the Aquabus is really more for commuting from one stop to another??
Wrekinhavoc
Telford, UK287 contributions
Not quite sure because we got off at Granville Island and then back on after a few hours but I would guess 45 minutes to an hour.
blondeflamingo1
New Westminster, Canada4 contributions
Can you take a tour on the Aquabus if so how much?
Wrekinhavoc
Telford, UK287 contributions
it is $7.50 for the return journey so I imagine that if you just wanted a round tour you could get on the aqua bus in Vancouver, not get off at Granville Island and ride straight back.
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Claim your listingTHE AQUABUS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Aquabus
- The Aquabus is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:45 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
- Hotels near The Aquabus:
- (0.40 km) Granville Island Hotel
- (0.53 km) Level Vancouver Yaletown - Richards
- (0.47 km) The Parker Hotel Vancouver
- (0.35 km) 910 Beach Avenue Apartments
- (0.87 km) OPUS Vancouver
- Restaurants near The Aquabus:
- (0.02 km) Backstage Lounge
- (0.04 km) The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
- (0.04 km) A La Mode Pie Café
- (0.05 km) The Market Grill at Granville Island
- (0.06 km) Stuart's Bakery