February 21, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Ferry
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On the way to visit the Russian Sochi Olympic House at Vancouver’s Science World, we took a leisurely tour of False Creek by ferry. Starting at Granville Island (home to loads of boutique art galleries, microbrew pubs and great seafood restaurants) we hopped on the little rainbow-striped Aquabus and puttered across the water.
On our right we passed the pretty Charleston Park, with the Olympic Athletes Village further ahead. A brand new complex, the apartments will be snapped up by local residents after the Games. We continued across to trendy Yaletown, towards glossy pale green skyscrapers. Local author Douglas Coupland’s book City of Glass also captures this unbelievable, sparkly view of the city when the sun shines.
After our visit to the Russian House, we got back on the ferry (all rides are just a few bucks - great value) and chugged back down, past expensive looking yachts, sleek kayaks and dragon boat teams in training. We passed English Bay on our right, with its huge statue of an Inukshuk (an Aboriginal symbol of friendship and welcome). Crossing the water, with beautiful views of the North Shore mountains and beyond to Howe Sound, our final stop was the Maritime Museum in Kitsilano.
Amid a collection of restored wooden sailing boats, we stepped back onto dry land. A great fun and cheap way to check out the heart of Vancouver and its Olympic celebrations.
February 01, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Ferry
View a larger image on flickr.com
I worked on Granville Island for a few years, and one of the best things about it (besides the food) was commuting on the little ferries that bob along False Creek.
After a long day in the office, I’d walk down to the docks and watch the ferry’s lights get closer before hopping in. The evening rides were always my favorite: quietly gliding across the water in the dark was an instant de-stressor.
Daytime rides, though busier, gave me the chance to watch kayakers, cormorants and harbour seals (it’s neat to look a seal in the eye from water level). These ferries are by far the coolest form of transit in the city, and they make an awesome harbour “mini-cruise” rain or shine. Plus, they're pretty darn cute.
Both False Creek Ferries (the blue boats) and Aquabus (the rainbow boats) offer the same relaxing ride. The differences between them are: only False Creek Ferries will travel to Maritime Museum/Space Museum/Museum of Vancouver, and only Aquabus can handle bicycles – they even have a special Cyquabus for that purpose.