- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
SeaBus
Category: Hotels & Travel Transportation Public Transportation Public Transportation [Edit]
Waterfront Station601 W Cordova St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 953-3333
28 reviews for SeaBus
28 reviews in English
-
Review from Ryan M.
1/6/2012 3 photos
This review is for 01/01/2012. After arriving at Waterfront Station, I was under the impression we were taking a bus, but after buying my $9 Day Pass, I saw escalators for the trains....BUT... we were not walking to the train. We were crossing a bridge and I did not see any trains. I just kept seeing water and I was walking towards it. I asked my friend, "Where are we going?" He said, "We are going to take the SeaBus."
I was not aware my $9 Day Pass did not just give me access to all the bus and train zones, but it would give me access to the water transport. I was surprised...Well, then I live in Los Angeles, where I am stuck in traffic hours because there was one accident. Once you enter the terminal, you'll be waiting on the entrance side for the boat. I believe the boat can hold up to 400 people. There are safety videos in case something does happen to the vessel. With the weather being 29 degrees, I am not jumping into the water.
I am not sure how much profit the boat makes, but it sure does give a lot of scenic views of Vancouver Harbor. The boat doesn't have to turn when it exits the dock. I am not sure what to call it, but it does save time like it was unparalleled parking. It takes about 10-15 minutes for the boat to cross from one side to the other. Of course, if there is shipping traffic, then the boat slows down. The boat ride was awesome, but maybe I would like to have one boat where you can be outside, but I am sure it would cause safety issues.
Overall, it was coolest thing for $9. Your day pass would cover the ride over and over and you'd probably make a profit out of it. How does TransLink make profit? Wouldn't it be profitable to make a train than to use SeaBus? I guess TransLink really cares about their Vancouver and goes all out. Wowsers....I'll be back soon and explore Vancouver in better depth.
Yelp is My Review, My Story, and My Life. Its time to share it. -
Review from Brian R.
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
My first time taking the SeaBus.
Easy Connection with SkyTrain, (A bridge crosses over the West Coast Express tracks and down to the SeaBus dock.
Only 2 turn offs: 1) Even tho the ferries run fast, the waiting area still is small. I can imagine during rush-hours how packed it gets. If your the claustrophobic type, better to ride it during off peak hours. 2) For tourist wanting to take pictures, would be nice if the front was more accessible, (suggestion there, board the front quick and grab those seats).
Back to the positives, Do like the fact SeaBus has 2 sides; empties passengers on one side before letting new ones on the other side.
Its a nice ride and cool the 2zone or Day pass works on it :) -
Review from John J.
Vancouver, BC
4/3/2012
What a GREAT way to TRAVEL!
-
Review from Kwoky L.
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
For a guy from the extremely flat landscape of Chicago, the SeaBus is amazing! I love jumping from my bus to this ferry for a quick getaway to North Vancouver for the day during the weekends. And the best thing is, it's included in my monthly pass and the ride comes with fantastic view of the harbour. The waiting area could be larger though and it always seems to be overcrowded with people. Regardless, I still love the fact that there are passenger ferry services in Vancouver. SeaBus FTW!
-
Review from Luisa D.
11/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm on a boat! It's still a novelty for me taking the Seabus. My hubby works on the North Shore and I think the first time I took it in the 20 years I've lived here was to go meet him for lunch.
On Friday night we were visiting friends who live near the Quay. What a great mode of transportation for people going to and from the North Shore! We were fine to make it for the last boat heading back to town at 1am. The last one from downtown is at 1:22am (I think). There were plenty of partiers taking advantage of the service. Several cabs awaited the passengers on the North Van side. Also it's only a one-zone fare after 6:30pm.
Sitting at the front of the boat with my man's arm around me as we viewed the scenic skyline all lit up at night was rather romantic. Wow - the new convention centre looks so gorgeous at night from the water!
Now that I know how easy it is to get to North Van at night I'll be more willing to venture that way to check out some of their restaurants, and to visit my friends there more often! -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2011
I've always the loved the seabus. Ever since my first ride in 1992 (good god that was a long time ago) it always kinda mesmerized me. Especially when i can get a good seat and people aren't shoving me aside and sneaking in the pre-board line (ya you, we all see you slinking in there) to get the primo seats.
No one is ever standing though and if you don't have a good view of the mountains or city you can always people watch. I love tourists. And squabbling couples. Human nature is a funny thing.Listed in: All aboard!!!
-
Review from Christine D.
10/30/2011
We took the SeaBus as we had a day pass and we thought it's a great little tourist attraction and we had already paid for the pass.
Fun and gets you across town quickly. We swiftly made it over and back with little problem.
It was a nice way to check out East Vancouver and we used the trip as an excuse to have dinner over on the East side.
I would recommend this mode of transportation as you can see a few things and ride on this "modern day" ferry.
I would definitely recommend it for tourists visiting the city.Listed in: Vancity
-
Review from Daren D.
1/14/2012 2 photos
It's cool. It's square shape is goofy-looking. She vibrates excessively during parking. You get to pass by big ship tankers at sea. Nice views around. I've ridden one older one and one newer (blue mesh seats?) one.
-
Review from Mike K.
11/6/2011
Fun and cheap way to see the city and ride in a boat. If you buy a Vancouver transit day pass (I think it's either $7 or $9 CAN) you can ride the bus, SkyTrain AND SeaBus all day long.
It can be a long 15 minutes waiting for the next SeaBus, and there are few benches to sit on so they are usually taken. But once you get on the SeaBus it's a pleasant, stable and relatively quick ride to the other side.
If you're in Downtown and looking for something to do, a trip on the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay is a good way to spend a few hours.Listed in: Vancouver
-
Review from Jena J.
Vancouver, BC
8/1/2011
Better then a bus on land!
to be honest the only facts in why the SeaBus doesn't get 5 stars is
a if you miss the SeaBus.. 15 min's seems like an awfully long time.
b: more animal sightings on the open sea. -
Review from Hootie J.
Vancouver, BC
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best hidden gems of our city, a must for any tourist who wants a great perspective of our lovely city.
Got to ride on the new Seabus this time and I like what they have done with the seats way more comfy than the plastic-butt-busters -
Review from David L.
11/4/2011
I've been loving the seabus since I was a kid. It's a cheap way to enjoy a trip on ocean and it doesn't make you sea sick at all. You will get a lovely view of the North Shore and Downtown Vancouver while you're on the water. There are plenty of seats so you don't have to worry about standing. It's also very reliable and there are rarely any delays.
-
Review from Danielle S.
6/30/2009 3 photos
What do you call a boat that takes people from one place to the other? Under any other circumstance, you'd call it a ferry--but in Vancouver, it's a SeaBus! At only $2.50 it's worth it to ride for the entertainment alone. I snagged some beautiful views of Vancouver, both looking north and south on the rides to and from Lonsdale Quay Market, respectively. You can easily see vistas of the mountains, the port, and the downtown skyline from your seat on the SeaBus. It runs efficiently and quickly and is a lot less hassle than taking one of the bridges across to North Vancouver. Plus, it's a ferry called the SeaBus! How much more fun can you get?
The only thing that stunk (literally) was the man in terrible, dire need of a shower that we thankfully were able to avoid sitting near. Seeing as he's not a constant on the SeaBus, the SeaBus and I are still friends.Listed in: Fun in Van-city
-
Review from Jenni B.
4/13/2009
Seabus is oh so functional if you ever must commute to the North shore... but for added fun, on a nice day it's actually a good bit of a lovely ride, and encourage a stroll along the north shore quay.
[I think it's true, the world is just happier while riding on a boat.] -
Review from Eros A.
7/23/2010
3.5 stars...
SeaBus it fun, fast and smooth ride. They have their system down when it comes to punctuality. if the sign says leaving in 2 minutes, be ready to leave in 2 minutes. Cool!
Nice views for those who are looking just for that; and a quite nice fast ride for the commuters or those like me who were looking for the most affordable way to get where we were going. -
Review from Toshi I.
5/9/2011
I usually do not comment on transportations systems but I have to in this case. For my first visit to Vancouver, the Seabus is a quick transport to North Vancouver. Plus, it was fun for the kids. I would definitely recommend public transportation in Vancouver. It's fast, clean, easy and economical.
-
Review from Peter L.
9/30/2009 1 photo
As part of our day pass, we hopped on the Seabus from the Waterfront to North Vancouver and back.
The views are nice if you are in front or in back of the ferry. It's a smooth relaxing ride.
That said, the 30 minute wait (on Sunday) was a killer...walk away and you lose your spot in line. In addition, I had two gay guys literally breathe down my neck (more like blowing on my neck...gross) and a Filipino family squeeze their way to the front 5 minutes before the gates opened. And when the gate opened all hell broke loose! -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
8/25/2008 1 photo
Vancouverites love to complain about the transit system - with the exception of the SeaBus. When I lived in North Vancouver and worked downtown, I took this little ferry almost every day. It's a peaceful 15-minute ride from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay.
I have found that even those who wouldn't step on a bus unless it was about to hit them will cheerfully take the SeaBus. When visitors are in town, it's the one mode of public transport one can confidently recommend - the SeaBus is rarely late (although the clocks announcing minutes to departure can be wonky, so if you see people streaming out when you arrive, run!) and it's scenic even in crap weather.
Having said all that, the entrances and exits to the Seabus terminals are dismal. Especially when getting off, I feel like I'm in a crowded cattle chute. It's always a relief to emerge into the station, whether it's the dark gloomy bus loop at the Quay, or the soaring hall of Waterfront Station. -
Review from Melanie J.
11/9/2010
Definitely take the SeaBus from Canada Place to Lonsdale Quay. The day we took it, it was a dreary rainy day. Explored around Canada Place and the guest services desk recommended taking the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay and walk around the market/mall that was covered - perfect for our rainy day.
-
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2008
I'm going to join the naysayers on this one.
Given the choice of a bus or the Seabus, I'd take the land route any day. The first trip is interesting, the second is irksome as you realize its the same safety message as the first trip, on the third you probably arrive when the clock says "28:32" and there's the ferry: pulling away from the terminal. It only gets worse from there.
I'm feeling kind of sea sick just thinking about it. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
11/12/2008
I gotta say I'm not the huge fan of the Seabus everyone else is. While i agree the view is great and it's a fun little stop for a tourist, as a mode of general transportation I find it leaves a lot to be desired.
For one, the cuing and the waiting is always a pain. I'm never one of those 'right on time' people so I'm always running down the ramps to catch it or waiting 15 minutes for the damn thing to come. On top of that, if you're just using it as a utility it seems a little...scenic and slow. It seems the Seabus is really made for people who want to ogle out the windows as it trudges along.
And, okay, this one is just me because I'm a stick in the mud, but I'm really not into talking to people on public transport. I usually just want to get where I'm going. But something about the 'facing each other' seating forces everyone around you to want to be your buddy for the excruciatingly slow trip. I've heard more about people's vacations or evening plans on the Seabus than I ever want to in my life.
So yeah, tourists, sure go nuts. But if you're just getting into North/West Van there are a few buses that take you there quicker and easier that that whole rigmarole. -
Review from Richard D.
Vancouver, BC
10/9/2008
Anyone who has ever lived in or visited New York would have ridden or at least heard of the Staten Island Ferry. It passes by the Statue of Liberty on its way between Staten Island and the southern tip of Manhattan.
Well, Seabus is Vancouver''s equivalent of the Staten Island ferry. It's more than just a mode of transportation; it's an experience.
Sit in the front as you leave Vancouver, and watch the mountains approach on the north side. Or sit in the back, and watch the skyline get further and further away.
Well, I shouldn't say "front.," as both sides can serve as the front. This ferry doesn't turn around. -
Review from Naoko S.
9/9/2008
SeaBus is awesome.
I enjoyed the ride very much. -
Review from Jason L.
7/28/2010
Talk about convenient! My sister, wife and I decided to go exploring on sunday. We hopped on the skytrain from richmond, got off at the end and hopped onto the SeaBus to check out the Caribbean Festival that was going on. Wait time wasn't very long at all, nobody checked to see if anybody paid their fare, and the ride was smooth sailing... not to mention clean! Public transit here in the SF Bay Area is no where as nice as Vancouver's! 3 C's - Cheap, Convenient, Clean! LOVE IT!
-
Review from Nadine N.
Vancouver, BC
10/16/2008
Everybody loves the Seabus, myself included! For the low price of $2.50 you too can cross the waters from downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver. The views are beautiful. This is an especially fun way to get from Vancouver over to Grouse Mountain to go snowboarding. Just hop on the #236 from Lonsdale Quay and 25 minutes later you'll be getting on the gondola.
-
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
10/16/2008
The genius of the SeaBus experience is just that, its an experience! You may even forget that you are riding public transport when you hop aboard the SeaBus at either Waterfront Station or Lonsdale Quay, depending on your direction of location. Each boat accommodates 400 passengers at any given time and runs like clockwork, arriving and departing every 15 minutes with a total ride time of 12 minutes. Waterfront Station and Lonsdale Quay Station connect to a number of different SkyTrain and bus routes for easy access to any Vancouver destination. Being from a land-held province, I'm like a little kid on the SeaBus, any excuse to take a boat over the majestic Canadian waters of British Columbia!
-
Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
11/22/2008
Never having taken the Seabus before, I was adamant that on a recent trip to Lynn Valley we commute via this means of transportation. It was much larger than I expected and felt very much like a bus on water. I had hoped that it would hold the same kind of charm that trams in San Francisco do, but the air was rank with sweat and wet gumboots. People were rummaging around their just-bought McDonalds meals, some were with unbuttoned shirts, and all were looking out vacantly at the overcast sky and dark waters. All the same, on a bright shiny day, the trip might have been more pleasant but I doubt I'll be as excited as I was the first time.
-
Review from Victoria R.
BC
11/17/2008
I never thought the Seabus could be a review, but I must jump on this bandwgon...erm, bandbus? I, like most of the people I know do NOT love the seabus. Why would anyone love taking public transportation in Vancouver? I mean, I'm not against being green, saving the environment and saving money, but public transportation is one of those in the city that does not work. Too crowded, not enough service, long waits and not safe at all. OK. Back to the seabus. When it is not raining or cold, I could see it being a nice, pleasant way to travel. But otherwise, it's a no-go for me. Yes -- try it out if you are a tourist or have a few hours to spend roaming the city. Otherwise, find a ride or take a bus over either bridges.
