The Aquabus been serving False Creek and the surrounding area since its inception in June of 1985 by owners Jeff and Margot Pratt. Originally operating with only one boat, the service quickly took off and expanded to include three more of the now-iconic Jay Benford-designed rainbow boats by the time EXPO 86 arrived in town. Our boats were essential during this time to connect visitors to the various sights and attractions of the World’s Fair, and we only got busier and busier as the banks of False Creek developed from largely industrial areas into the metropolitan hubs that they are today. In 1995, we introduced our first Cyquabus – a boat able to carry bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs – which drastically expanded the scope of the company and allowed for a more integrated, multimodal, and accessible transportation experience.
With each passing year our ridership has grown, and we have grown with it, expanding to our current fleet of 14 vessels – 8 of which are cyquabusses – and becoming an essential adventure for tourists and commuters alike. We have remained closely connected to the small business community of Vancouver and are proud to have been family owned and operated for over 30 years, as Jeff and Margot have passed the torch to their son and current General Manager, Jake Pratt. We look forward to many more years of serving Vancouver as one of its most colourful and beloved modes of transportation!
More on The Aquabus Wiki page.
Thank you to the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples for allowing us to work and live on this unceded territory
