Know-It-All: What’s the Difference Between the Aquabus and False Creek Ferries?

I’ve personally never done it, but if pop culture is any indication, avenging your father is a time-honoured tradition. (I prefer to use my free time to work on my badminton serve—to each their own.) From to Hamlet to the animated Lion King to the live-action Lion King, protecting Dad’s legacy is a classic narrative trope—one that you can witness in real life in Vancouver, among the beautiful, filthy waves of False Creek. Is it appropriate to say “drama alert” for a story that’s 40 years old? Let’s find out.

False Creek Ferries started in 1981, running between Granville Island and a dock on the downtown side. It was the brainchild of Brian and Laura Beesley, who bravely believed that boats could transport people across the water. While the history books will remember their contributions to civic water transit, I’m going to need you to forget their names immediately because they sold the company in 1982 and will not continue to be part of this story.

The new owners of this fleet of four vessels were George McInnis and George Pratt, who believed that when it came to business, double the Georges might just mean double the profits. The duo petitioned the city to install docks along False Creek long before it became the bustling condotopia it is today. But while running a small private ferry service should’ve been a dream come true (what little boy hasn’t fantasized about this special day?), Pratt just wasn’t ready for the commitment. Just a few years into the venture, he sold his shares to McInnis.

The ferry tale might’ve been over for the Pratt family—if his exit hadn’t opened up an opportunity for his son Jeff to take the (boat) wheel in his wake (water pun). Young Jeff and wife Margot picked up where ol’ Pops left off, opening up their own competing ferry service, called Aquabus, in 1985.

The two warring sea-transport families would go on to spur each other to new heights of scenic transit service. For commuters and weary passengers too bloated from sampling cheese at Granville Island Market to walk to Science World, the competition has turned out to be a blessing. Aquabus operates 14 rainbow-clad vehicles; False Creek Ferries has grown its own fleet to 17 vessels over the years. Both companies have vessels designed by naval architect Jay Benford, both depart every five to 15 minutes, both share docks. Very contentious stuff, obviously. 

While the companies hit many of the same stops on their routes, FCF and Aquabus have some important distinctions. False Creek Ferries goes a little bit farther, venturing to westward docks at Vanier Park and the West End’s Aquatic Centre. Though Aquabus’s routes are fewer, all of its vessels can handle bikes, wheelchairs and strollers. You can remember the difference with this easy rhyme: If it’s Bard on the Beach you seek, take a False Creek Ferry, you geek. If you want to support a Daddy’s boy, the Aquabus will bring you joy.

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