Being situated on a headland in a delta Downtown Vancouver has 'bridge issues'. In other words if you are mad enough to drive, you may also find yourself getting madder while stuck in traffic. Much better to take the excellent public transport especially when it's as fun as this.
This ferry runs across Burrard Inlet from Waterfront Station in Downtown to Lonsdale Quay on Northshore. At most times 2 ferries run a service every 15 minutes, passing in the middle. Though it's accessible, it is a fair walk down a long corridor on the Downtown side. (You can also link to bus and Skytrain services there by the way). Once on the ferry the seating is functional but clean, and you can bet the kids will grab the seats by the front window! Never mind, in my experience you can see out pretty well wherever you sit, though there's always half the seats facing in the wrong direction! The journey across is just long enough to take in a view of cruise ships, mountains and maybe a few float planes taking off and landing.
From the Northshore/Lonsdale Quay end you can visit the nearby market, or take a bus and head towards Grouse Mountain or Lyn Canyon Park. The buses are timed to connect with the ferries.
If you have a travel card it will cover you for the SeaBus. Definitely THE way to travel to Northshore! read more