Our Story

The Story of False Creek’s Original Ferry Fleet

False Creek Ferries established the first regular, year-round passenger ferry routes connecting Granville Island Public Market with the surrounding shoreline communities. When we first started operations, there were no waterfront condominiums or seawall crowds — only railyards, log booms and warehouses awaiting renewal. The Granville Island Public Market had just opened and was already drawing visitors from across the city. Parking on Granville Island was limited then, just as it is today, and two local boaters realized it was faster to cross the water than to wait in a traffic jam looking for a spot. From that practical insight, False Creek’s original ferry service was launched.

electric ferry 'Juanita Dee' underway in the 1980s

Granville Island's First Ferry Company

In the early years, starting a passenger ferry service to False Creek required determination. Permits had to be secured, docks constructed, and the concept itself proven. Our small blue-and-white boats became the first dedicated passenger ferries operating consistent routes across the creek. In 1982, the company was reorganized as Granville Island Ferries Limited, but continues to operate as False Creek Ferries, reinforcing our commitment to serving all of False Creek, not just Granville Island.

spirit of false creek underway in the 1980s

Purpose-Built for Year-Round Service

Operating safely in all seasons requires specialized vessels. False Creek Ferries commissioned naval architect Jay Benford to design a ferry built specifically for us. His design, officially named “The False Creek Ferry”, was an instant hit with passengers, and quickly became an iconic sight on Vancouver’s waterfront. Since 1982, we have built many more boats based on this original design, introducing refinements and improvements with each one.

false creek ferry spirit of nora o'grady underway

Serving Vancouver’s Growth

By 1983, permanent docks had been established at Sunset Beach, with service extending to the Vancouver Maritime Museum and other key destinations. As new neighbourhoods developed, we expanded routes and increased fleet capacity to meet demand. During Expo 86, when Vancouver’s waterfront was transformed into an international fairground, our ferries were already an established transportation provider. We transported thousands of visitors efficiently across False Creek, reinforcing our role as a core part of the city’s transportation network.

spirit of false creek passing under the granville bridge in the 1980s

Following Expo, the Yaletown neighbourhood evolved into a vibrant residential community. As docks were added around False Creek, our fleet continued to grow alongside the city. During the 2010 Winter Olympics False Creek Ferries once again moved large volumes of passengers quickly and reliably — just as we had decades earlier.

false creek ferries owner george mcinnis standing on a ferry dock

Part of the Community We Connect

Today, False Creek Ferries provides year-round, high frequency service. The company remains a family-run business, three generations strong, with deep roots in Vancouver’s waterfront community. We operate 20 vessels, the largest fleet of passenger ferries serving Granville Inland and False Creek. Two of our ferries are 100% electric, eco-friendly boats.

False Creek Ferries prides itself on being an active member of the community. The little blue ferries perform an annual Canada Day Ferry Ballet, a beloved Vancouver tradition, along the waterfront on July 1. We are also proud to partner with a number of cultural organizations in Vancouver, including Coastal Jazz, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, the Vancouver Writers Festival, the Vancouver Children’s festival, and others.

False Creek has transformed dramatically over the past forty years. Through every phase of that change, one constant has remained: the original little blue ferries connecting Granville Island with Vancouver.