Trail Profile: Vancouver Translink Seabus
Operating since 1977, the SeaBus provides regular passenger ferry service between North Vancouver and Vancouver, acting as a key link in the Lower Mainland’s public transit system. And, fun fact: it’s also part of the Trans Canada Trail!
What we love about this Trail section
• It’s affordable and simple to use, and provides a key link for commuters, tourists and trail users between Vancouver and the North Shore.
• It links popular areas: Vancouver’s Gastown, Coal Harbour and downtown, and North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay and Shipyards District.
• It provides beautiful views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the surrounding cityscapes.
Photo credit: Amy Schwartz
A short and sweet ferry shuttle across Burrard Inlet
Hop on board and sail across beautiful Burrard Inlet! Operating from morning to night, the SeaBus is part of Greater Vancouver’s Translink public transit system. The journey takes approximately 10-12 minutes and connects with the Skytrain in Vancouver and bus service in North Vancouver. The passenger-only ferry experience is included as part of public transit fare. Over 5 million people used the SeaBus service in 2025 – close to 15,000 weekly!
Lonsdale Quay and the Shipyards District
On the North Vancouver end of the SeaBus, connect with the City of North Vancouver Trail and enjoy a walk along the waterfront, or head to Lonsdale Quay Market for a snack or a coffee, or to peruse the shops. Open seven days a week, year-round, this public market offers a wide range of food stalls, restaurants, tempting treats and shops for all ages, plus frequent live entertainment on the outdoor patio. Stop to check out the Lonsdale Love Locks, where you’ll find evidence of longtime love or budding romances, overlooking Vancouver’s cityscape to the south (and great views of the SeaBus to-ing and fro-ing).
Also in the Shipyards District, make sure to check out the Museum of North Vancouver, featuring exhibits for all ages about the region’s history and culture. The Polygon Gallery, just steps from the Trail, offers photography- and media-based art exhibits in a gorgeous building. Another highlight in the Shipyards District in the colder months is an outdoor ice rink, complete with rentals, seating and waterfront views. In the warmer months, it transforms into a splash park for the little ones.
Photo credit: Amy Schwartz
Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and Gastown
On the Vancouver side, disembark from the SeaBus at Waterfront Station. Head east towards historic Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest commercial district. Gastown burned down in 1886 and was subsequently rebuilt. Today, it’s home to a strong artist community, cafés, restaurants and shops, the renowned Steam Clock and some of the city’s oldest architecture. The City of Vancouver has created a self-guided architecture walk for those looking to explore the neighbourhood’s historic buildings.
If you head west from Waterfront Station, you’ll find yourself walking along the City of Vancouver section of the Trans Canada Trail. Follow the Trail through Coal Harbour to the edge of Stanley Park, where you can follow the Seawall through the park.
Explore hiking trails in North Vancouver and Vancouver on our interactive map, and read more about Vancouver trails here!
Photo credit: Amy Schwartz
About Trans Canada Trail
Stretching nearly 30,000 kilometres across every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail is cared for locally by trail and community groups. As a charity, Trans Canada Trail advocates for and stewards this nationwide system. We support community-led trail projects through the Trail Catalyst Fund and we share reliable trail knowledge through the Centre for Trail Excellence.
Main photo credit: Amy Schwartz
