False Creek transportation truly innovative

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of an amazing trip. About how I got my wheelchair aboard this tiny ship. (Sung to the tune of the Gilligan's Island theme song)

Not all ferries or docks on this waterway are accessible. Look for the cyqua bus.

The accessible boat docks use a series of moving parts to maintain an even grade during low and high tides

False Creek was an industrial waterfront until it was converted into the sight of Expo 86. Now it's home to several parks, restaurants, yacht clubs, community centres, the former Olympic Village, and Granville Island. You can access the north and south banks of the water via the seawall. Really this creek is more of a Pacific Ocean inlet than a creek, and as such tides are a big part of the ecoculture. The water is cleaner now with the elimination of industry, and wildlife is returning. Eagles and harbour seals are a common sight. Last year the creek was home to a gray whale for a few days. False Creek starts at the Burrard Street Bridge and goes as far east as Main Street ending at Science World.

Accessible dock at David Lam Park

The accessible  docks are padded with slip-free no-barrier padding

The older docks like the one at Science World can be very steep during low tides

A fun way to get around is by Aquabus. This ferry company operates a fleet of wheelchair, stroller, and bicycle accessible boats. The City of Vancouver has installed two state of the art accessible boat docks at David Lam Park and Granville Island. There is also a wheelchair lift at the Yaletown dock; however, salt water and electronics don't mix well so this lift is often out of order. Spy Glass is the only completely inaccessible dock. And the other docks at Stamps Landing, Hornby Street and Science World are old style docks and the incline depends on the tide . To get schedules, fares and more information go to ww.theaquabus.com. Try and plan your trip during high tide because low tide makes access to the old docks very steep. Tide schedules are listed daily in both The Vancouver Sun and The Province newspapers.

Gone fishing

AcessEco BC is taking a little break and we will be back in June.