Bike, Bus, Water Taxi, and Train with a Toddler in Vancouver: The Practical Parent Guide
One of my favourite things about living in Vancouver is the easy access and convenience of riding a bike and public transport. For many, public transit is a necessity, and for others, it's a great option for getting around the city. I also learnt how much Yuyu loves taking public transit. I planned some excursions and errands for us using public transit, but sometimes there was no destination. The thrill of the ride was enough for an outing so I wanted to also share some of my public transit lessons and experiences. I’ve also included information about bike rentals with a toddler and baby because it took me so long to find a way to be able to bike with 4-month-old Gabriel.
We are currently navigating the fun potty training stage. The stage where sometimes we pee in the toilet, sometimes we poo on our underwear, and sometimes we give up and put on a diaper. Any time we went on a moving contraption, Yuyu wore a diaper so I wasn’t as focused on potty proximity, but I’ll share what I know.
1. Water Taxis (Aqua Bus & False Creek Ferry Tips)
Granville Island is only a 20-minute walk in the stroller from our home so we go there often. The idea of a water taxi was a fun novelty for me, let alone for Yuyu! We tried both the Aqua Bus and the False Creek Ferry and found them to be interchangeable in terms of experience and route. However, where the Aqua bus has 8 stops, the False Creek Ferry has 9 stops and goes a bit further so you can get off at Vanier Park and visit the museums there.
Official Info: Children under 3 are free on both services. Adult prices vary depending on how many stops/zones you’re visiting.
You can pay for your ticket either on the ferry or at the little kiosks on the dock.
Our Experience: I love riding the water taxis, and so does Yuyu. They are a charming way to tour around False Creek and look at the floating homes and sea village. They come roughly every 15 minutes so you are never waiting for long.
Family Activity Tips:
You can ride the water taxi in a loop without getting off (it cost me $14) for a 40–50 minute adventure for your toddler!
If you’re looking for a water taxi activity from Granville Island, a great option is to take the False Creek Ferry and get off at Vanier Park. You can then visit the HR Macmillan Space Centre ( you’ll get a $3 discount on your ferry pass and the museum ticket) or the Maritime Museum. If helpful, we have blog posts about our experience at both museums.
Wheely friendly: Yes! You can take your stroller on the water taxi. They have bigger ferries with a ramp which make it easy to roll on, otherwise you just need to be able to fold your stroller.
Potty Proximity: There are no bathrooms on the ferry/ boat. My go-to bathroom in Granville Island is in the Kids Market (toilets and change tables on the main floor and it's relatively close to the water taxi terminal
2. SkyTrain (Yaletown-to-Gastown Route)
I only discovered the joy of the SkyTrain for Yuyu when we were about to leave Vancouver. My brother who lived in New York was visiting and was outraged that I didn’t know how to use the metro... the train was a cost effective hit. A+ uncle suggestion.
Official Info: Free for kids under 12!
Payment Hack: We struggled with the Compass vending machine. Thankfully, contactless payment with a credit card is accepted at the fare gate - just tap and push the stroller ahead of you for the kids to go through.
Our Experience:
Adventure Suggestion: We took the water taxi from Granville Island to Yaletown, then the SkyTrain from Yaletown-Roundhouse station to Waterfront station in Gastown for a stroll and a waffle at Waffle cafe.
Wheely Friendly: Excellent! There is an elevator at the entrance of the station and it’s easy to navigate in the station with our stroller.
Potty Proximity: I’m not sure, I didn’t look for it.
3. Riding the Bus with a Toddler
Fare Info: It's also free for kids under 12 and you can do a contactless Visa payment when you get on the bus.
Yuyu loves the bus and isn't shy to sing "The Wheels on the Bus," forcing people to look up from their phones and make eye contact with her.
4. Finding Bike Rentals for Toddlers and Babies in Vancouver
Toddler Seats: ( Age 1+)
Before we bought a bike seat and helmet for Yuyu, we would rent them for rides along the Seawall. Our go-to place was Reckless Bikes on Davie street in Yaletown.
Official Info: 2 hours - Was $25 per adult bike and $20 for the toddler seat.
Key Convenience: You can leave your stroller in the store while you ride, which is super convenient. The store is also right next to the trail which makes it easy to hop on the bike and start without navigating traffic.
Baby Carriages (The 4-Month-Old Challenge):
When Gabriel was about 4 months old, I felt like I was finally ready (after C-section recovery) to join Yuyu and Jamie and go on a slow bike ride around the Seawall. The only problem was we struggled to find a place to rent some kind of carriage, we were told he was too young.
We finally found Yes cycle! (a fitting name). They had a carriage to attach to the bike and the ability to securely strap Gabriel’s car seat into the carriage. I can’t say enough about how friendly and helpful the team was.
Location: 687 Denman Street—most importantly, they are right next door to a parking garage!
Price: The prices varied depending on rental duration and bike type, but were reasonable. Check out their website for up-to-date prices
Yes, navigating the world with a stroller and a toddler can feel like a tactical mission (sometimes it is). But the chaos is temporary, and when you see the joy on their face, sometimes it's absolutely worth "forcing the funk" for your own family "venture" around this beautiful city.
Author
I’m Mimi, the writer behind Mi & Yu. This blog was born out of a year spent exploring Vancouver with my toddler Yuyu and newborn son Gabe while my husband Jamie worked through a demanding fellowship.
What started as a way to survive the newborn phase turned into a collection of tried-and-tested family adventures, real reviews, tested logistics, and the occasional toddler meltdown included. Now back home in Newfoundland, I’m sharing those adventures so other parents can skip the decision fatigue and get straight to the fun part.
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