SeaBus Ridership Soars as Christmas Market Draws Crowds

URGENT UPDATE: SeaBus ridership is reaching historic levels as the Shipyards Christmas Market in North Vancouver drives demand to new heights. In response to record crowds, TransLink has announced additional sailings for the final weekend of this bustling holiday season.

The ferry link between downtown Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay has experienced an unprecedented surge, with several recent weekends achieving ridership figures that rival major concerts and festivals. On December 6 and December 13, SeaBus recorded over 28,700 boardings each day, marking them as the second- and third-busiest days of 2025. Only this year’s Canada Day surpassed these numbers.

The sudden increase in passengers is particularly noteworthy since the opening of the 2025 Shipyards Christmas Market, which began on November 28 and runs daily until December 24. During its opening weekend, SeaBus ridership soared by 40 percent compared to last year, totaling more than 69,000 boardings over three days. This impressive figure, however, still trails behind the SeaBus’ daily average of 48,000 boardings during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The ongoing surge in ridership highlights a growing trend: more people are opting for public transit over driving amid heavy traffic and limited parking at event venues. As holiday crowds continue to swell, TransLink is urging passengers to plan for extra travel time during peak hours.

TransLink’s extra sailings will remain in effect throughout the weekend to accommodate the influx of visitors to both the free Shipyards Christmas Market and the 15th annual Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, which opened on November 13 and also runs until December 24.

As the holiday season reaches its zenith, the SeaBus has become the top choice for cross-harbour travel, allowing thousands to enjoy festive events without the hassle of traffic. The combination of community spirit and holiday cheer is bringing people together, making public transit a vital lifeline during this busy time.

Stay tuned for more updates as both markets continue to attract visitors and inspire a sense of togetherness this holiday season.