If you thought the FIFA World Cup spirit in Vancouver was limited to the stadiums, look no further than the waters of False Creek. The city’s iconic, miniature passenger ferries are officially part of the action, sporting a brand-new look that has locals and tourists doing double-takes.
Select vessels operated by Aquabus and False Creek Ferries have been fitted with oversized replicas of the adidas Trionda—the official match soccer ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—mounted proudly on their roofs.
A Whimsical Sight on False Creek
The mini-ferries, which operate across the length of False Creek, connect popular Vancouver destinations including Granville Island, Olympic Village, Sunset Beach Park, and Vanier Park.
The addition of the rooftop soccer balls creates a particularly playful scene when framed against the backdrop of Science World. The landmark geodesic dome itself was recently transformed into a massive replica of the Trionda ball, using a month-long installation of 131 banner panels. As the tiny ferries buzz across the water, they pass directly in front of the giant dome, offering a perfectly whimsical, layered photo-op for anyone walking along the seawall.
This isn’t the first time the ferries have gotten playful with the sport. Earlier this year, False Creek Ferries participated in a promotional stunt where vessels engaged in an impromptu water-soccer match, nudging a giant inflatable soccer ball across the inlet.
Stepping Up Service for Match Days
With Vancouver hosting seven matches at BC Place Stadium, both ferry companies are preparing for massive crowds. To accommodate the influx of soccer fans and tourists, both Aquabus and False Creek Ferries are increasing their sailing frequencies, ensuring smooth transit between downtown hubs and the stadium’s vicinity on game days.
Did You Know? The official World Cup branding has taken over Vancouver’s entire transit network. Beyond the False Creek mini-ferries, TransLink has deployed a “Soccer SeaBus,” a fleet of seven “SoccerBuses” with front-mounted footballs, a wrapped SkyTrain on the Millennium Line, and a fully branded Hullo Ferries vessel running between Nanaimo and Downtown Vancouver.
Whether you are a die-hard soccer fan heading to BC Place or just out for a stroll along the water, keep your eyes on False Creek to catch Vancouver’s cutest transit fleet showing off its World Cup spirit.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
