'McBarge' takes centre stage in Youtube series (VIDEO)

Apr 18 2017, 4:18 am

A remnant from Expo ’86 in Vancouver has taken centre stage in a Youtube series.

The vessel that at one point was a thriving, floating McDonalds restaurant is the latest subject in a series called Abandoned, which aims to showcase “some of the most interesting abandoned places in the world.”

The show’s 31st episode revolves around the vessel that was officially known as the Friendship 500, but is more commonly known simply as “McBarge.”

Built for Expo ’86, the ship was the world’s second floating operational McDonalds restaurant.

McBarge was moored in False Creek during Vancouver’s Expo ’86 – the last World’s Fair to be held in North America. But with those days long gone, she was anchored in Burrard Inlet until late 2015, when she was moved up the Fraser to Maple Ridge.

There’s been talk of restoration and a re-launch of the vessel under a different name/attraction, but other than what looks to be a new paint job and a general facelift, those plans seemingly have yet to materialize.

In the meantime, the McBarge episode of Abandoned plays homage to the vessel, as well as Expo ’86, and offers some insight into what may come next for the storied ship.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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