Spotted on Airbnb: $25 ride on a SeaBus and 'a commute like no other'

Nov 8 2017, 2:58 am

Anyone fancy a $25 SeaBus ride? We thought not.

But that isn’t stopping one enterprising Airbnb user, who is advertising a tour entitled “Ride a Catamaran to North Vancouver.”

Yes, Bryan Walsh – who describes himself as “a public transportation enthusiast” – is offering visitors a ride on the SeaBus and tour of Lonsdale Quay for that bargain price.

In his listing, Walsh explains he will meet visitors at Waterfront Station, where they will board the “public transportation marvel” that is the SeaBus.

“We will see stellar views and explore the fantastic Lonsdale Quay Market and historic shipyards, while savouring the breathtaking views of downtown Vancouver,” he writes, essentially describing the SeaBus voyage available to anyone who can work one of TransLink’s ticket machines.

But wait, there’s more.

For your $25, Walsh says he’ll also offer you a bottle of water and granola bars to maintain your sustenance levels during this thrilling adventure.

Tour guide ‘mesmerized’ by public transit

Writing in his profile on Airbnb, 34-year-old Walsh says he’s an actor-comedian, born in Cork, Ireland, but raised in Canada.

“Everywhere I’ve lived, I’ve been mesmerized by how different cities move their people. Public transit is the backbone of modern cities,” writes Walsh.

“Vancouver is now my home, and the city is blessed with the SeaBus—a commute like no other.”

But you’re not just getting a comedian and transit nerd when you sign up for this two-hour tour – of which the SeaBus accounts for a full 15 minutes.

Walsh explains he studied History/Politics/Theatre at McGill in Montreal, and has since given bike tours in Los Angeles and walking tours of New York’s Central Park.

‘It’s a fantastic idea’ says TransLink

Walsh tells Daily Hive he has only run two tours so far, having only launched the experience this November. But it seems he could be onto something – and TransLink is fully on board.

TransLink spokesperson Chris Bryan told Daily Hive he thinks this SeaBus tour is “a fantastic idea.”

“The SeaBus has long been known as one of the better attractions in Vancouver, and one of the better ways to see Vancouver,” he said.

The TransLink spokesperson pointed out that the SeaBus celebrated 40 years in operation this year, and it first opened in 1977, it only cost 35 cents.

Most fascinating of all, says Bryan, the old SeaBus automated ticket machines actually printed a copy of all your coins for you, even if they were all pennies.

“As a tourist attraction unto itself in the city, I’m sure tour operators take people on the SeaBus all the time,” he said.

‘I was frankly surprised’ says one reviewer

Walsh’s future as a SeaBus tour guide certainly looks bright too, with a new SeaBus coming into operation in 2019.

And he’s already pulling in some great reviews.

Airbnb user Heather, who says she is actually from Vancouver, describes his SeaBus tour as a “very unique experience” and “highly enjoyable.”

Fellow Airbnb user Fergus, from Wake Forest in North Carolina, describes Walsh’s SeaBus tour as “a terrific tour and great conversations.”

“I was frankly surprised how much I enjoyed the tour being somewhat reluctant at first,” writes Fergus.

“Your diverse background and detailed knowledge of Vancouver was really impressive.”

If you’re sold on Walsh’s amazing SeaBus tour, you’ll be happy to know they’re available pretty much every day at 2:30 pm.

Don’t all rush at once.

See also
DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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