Those who have been looking to incorporate Winnipeg’s waterways into their commute are in luck, as the Water Bus has returned. The operators of the bus had been waiting for the river to stabilize, noting changing water levels, debris and strong currents on the Assiniboine River resulted in the season being delayed. However, as August drifted in, so did the Water Bus, as it was up and ready for the long weekend. The Water Bus travels between five docks in the city – Corydon, The Forks, the Exchange District, Norwood and Tache – and it operates Wednesday to Monday 1 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. “Most of us experience the river by trying to get across it. We wanted to create a way for people to experience the river itself. The Water Bus is like a moving bridge. It connects five neighbourhoods, but it also changes how people experience the city,” said Will Belford, the co-owner of Winnipeg Waterways, the company that operates the Water Bus. There is also a larger Water Bus hitting the river for the first time, which will allow for more people to hop on at once. Winnipeg Waterways said there was a lot of success in 2024, with the Water Bus operating at full capacity and at times there were not enough seats for all the people who wanted to ride. So, the company invested in a larger boat that is designed for scheduled service. When taking the Water Bus, riders are able to bring on their bikes, strollers, mobility aids and pets on board so their trip can continue as seamlessly as possible. People can purchase single fares, day passes, three-day passes or monthly passes to take the Water Bus in a way that is most convenient to them.
