The iconic "McBarge" vessel, which housed a McDonald's restaurant during Expo 86 in Vancouver, was on its side and partially capsized in the Fraser River on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The McBarge is a 57-metre-long barge that became iconic after being moored in False Creek during the world exposition in 1986 near other Expo icons like B.C. Place and Science World. However, since its stint as a McDonald's restaurant, the barge — officially known as the Friendship 500 — has never seen visitors. It has been derelict for decades, anchored in both Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River.
On Wednesday, two CBC News reporters captured photographs of the iconic vessel on its side in the Fraser River. The Canadian Coast Guard confirmed that they had received information about the vessel, now known as Seaborne II, sinking in place. A spokesperson for the City of Maple Ridge stated that they are aware of reports regarding a "sinking vessel" in the Fraser River. "While the vessel is located in federal waters and not under city jurisdiction, we understand the public's concerns and are actively engaged in responding," the spokesperson wrote.
The B.C. Ministry of Environment has notified Transport Canada about the McBarge's current status. As of Wednesday afternoon, the vessel has capsized on its starboard side and appears to be resting in the mud at its Maple Ridge moorage site. The Canadian Coast Guard assessed the vessel in late 2023, at which point it was deemed to have no pollutants on board. The coast guard then referred the vessel to Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program for further assessment.
During Expo 86, the floating McDonald’s restaurant was moored at the East Gate alongside Science World and was believed to be the busiest McDonald’s in the world during the seven-month world exposition. After the expo, the McBarge sat at its mooring site in False Creek for five years before being transported into Burrard Inlet. In 2015, it was moved to its current location in the Fraser River.
Over the years, various plans have been proposed for the barge, but none have come to fruition. In 2009, barge owner Howard Meakin pitched the idea that the McBarge could become part of Mission’s waterfront revitalization plan. In 2017, The Vancouver Sun reported that the barge would be the centerpiece of a "Deep Ocean Discovery Centre," which also never materialized.
The McBarge has been derelict for more than 40 years, and while it was once a vibrant attraction, it has now become a relic of a bygone era. Various uses for the vessel have been pitched over the years, yet none have succeeded. The vessel's iconic status, once celebrated during the expo, has now turned into a poignant reminder of neglect.
The McBarge's capsizing has raised concerns among local residents and officials alike. The City of Maple Ridge has stated they are engaged in monitoring the situation, despite the vessel being in federal waters. The spokesperson added, "We are aware of the public's concerns and are actively engaged in responding." Meanwhile, Transport Canada has not yet responded to requests for comment from CBC News.
The McBarge's history is intertwined with the legacy of Expo 86, which showcased innovation and culture in Vancouver. The vessel was not just a restaurant; it represented a moment in time when the city was bustling with excitement and possibility. Its decline into dereliction mirrors the fate of many such landmarks that once thrived but have since faded into obscurity.
As the McBarge rests in the Fraser River, questions linger about its future. Will it be salvaged, or will it continue to deteriorate? The community's hopes for revitalization and new life for the vessel remain unfulfilled, leaving many to wonder if the McBarge will ever reclaim its former glory.
In a world where many such structures have been lost to time, the McBarge stands as a testament to the challenges of preserving history. The vessel's story is not just about a restaurant but about the dreams and aspirations of a city that once embraced innovation. As it lies capsized, it prompts a reflection on what it means to cherish and protect our cultural landmarks.
As authorities assess the situation, the fate of the McBarge remains uncertain. The community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that honors the vessel's storied past while paving the way for a potential future. Whether it be through restoration or creative repurposing, the McBarge's legacy is one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
