Planning a trip to Vancouver?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
Marine Terminal
Tsawwassen
"BC Ferries does not accept Debit for the crossing fee."(3 Tips)
"Love Saltspring Coffee as a new addition."(2 Tips)
"Walk over to the Quay and get a delicious cup of Salt Spring Coffee!"(2 Tips)
"great to have a buffet on the ferry to Victoria!!"(3 Tips)
86 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- saltspring
- ferries
- buffet
- coffee
- wifi
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
- E PSeptember 15, 2016You can buy your tickets in the self service machines or at the counter. Seats inside, very little space to wait, a coffee shop, vending machines, washrooms, etc. Works pretty much as an airport.
Upvoted 4 weeks ago 
British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Peace ArchMarch 18, 2013Make sure you make reservations on long weekends and in summer! You can purchase your tickets here at the visitor centre! The ferry terminal is about 35 minutes from the border.Upvoted Mar 21
Announcements in the shop area are way to quiet. Need to increase the volume, as tons of people miss the announcements and end up running for the ferry lines when loading has already begun.
People complaining about the ferries are babies. Yes it's expensive but its your choice to commute or live on the island. It's over all a pretty reliable means of transportation off or on to the rock.
WiredBuddha [theWiredBuddha]November 29, 2010I have been riding the BC Ferries since 1971. lost track of how many trips. the trip may be the same scenery, but I still find a quiet Zen peacefulness in the ride.- Elizabeth FernandezOctober 23, 2016Surprisingly great ferry terminal! Lots of good shops and places to get a snack.
- British Columbia Visitor Centre @ Peace ArchMarch 18, 2013Don't worry about being bored if you get here early... there's a market, lots of food outlets, and free Wi-Fi!Upvoted Feb 18
If you're late, just drive up the ramp to the ferry without being directed to. It's really funny and everyone will see the humour. The ferry workers will give you high-fives as you pass them!
The Salad Loop is a tasty buffet where you can stock up on all kinds of yummy salads and fixings! More nutritious than other ferry food.
Be sure to check out the Gift Shop onboard - GREAT books with local flavour, selection of Canadian authors. Nice clothing and gift items too, but bit pricey.
Starbucks line too long? Go to the other end for Salt Spring organic coffee. Way better baked goods options too.
Enjoy the trip, but if you need to get there quicker try the seaplane.Upvoted 4 weeks ago
I like to hang out in the seawest lounge when the ferry is busy. It's quiet, no crowd, and all the coffee, tea and snacks you want. It's $10 but worth it.
Roger MaJanuary 18, 2013Come early, otherwise you'll have to wait another 2 hours for the next ferry!
The sitka cafe is the best place to sit if you're travelling solo! Gentle hum of elderly talking... Hot coffee right here.
Adam James RealtySeptember 5, 2014Call ahead and make a reservation on a busy day. Guarantee your spot!
There is wifi on most ferries and power plug in the back of the ship up on the walls! ;) get your geek gear on!
Jordan BorthOctober 22, 2011Bring your wallet and prepare to spend. $35 for two walk-ons to Saltspring
Remember to pay for parking. If you forget to pay then you can phone the terminal attendent and they will place an IOU envelope on your dash and you pay when you go back to your car.
Foot passengers: unload via deck 2 to get first dibs on the 620 bus to downtown Vancouver!
Matthew LynamAugust 23, 2013Arrive early make a reservation it's worth it in the long run @bcferries- Daniel CheahOctober 10, 2010It's great to have a buffet on the ferry to Victoria!! Breakfast!! Pretty good quality and yummo!!
Lili AmirJuly 31, 2017we had a big delay and it was really annoying 😞😞It was a bad experience for a trip that I never expected from a country like Canada😔😔
Sam WingAugust 20, 2015Closer to an airport than a dock. Careful in the long term parking. Lots of bikes/peds with mediocre signage- Love Saltspring Coffee as a new addition. Their healthy fiber muffin is delish.
Traveling during peak hours? Get a reservation--you'll be glad you did.
When they call boarding return to your car DO IT - it is rude to hold up the ferry just so you can visit starbucks!
Ice cream shop inside the market area has amazing flavours of Gelato!
If you made a reservation, make sure you show up at least 30 minutes prior to departure, otherwise your reservation will not be honored.
You can buy a "thru-fare" pass to Salt Spring through Swartz Bay-Fulford if the Southern Gulf sailing is full.
Bob FordJanuary 18, 2011Being the first car in this lane can mean one of two things. You are cursing you just missed the ferry and you are about to embark on a two hour coffee break at starbucks
You can catch a ferry here.Ask one of the attendants for more info and have fun!
Jim NewtonJuly 13, 2011Since you are waiting in the line up head over to freefromtheratrace.ca an explore your options!
Geoff WickstromJuly 15, 2010Buy the candle apples, they're more than just food art! You won't regret it ;)
Check in at Salt Speing Coffee and get a free drink. Nice one...
- Unlike Washington State Ferries BC Ferries doesn't sell beer or wine on board!
The lounge has bottomless drinks and snacks + it's quiet. Well worth the $10!
Lance GlennDecember 3, 2010Considering the wages paid and that most of the workers could be replaced with well trained monkeys (which would be cool)they are on par with Somali pirates.
Service here is horrible but they don't care because unless you want to fly to the islands there is no there way to get there. Ticket staff like to chat instead of sell tickets sometimes. Frustrating
Stacy Bo BacyJune 29, 2012Seems to be super warm in the terminal and then freezing cold on the ferry. Wear layers!
Ticket sales cut off 10 minutes before departure. You've been warned...
1,006 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Likely open (See when people check in)
People tend to check in during these times:
- Today
- 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Sat
- 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Sun
- 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Mon
- 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Tue
- 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Wed
- 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
- 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
- Thu
- 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
(604) 943-1049
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Wi-Fi
Free
See More
Places inside Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
You might also like
"Take the ferry to Naniamo .. You'll never regret it. I once saw killer whales."
Lori Smith
"Try out the Sea West Lounge! Quiet, and all the tea, coffee, and goodies you can eat. Nice relaxing way to spend your trip!"
Andrew Hill
"Buffet is expensive but worth the quieter space. Although if you want silence the lounge is best and only 12.00 dollars"
Irene
