BC Ferries’ Seascapes Lounge: A Pricey New Experience
BC Ferries has finally unveiled its much-anticipated Seascapes Lounge, just in time for the busy summer travel season. But instead of excitement, many passengers are left reeling from sticker shock.
From Pacific Buffet to Seascapes Lounge
After closing the iconic Pacific Buffet in 2020 due to the pandemic, BC Ferries announced in 2023 that the beloved restaurant would not return. In its place now stands the Seascapes Lounge, a modern space designed with input from over 10,000 passengers. The goal? A quieter atmosphere and premium food choices.
The lounge is now open on the Spirit of Vancouver Island and the Spirit of British Columbia. The ambiance is certainly more relaxed, but the prices are anything but calming.
Entry Fee Surprises Travelers
To even set foot in Seascapes Lounge, you’ll need to pay a $6 entry fee. This covers unlimited tea, coffee, and soft drinks—but not a single bite of food.
Craving breakfast? A simple bowl of oatmeal with berries and yogurt will set you back $9.99. Prefer crepes? Those cost $13.99. Lunch and dinner aren’t much better: the soup of the day is $9.49, and a niçoise salad comes in at $15.99. Desserts range from $7 to $8, and alcoholic drinks start at $7.99, but only if you order food.
Comparing Past and Present: Is It Worth It?
For many, these prices sting—especially when compared to the Pacific Buffet’s old offer: an all-you-can-eat dinner and unlimited desserts for just $27. Now, a full meal with a drink and dessert at Seascapes can easily surpass that price.
Passengers Speak Out
Metro Vancouverites are no strangers to high prices, but many feel the new lounge menu goes too far. Social media is buzzing with complaints, as travelers wonder if the new “premium” experience is worth the extra cost.
The Bottom Line
BC Ferries’ Seascapes Lounge promises a quieter, more upscale dining experience. However, the steep prices have left many passengers longing for the days of the Pacific Buffet—and wondering if their next ferry ride will come with a side of sticker shock.
