Another Scenic Voyage Across The Strait Of Georgia.
BC Ferries are the best forms of transport to get from the mainland to places on Vancouver Island and other smaller islands on the west coast of British Columbia. This time we did the sailing from Duke Point at Nanaimo to Tsawwassen which is south of Vancouver compared to Horseshoe Bay, which is north of Vancouver. This voyage is a bit longer than the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay trip and takes about two hours.
We boarded the early morning sailing of the MV Queen of Alberni which is an old vessel of 1976 vintage and has been through quite a few mishaps. On board they have the ‘Coastal Café’ cafeteria which serves good burgers and sandwiches, a gift and souvenir shop, a video arcade, clean washrooms which can be accessed by the disabled as well, elevators and a lot of free tourist literature on deck. It can carry 295 cars and 1200 passengers and crew.
Foot passengers do not need to book in advance and can simply walk on after buying the ticket at the terminal. Oversize luggage can be checked in before boarding with no extra charges. Vehicles generally have to be booked in advance and there is a long queue of cars waiting to board the ferry.
Once on board we relaxed in the comfortable chairs on the upper level deck and enjoyed the views from the broad glass windows. One can go up to the sun deck for better views and the cold breeze in your hair, and one can take better pictures from there.
Refreshments are readily available on the ferries, and the regular passengers would rush to queue up for the tasty meals on board. One can buy a hot meal as listed on the menu or simply go for the snacks like burgers, sandwiches, pastries or chips in the racks. Cold drinks, tea and coffee are available on tap.
Washrooms are clean and well stocked with liquid soap, tissue and napkins. There are some work stations, a video arcade, kids playroom, gift and souvenir shop and racks from where you can pick up free tourist literature.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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