Yes, many BC Ferries sailings have breakfast, but what you get depends on the route, the vessel and the time of day. Check your route in advance, because a small sailing may offer far less than a large one.
When breakfast is served and what is on the menu
Larger vessels have a self-serve, cafeteria-style restaurant called the Coastal Cafe, which operates on 14 BC Ferries vessels, including the Coastal, Queen, Salish and Spirit class ships. Its breakfast menu includes classic plates with eggs, breakfast potatoes and your choice of ham, bacon or sausage, plus eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, Belgian waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit and baked goods, including gluten-free options.
On the Spirit of Vancouver Island and the Spirit of British Columbia, which sail between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen, the Seascapes Dining Lounge serves breakfast until 10:15 am, with lunch and dinner from 11:00 am. Hours on other vessels vary, so check the page for your route to confirm. Food service also stops before the ferry docks, so do not leave your meal until the last minutes of the crossing.
What it costs and how it is billed
Breakfast is not normally included in a standard ticket. Check what your ticket covers before you book, and if a package matters to your plans, confirm with BC Ferries.
No specific menu prices are listed here because they change. Look at the current menu for your route, or ask at the counter once you are aboard.
Getting a good breakfast on an early sailing
- Go to the food service area soon after you board. Items can run out as the morning goes on.
- Menus are more limited than at a land-based cafe, so bring a snack if you want more choice or have dietary needs.
- Some food services have limited hours on quiet or early sailings, so check the schedule for your route.
- Check BC Ferries’ current rules on bringing your own food onboard before you pack a meal.
Demand rises in peak travel season, which makes planning ahead matter more. A sailing that leaves very early may leave you with little time to eat at the terminal, so it helps to know the plan before you arrive.
Getting to the terminal on time is the other half of a relaxed breakfast. If you are travelling without a car, a taxi or rideshare can drop you at the door. The taxi fare estimator gives a rough fare for the ride to the terminal, and the Uber estimate calculator does the same for a rideshare. If breakfast is important to you, confirm the details for your sailing with BC Ferries before you travel.