BC Ferries reveals new onboard restaurant that replaces Pacific Buffet

Foodies have a lot to look forward to when they sail on select BC Ferries this summer.

Today, the ferry operator revealed a new paid-entry dining experience coming to its two Spirit-class vessels — the Seascapes Lounge.

BC Ferries’ new onboard lounge features a variety of food and beverage options served in “a quiet, more relaxed setting,” and passengers can access it during sailings for a $6 fee.

The Seascapes Lounge setting may feel a little familiar to long-time guests, as it will be located in the former Pacific Buffet space on the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island.

#BCFNews
Seascapes Lounge is a new dining experience that will be available to passengers travelling on board our Spirit Class vessels starting this summer.

Learn more 👇https://t.co/PHflxeE33d pic.twitter.com/AqXImQEHmZ

— BC Ferries (@BCFerries) January 20, 2025

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“Customers have been clear in their feedback — they want a space that is special and distinct from the other dining areas, offering a quiet and comfortable setting,” said Melanie Lucia, VP of customer experience, in a release.

“Seascapes Lounge is designed to meet those expectations, offering an elevated dining experience with a curated selection of food and beverage options while also reducing congestion in the Coastal Cafe.”

BC Ferries’ Seascapes Lounge will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island. The $6 entry fee also includes unlimited coffee, tea and fountain beverages.

Ivan Kurmyshov / Shutterstock

Guests can look forward to a curated menu of dishes made with fresh ingredients as well as an assortment of local beer, wine, and non-alcoholic craft beverages for separate purchase. Travellers on the two vessels will also continue to have access to other dining options like the Coastal Café and Arbutus Coffee Bar.

Seascapes Lounge is expected to officially open ahead of the busy summer travel season after minimal modifications to the vessels. BC Ferries added that a third lounge may open on the Coastal Celebration depending on the performance and reception of the first two restaurants.

BC Ferries

Pacific Buffet’s service had previously been offered on its Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route for a whopping 44 years, but it ended in June 2023.

BC Ferries held several public consultations on what kind of dining and lounge concepts passengers wanted to see aboard the vessels serving the major route between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. The ferry operator shared that over 10,000 people participated in surveys to help shape what would replace the former Pacific Buffet space.

The former Pacific Buffet on BC Ferries. (BC Ferries)

According to BC Ferries, the long-running buffet lost about $1.2 million in its last operating year before the pandemic. Moreover, it attracted less than 9% of the 4.87 million passengers that used the ferry route.

“As operational costs continue to rise, we need to find new ways to meet customer expectations while ensuring financial stability,” added Lucia. “Seascapes Lounge allows us to do both — delivering a better experience for passengers while supporting our ability to invest in the future.”