A recent trip on BC Ferries has ignited a wave of interest among Seattle residents for a similar service in their own city.
A Redditor known as CamStLouis shared their positive experience from a Memorial Day weekend visit to British Columbia, describing the journey as “dope as hell.”
Their post sparked an extensive discussion with fellow Seattleites expressing their desire for a comparable ferry service in Washington.
CamStLouis praised BC Ferries, noting that despite having traveled on ferries worldwide, nothing compared to this experience.
The Redditor elaborated that the BC Ferries vessels are nearly as large as cruise ships and boast impressive amenities, including a reasonably priced gift shop, two cafes, a kids’ area, pet areas, and multiple passenger decks that offer breathtaking views of the straits and surrounding islands.
He remarked, “There are many comfortable chairs in various configurations, and a lounge featuring Canadian news.”
In a humorous twist, the cafe menus featured a rename of “Americano” to “Canadiano” thanks to the clever use of a Sharpie by a fellow traveler.
This post resonated with many Seattle residents who lamented the absence of BC Ferries-like services in their city.
A significant point of discussion was the impact of the Jones Act, which restricts U.S. ferry services from purchasing vessels built outside the United States.
One resident pointed out, “Sadly, the Jones Act prevents us from purchasing ferry boats built anywhere outside the United States,” highlighting a key obstacle to expanding ferry services in Washington.
Participants in the conversation shared diverse perspectives on ferry service expectations.
A former B.C. resident living in Seattle remarked that many locals take ferry services for granted, while others noted that, in terms of public transit, it is all about perspective.
“Canadian public transit lacks in comparison to some European and Asian contemporaries, but the USA lags behind its Canadian counterparts,” one commenter stated, demonstrating how regional transit services vary significantly.
Ranked among the best ferry experiences in the world, BC Ferries continues to capture attention, but alternatives exist for travel between Seattle and Victoria.
The Victoria Clipper, a service for traveling from Seattle to Victoria, has been highlighted by Yardbarker as one of the most scenic trips worldwide.
The cost for a round trip on the Victoria Clipper is approximately US$162.
CamStLouis also praised the speed of BC Ferries, indicating that despite the size of the ferries, they navigated through narrow straits swiftly.
“Watching this goddamn building-sized ship yeet itself through narrow straits and marine traffic at flank speed was one of the highlights of the trip,” he mused.
For those who frequently rely on BC Ferries, service challenges, particularly concerning staff shortages and vessel issues, have been common complaints echoing throughout the community.
Conversations about these concerns have underscored the urgent need for additional and larger vessels.
In response to such feedback, BC Ferries has initiated improvements across various parts of its system.
The overhaul of the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal is one of the significant projects underway.
This renovation will focus on upgrading vital facilities and infrastructure, including plans to replace all three berths, relocate the control tower, and enhance the aging elevated structures.
Additionally, improvements will be made to the terminal’s seismic performance and operational efficiency, ensuring the existing infrastructure is modernized, while new structures will also be constructed.
As discussions about ferry services continue, the question remains: Are you a frequent BC Ferries traveler?
What do you love or dislike about the service, and what aspects do you think could be improved if given the chance?
image source from：https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bc-ferries-seattle
