Duke Point Ferry Terminal

This ferry terminal definitely doesn't deserve such a low congregate rating. It's great! I've always had good experiences traveling through it. The staff are friendly and very helpful. They do their absolute best to get you on to whatever ferry you're trying to catch. The foot passenger waiting area could use a few more seats for people, but you're never waiting too long so it's fine. In the car waiting area, there's lots of room for cars waiting for the ferry. In the long-term parking area, there are lots of spaces for cars. I've never seen the parking lot completely full; there always seems to be quite a few spots available. Really good ferry terminal!

Nice ocean & mountain views from here. If driving on to the ferry, the parking lot offers room to go for a walk - appreciated if you are with dogs. There's also an okay play structure for kids. Sometimes there's vendors, good to pick up something local and occasionally offering cowboy popcorn to snack on. The line for the always-busy coffee shop never seems to move fast enough, and the coffee isn't really anything special.

If you are going to Vancouver Island or returning with kids, this ferry is the superior choice. This is because both sides have great playgrounds and services, whereas horseshoe bay is horrible for families. There are few services except for in town, and you are really in for trouble if you have a ferry wait and it's raining.In any case, reservations are available and can save a lot of hassles. The price is only ten dollars and we usually reserve anyway.The ferries are expensive, but are run cleanly and efficiently, and the staff are generally courteous.

The men's bathrooms at the terminal smelled SO BAD!! A combination of urinal cakes and poo! Men were gaggong, and running out of there! They couldn't stay in there long enough to go! They should back off on those a bit! I know they have to control the smell, but geez!And as for the women's bathroom, smelled fine, but the toilet tissue is so thin! They can't be saving money as you have to use so much!Okay, enough potty talk!Take your chances out there folks!

BC Ferries are the best form of transport to get from the mainland to places on Vancouver Island. There are two ferry terminals in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The one at Duke Point operates ferries to Tsawwassen located in the south of Vancouver city. We sailed only once from Duke Point to Tsawwassen in June 2019, on the ‘Queen of Alberni’. The trip across the Strait of Georgia takes about two hours while the ferry from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay takes an hour and a half.The Duke Point terminal is located at a fair distance from Nanaimo and you have to have your own transport to get there. However the logistics seem to be better organized and there is sufficient waiting area for the vehicles before they are allowed to board the ferry. 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 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. We enjoyed our breakfast and beverages available onboard the ferry.

Naz from the kitchen overheard me talking about how I like my poutine made a certain way. I wasn’t complaining just talking to my buddy, he came up and offered to make me a new one the way I like it. I said that it was okay and I’m happy with it the way it is but Naz took it to the next level and went out of his way to make me a new poutine. Was extremely impressed with his attitude and some of the best customer service I’ve experienced. Naz is the goat.

A little out of the way, but quiet for night rides. Terminal is a little sparse on amenities, but clean and simple. Haven't boarded here, only pickups, so can't comment on ride/boarding experience.

The terminal is much smaller than other terminals. There is only one coffee shop. Not many seats, but they have outdoor chairs. The bathrooms are clean. They also have kids' playground and pet area.

Not much in the terminal other than a small coffee shop (check hours).Clean washrooms, picnic area with lots of tables, grassy dog walk…etc.Nice views of Gabriola Island across the strait (and the pulp mill to the south)