When BC Ferries first introduced the “Seawest Lounge” – a $10 lounge with snacks, magazines, and a quiet place on the ferry – I scoffed. I was also pissed because they’d taken my favourite part of the ferry and turned it into a pay area.

But, one night I had to jump on a late ferry in the pouring rain with the flu and I needed a place where I could sleep. I went to the Seawest Lounge. Dead quiet, bigger seats, perfect.

Next, it was a busy weekend ferry and I wanted a good place to set-up and work…back to the Seawest lounge. Now, my usual routine is:

1) Grab snacks – orange juice, a cup of coffee, handful of almonds, cheese/crackers, banana bread, banana.

2) Grab a newspaper and a trashy tabloid magazine to read while I snack

3) Pull out my computer and work

4) Go back for snacks

5) Stare out the window as we go through active pass

6) Work until it’s docking time.

I don’t go to the seawest lounge every time I ferry, but I go whenever I’m in the mood to lounge or get some work done. If it’s your first time on the ferry, it’s kind of fun being amongst all the action, outside of the lounge. But if you’re a regular, try the lounge. It’s the best thing on the ferry and I’d much rather eat the snacks in the lounge than wait in line for 20 minutes for a cafeteria hamburger.