Things to Do Near Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal While You Wait
The terminal itself has a few shops and food options, but they are limited, especially early in the day. Within a short drive there is much more: Tsawwassen Mills, about 5 km back along Highway 17, has a food court and a full shopping centre; Fred Gingell Park is a quick viewpoint stop; and Centennial Beach gives you a walk on the sand. If you have more than an hour, head into Tsawwassen town centre for a café or a sit-down meal.
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Why you are probably reading this
Two situations bring people here: you arrived far earlier than you needed to, or you missed a sailing and the next one is an hour or two away. Either way, the terminal at the end of the causeway is not a great place to spend a long wait.
The good news is that Tsawwassen town and the Tsawwassen First Nation lands are only minutes back along Highway 17, and there is enough there to fill anything from twenty minutes to a full afternoon.
What is inside the terminal
The terminal building has a handful of shops and food outlets, and the larger vessels serve food on board once you sail. It is enough for a coffee and a snack, but on early sailings some outlets are not yet open and the seating is basic.
Options within a short drive
| Place | Distance from terminal | Good for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tsawwassen Mills | About 5 km via Hwy 17 | Shopping, food court, rainy days | 45 min to half a day |
| Fred Gingell Park | Short drive | Viewpoint, picnic tables, stairs to Tsawwassen Beach | 20–45 min |
| Centennial Beach | Short drive | Beach walk, playground, café, dog areas | 30 min to 2 h |
| Tsawwassen town centre | Short drive | Cafés, sit-down meals, groceries | 30 min to 2 h |
| Terminal building | On site | Coffee, snacks, a short browse | Any |
Drive times from the terminal to the town centre are not published; budget on the safe side and allow for the causeway traffic on peak days.
Tsawwassen Mills
The big one. Tsawwassen Mills, at 5000 Canoe Pass Way, is a large enclosed shopping centre on Tsawwassen First Nation treaty lands, about 5 km from the terminal. It has a food court, a wide range of shops, and plenty of free parking.
It is the easiest place to kill a couple of hours in any weather, and the most reliable option for a proper meal near the terminal. Opening hours vary by day and are shorter on statutory holidays, so check before heading over for a late dinner.
Fred Gingell Park
A bluff-top viewpoint on the west side of Tsawwassen with picnic tables and a long staircase down to Tsawwassen Beach. On a clear day you can see the Gulf Islands and watch the ferries leaving the causeway, which makes it a fitting spot to wait.
Parking is on the residential street above the park. Allow twenty minutes for the view, longer if you go down to the beach and back up.
Centennial Beach
On the Boundary Bay side of the peninsula, Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park has a long sandy shore, walking trails along the dyke, a playground, washrooms, off-leash areas, and a seasonal café. It is the best choice with children or a dog, and the flat dyke trail is ideal if you want to stretch your legs after a long drive. There is a parking area at the beach.
Tsawwassen town centre
Tsawwassen’s town centre has cafés, a supermarket, and a few sit-down restaurants; Milestones is one of the better-known options. It is more relaxed than the mall and closer to the beaches, so it suits a long lunch before an afternoon sailing. Street and lot parking are generally easy to find.
A few ways to fill the time
- 9:00 Arrive at the terminalDo not check in yet — once you are in the holding lanes you stay with the car.
- 9:10 Drive back along Highway 17Tsawwassen Mills is about 5 km; Fred Gingell Park is a short drive.
- 9:30 Coffee and a walk at Tsawwassen Mills, or the viewpoint at Fred Gingell Park
- 10:15 Head back to the causewayAllow extra on summer weekends and holiday Fridays.
- 10:30 Vehicle check-in closes
- 11:00 Sailing departs
- Twenty minutes: stay at the terminal, or drive to Fred Gingell Park for the view and come straight back.
- One hour: Tsawwassen Mills for coffee and a walk around, or a stroll on Centennial Beach.
- Two to three hours: lunch in the town centre, then the beach or the dyke trail.
- Missed the last sailing of the day: consider staying in Tsawwassen overnight and taking the first sailing in the morning. Our 3-bedroom suite is about ten minutes from the terminal by car.
For a fuller list, including the water park, golf, and Point Roberts, see things to do in Tsawwassen.
Before you head back out
- Note the exact time check-in closes for your sailing and set an alarm.
- Buy snacks for the crossing at the mall or supermarket rather than relying on the terminal.
- Allow extra time to get back onto the causeway on summer weekends and holiday Fridays.
Frequently asked questions
Is there food at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal?
Yes, there are a few shops and food outlets in the terminal building, and food is also served on board the larger vessels. Choice is limited and some outlets may not be open for the earliest sailings, so if you want a proper meal, eat in Tsawwassen or at Tsawwassen Mills before you arrive.
How far is Tsawwassen Mills from the ferry terminal?
About 5 km along Highway 17, at 5000 Canoe Pass Way. It is the nearest large shopping centre and food court to the terminal.
Can I leave the terminal after checking in?
Once you are in the vehicle holding lanes you should stay with your car. If you have a long wait, do your errands before you check in, or park in the short-term lot and walk around the terminal building.
What can I do if I missed my sailing at Tsawwassen?
Ask at the ticket booth about the next sailing, then decide whether to wait at the terminal or drive back into town. With an hour or more, Tsawwassen Mills or Centennial Beach are both easy fills.
Is there a beach near Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal?
Tsawwassen Beach is reached by the stairs at Fred Gingell Park, and Centennial Beach is on the Boundary Bay side of the peninsula. Both are a short drive from the terminal; neither is walkable from the causeway.
Where can I get coffee near the Tsawwassen ferry?
There are cafés in Tsawwassen town centre and coffee outlets at Tsawwassen Mills, as well as a limited selection inside the terminal itself.
Last updated . Schedules, fares, and parking rates change — confirm with the operator before you travel.
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