Because Prince Edward Island is an Island (well, duh!) ferries have long been a
key to coming and going here. You can also take the Confederation Bridge
There are two ferry services to consider if you
are visiting PEI. The Northumberland Ferries connects Caribou, Nova Scotia
to Wood Islands, and the Îles-de-la-madeleine ferry connects these wind-swept
islands in the Gulf of St Lawrence to Souris.
Northumberland Ferries
Northumberland Ferries depart from Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island,
on a schedule of about every hour and a half, offering a pleasant respite.
The 75-minute trip, spent enjoying a chat and a snack, lounging on the deck
and soaking up the sunshine and sea air, is often considered a vacation highlight.
The trip is both relaxing and picturesque in fair weather. The ferries, however,
are vulnerable to weather-related delays,so plan accordingly.
Wood Islands is the gateway community to scenic and lively eastern Prince Edward Island.
Wood Islands is roughly 60 km from Charlottetown, which typically
translates into 45-60 minute drive via the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1).
The fare for the ferry is paid only when leaving the Island. Ferries tend to be
every 3 or 4 hours throughout the day. Up-to-the-minute
schedule information
and fare information is available by telephoning, toll-free, 1-877-359-3760. Fares include driver & passengers and increase with the length of car & trailer combination.
The ferry does not operate from the end of December until early May.
Year-round access to the mainland is via the Confederation Bridge
which connects Borden Carleton (west of Charlottetown) to Cape Tourmantine, New Brunswick, near Moncton
Les Îles-de-la-madeleine via CTMA
The archipelago of the Iles de la Madeleine Islands is located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
215 km east of the Gaspé peninsula, 105 km north of Prince Edward Island and 95 km east of Cape Breton Island.
The archipelago comprises about a dozen islands of which six are connected to one another by long, thin, sand dunes and
are in the shape of a 65 km long half moon. These islands are part of the Province of Quebec, but observe the Atlantic Time Zone.
C.T.M.A. offers regular ferry service from Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-madeleine,
Québec to Souris, Prince Edward Island, covering the 134 km crossing in about 5
hours. The ferries leave at 2 pm from PEI,
daily in the summer, most days the rest of the year. Telephone 1-888-986-3278 for additional information.
Ferry service is available from April 1 to January 31.
