Ferries to Prince Edward Island
To reach Prince Edward Island by water, you take the Northumberland Ferries vessel across the strait from Caribou. As the largest operator on this route, they transport nearly 400,000 passengers every year. This 75-minute crossing drops you at Wood Islands and serves as a highly scenic alternative to the Confederation Bridge. It is very convenient if your road trip connects to Nova Scotia or if you plan to catch another vessel heading to Magdalen Islands. Bringing your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the island’s coastal drives at your own pace. Check the ferry map above to see the exact departure points. You need to book your vehicle space well in advance during the busy summer months.
From Atlantic Canada to Prince Edward Island
Northumberland Strait transit: PEI maritime data
Accessing Prince Edward Island (PEI) by sea involves a 75 minute crossing of the Northumberland Strait. While the Confederation Bridge handles the majority of vehicle traffic from New Brunswick, the ferry remains the primary logistical artery for travelers arriving from Nova Scotia. Operated exclusively by Northumberland Ferries Ltd, this seasonal service moves approximately 450,000 passengers and 175,000 vehicles annually between May and late December.
| Route Segment | Primary Vessel | Logistics Score |
|---|---|---|
| Caribou, NS to Wood Islands, PEI | MV Confederation / MV Saaremaa V | The Eastern Gateway: A 22 kilometer (14 mile) transit. Operates up to 9 return sailings daily during the July to August peak. Essential for logistics routes connecting the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 104) to Eastern PEI. |
The Prince Edward Island ferry operates on a unique integrated toll system. There is no fee to enter the island via ferry from Caribou. Payment (approximately $84 per standard passenger vehicle) is only required when departing the island via Wood Islands or the Confederation Bridge. If you arrive by bridge and depart by ferry, or vice versa, the toll is collected at the exit point.
Technical Specifications & Check-in
- Vehicle Dimensions: The MV Confederation can accommodate vehicles up to 4.42 meters (14.5 feet) in height. Commercial haulers and RVs over 7.6 meters (25 feet) are subject to weight-based surcharges.
- Reservation Threshold: Reservations are recommended for the 2026 summer season. General boarding begins 40 minutes prior to departure; however, reserved vehicles must be checked in at the Caribou or Wood Islands toll booth at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start.
- Transit Speed: The vessels maintain an average cruising speed of 15 knots. During the 75 minute crossing, passengers are required to vacate the vehicle decks and relocate to the passenger lounges or upper observation decks.
