Travel from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island for free on a first come, first served basis. However, to guarantee your space, you must pre-book and pay the applicable fare. Note that whether booking one-way or round-trip travel, the fare is the same.

While you can technically arrive at the terminal without one, it is strongly recommended to make a reservation for the Northumberland Ferries service between Caribou, Nova Scotia, and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island (PEI). During the peak summer months (July and August) and holiday weekends in 2026, the ferry often reaches full capacity for vehicle space; without a reservation, you could face waits of several hours or be forced to drive around through New Brunswick over the Confederation Bridge. A reservation guarantees you a spot on a specific sailing, provided you check in at least 40 to 60 minutes before departure. Interestingly, you only pay the ferry fare when leaving PEI, regardless of whether you take the bridge or the ferry; the inbound journey to the island is free of charge at the point of entry. If you are a foot passenger, reservations are rarely necessary, but for anyone traveling with a car, RV, or trailer, booking online in advance is the only way to ensure a predictable travel schedule across the Northumberland Strait.