The curved, 12.9 kilometre (8 mile) long bridge is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered water, and continues to endure as one of Canada's top engineering achievements of the 20th century.

The Confederation Bridge, which connects New Brunswick (not Nova Scotia) to Prince Edward Island, is exactly 12.9 kilometers (8 miles) long. It spans the Abegweit Passage of the Northumberland Strait and is famous for being the longest bridge in the world that crosses ice-covered water. While the bridge connects to New Brunswick at Cape Jourimain, many people associate the trip with Nova Scotia because it is a primary route for travelers coming from Halifax. The drive across the bridge takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes at the posted speed limit of 80 km/h. It is a "curved" bridge, designed to keep drivers alert and to withstand the massive pressure of winter ice floes. There is no toll to enter Prince Edward Island, but a toll is charged when leaving the island via the bridge (currently around $50.00 CAD for a standard passenger vehicle). For those coming from Nova Scotia, the alternative is the Northumberland Ferry, which runs from Caribou, NS, to Wood Islands, PEI, though this is a much longer seasonal journey.