Loading Page...

How many ferries from ns to PEI?

There is currently just the 1 ferry route running between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island operated by 1 ferry company ? Northumberland Ferries. The Caribou to Wood Islands ferry crossing operates Daily with a scheduled sailing duration from about 1 hour 15 minutes.



There is primarily one major ferry route connecting Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island, which is the service between Caribou, NS, and Wood Islands, PEI, operated by Northumberland Ferries. In the peak summer season of 2026 (roughly mid-June to mid-October), they typically operate up to 8 departures per day from each side, with the crossing taking approximately 75 minutes. During the shoulder seasons (May and late autumn), the frequency drops to about 4 sailings per day. The service usually pauses for the winter months, typically closing around late December and reopening in early May. While there is only one ferry route, many travelers choose to use the Confederation Bridge for the other leg of their journey, as it provides a 24/7 road link between New Brunswick and PEI. If you are taking the ferry, it is highly recommended to book your vehicle space in advance during the summer months to avoid long wait times at the terminal.

There are two ferry routes from Nova Scotia (NS) to Prince Edward Island (PEI):

  1. Northumberland Ferries (Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, NS)
    - Operated by Northumberland Ferries Ltd.
    - Runs seasonally (typically May to December)
    - Crossing time: About 75 minutes
    - Reservations recommended (especially in summer)
    - Official Website

  2. PEI Ferry (formerly CTMA Ferry from Souris, PEI to Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands, QC)
    - Not directly from NS, but connects PEI to Quebec’s Magdalen Islands (with possible onward travel to NS)
    - Operated by CTMA
    - Runs seasonally

Most Direct Route from NS to PEI:

The Caribou (NS) to Wood Islands (PEI) ferry is the primary option for direct travel between Nova Scotia and PEI.

Would you like details on schedules or fares?

People Also Ask

By Ferry. Sail aboard Northumberland Ferries (link is external) (link is external)from Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island. The 75-minute car ferry trip offers a pleasant break from driving. Ferries run from May to late December.

MORE DETAILS

This 75-minute ferry trip runs across the Northumberland Strait between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia, just outside of historic Pictou.

MORE DETAILS

Vehicles Via the Confederation Bridge Bridge tolls are for the round trip and are paid only when leaving PEI. When choosing to leave or come to the Island by the bridge or the ferry, note that the bridge is the faster way, without schedules.

MORE DETAILS

When is the best time to visit PEI? As the temperatures start dropping in October, most stores, seasonal restaurants, and tour providers shut their doors. Overall, the best time to explore this gorgeous destination is between June and September.

MORE DETAILS

Good morning from Prince Edward Island; Thank you for reaching out to Ask an Islander. To answer your question, you only pay to leave Prince Edward Island (if you choose to do so - LOL). A reservation is recommended for the 75-minute car ferry crossing from Wood Islands to Nova Scotia.

MORE DETAILS

You can certainly take the ferry to PEI and the bridge back. In fact that will save you money. You only pay when leaving the Island and the bridge is considerably cheaper.

MORE DETAILS

Should I buy ferry tickets in advance? Yes, we recommend that you book your ferry tickets in advance.

MORE DETAILS

Fees to enter the Prince Edward Island National Park at Cavendish-North Rustico vary depending on if you're just staying for the day or if you're camping. If you are just going to the beach for the day it costs $8.50 for an adult, $16.75 for a family. Children under the age of 17 are free.

MORE DETAILS

At just $2.75 (exact cash only!), the 15-minute ride across the harbour on the Alderney Ferry from Halifax to Downtown Dartmouth is a must-do Halifax experience for visitors and locals alike.

MORE DETAILS

The Nova Scotia government is permanently removing fees from all seven of the ferry services operating within the province. Premier Iain Rankin announced the change today at the Englishtown ferry, where a boat transports people across St. Anns Bay between Englishtown and Jersey Cove in northern Cape Breton.

MORE DETAILS