Is there a ferry from Prince Edward island to Cape Breton?

There is no ferry to Cape Breton. The ferry lands near Pictou and from there you'll need to drive on to Cape Breton. Depending upon schedules the ferry may slightly shorten your trip, depending upon where you would be in PEI when you are ready to leave. The actual ferry ride time is just over an hour.



Yes, there is a ferry from Prince Edward Island to Cape Breton, but it’s important to note that it does not connect directly to the main part of Cape Breton Island where destinations like Sydney, Baddeck, or the Cabot Trail are located.

Here are the details:

The Ferry: Northumberland Ferries Ltd.

  • Route: Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia (near Pictou).
  • Operator: Northumberland Ferries Ltd. (MV Confederation and MV Holiday Island).
  • Duration: Approximately 75 minutes.
  • What You Need to Know:
    • This is a vehicle and passenger ferry. Reservations are highly recommended, especially in the summer and on weekends.
    • The Caribou terminal in Nova Scotia is on the mainland, about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the Canso Causeway (which connects mainland Nova Scotia to Cape Breton Island).
    • Therefore, after the ferry, you will have a significant drive to reach Cape Breton.

The Direct Alternative: Confederation Bridge

  • The faster and more common way to travel from PEI to Cape Breton is to drive across the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick.
  • From there, you drive through a portion of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to reach the Canso Causeway and Cape Breton Island.
  • Total driving time from Charlottetown, PEI to Sydney, Cape Breton via the bridge is typically 4.5 to 5.5 hours, which is often comparable or faster than taking the ferry when

People Also Ask

Two provinces separated by the sea. 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. Walk or drive aboard our vessels then relax, stretch your legs, and experience the beauty of the Maritime sea and sky.

MORE DETAILS

Since 1941, Northumberland Ferries has been transporting passengers and their vehicles between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. In fact, you probably remember taking the ferry as a child – it's time to make those special memories again with your family!

MORE DETAILS

The CAT: Maine, USA to Nova Scotia The high-speed CAT ferry travels between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in just 3.5 hours.

MORE DETAILS

Ferry service that links PEI and Nova Scotia. Transports vehicles and walk-on passengers. Ferry crossings are 75 minutes and there are amenities on board. Fares are only charged when departing PEI; no fare when leaving Nova Scotia.

MORE DETAILS

Ferry crossings are 75 minutes and there are amenities on board. Fares are only charged when departing PEI; no fare when leaving Nova Scotia.

MORE DETAILS

One of the world's most scenic coastal drives, it weaves around rugged headlands with spectacular views of the North Atlantic and Gulf of St Lawrence. Although you could complete the Cabot Trail in a long day, we recommend at least two days to enjoy all it has to offer.

MORE DETAILS

According to the Cabot Trail tourism map, available at Nova Scotia welcome centers and various museums and merchants on Cape Breton Island, the entire Cabot Trail drive takes approximately five hours.

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

Fare: $2.75 one way. Ask for a free transfer for a return trip. Experience 360-degree views of the Halifax Harbour on the harbour ferry. At just $2.75, the 15-minute journey between the Halifax waterfront and Dartmouth is the most affordable harbour cruise around.

MORE DETAILS

Daily shuttle service between Halifax and Prince Edward Island.

MORE DETAILS