Confederation Bridge vs ferry to PEI: which to take?

Prince Edward Island is an island, which means every arrival and departure involves either a bridge or a boat. Since 1997, the Confederation Bridge has provided a fixed link between PEI and New Brunswick, ending 130 years of exclusive ferry dependence. The seasonal Northumberland Ferry still runs between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, Nova Scotia. For visitors, the choice between bridge and ferry involves several genuine tradeoffs — this guide breaks them down practically.

The Confederation Bridge

The Confederation Bridge, completed in May 1997, is the longest bridge over ice-covered water in the world at 12.9 km. It spans the Northumberland Strait between Borden-Carleton on PEI and Cape Jourimain in New Brunswick.

The crossing experience

The crossing takes approximately 10-12 minutes by car at the posted speed limit (80 km/h, with a maximum of 60 km/h in some sections). The bridge itself is a remarkable engineering structure — curving gently across the strait, with concrete piers rising from the water at regular intervals. The view from the bridge is of open sea on both sides; in fog (common in the strait), the experience is atmospheric.

The toll system: The toll is approximately CAD $50 per standard vehicle (cars and light trucks; motorcycles and larger vehicles have different rates). Crucially, the toll is collected only on the New Brunswick side — meaning:

• Entry to PEI from NB: no toll paid
• Exit from PEI to NB: toll of ~$50 paid

This is an important detail for routing. If you cross to PEI by bridge from NB and return to NB the same way, you pay the toll once on return. If you cross by ferry from Nova Scotia (paying the ferry fare) and return via bridge, you pay both the ferry and the bridge toll.

Practical advantages of the bridge

Reliability: The bridge operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (with brief planned closures for maintenance). Weather closures occur — the bridge closes in extreme winds (sustained winds above approximately 90 km/h) — but these are rare.

Speed: No waiting for ferry schedules. The 12-minute crossing fits into any driving day without planning around departures.

No booking required: Simply drive to the toll plaza and cross. No advance reservation.

Night crossings: Available at any time.

RVs and large vehicles: Managed with height restrictions (maximum 4.9 m to ensure bridge clearance) and mandatory slow speed; large vehicles are escorted by bridge staff. Check current restrictions for your vehicle.

Practical disadvantages of the bridge

The experience: Some people find the bridge crossing underwhelming compared to a sea crossing — it is fast and efficient rather than scenic or atmospheric. Drivers must focus on the road; passengers get a better view.

Fear of heights / bridges: Some drivers experience anxiety on the bridge due to its length and the minimal railing visibility from inside a car. Passengers can close their eyes; drivers cannot. The bridge authority offers a vehicle escort service for drivers who are unable to cross on their own.

Connection to New Brunswick only: The bridge connects to Cape Jourimain, NB. If your routing is from or to Nova Scotia, the bridge requires a detour through New Brunswick or a doubling back.

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The Northumberland Ferry

Northumberland Ferries (operated by Bay Ferries) runs a seasonal passenger and vehicle ferry between Wood Islands, PEI (at the southeast tip of the island) and Caribou, Nova Scotia (near Pictou, on the mainland Nova Scotia shore). The crossing takes approximately 75 minutes.

The crossing experience

The ferry crossing is, by most measures, the more enjoyable travel experience of the two options. The 75-minute crossing offers:

• Unobstructed views of the Northumberland Strait from the open deck
• The emergence of PEI’s red cliffs from the water as you approach
• The possibility of seeing seals, porpoises, and the occasional whale in the strait
• The pleasure of a sea crossing — wind, salt air, water — that the bridge simply cannot replicate

The vessels have cafeteria service, seating indoors and out, and vehicle decks below. The crossing is a pleasant break from driving rather than a necessary inconvenience.

Practical advantages of the ferry

The experience: A sea crossing is simply more enjoyable than a bridge for most travellers. The approach to PEI by water — seeing the red cliffs and the pastoral shoreline emerge from the strait — is a memorable arrival.

Nova Scotia connection: The ferry connects to Caribou (near Pictou), Nova Scotia. This is enormously practical for visitors coming from or going to Halifax and eastern Nova Scotia — the Wood Islands-Caribou crossing saves a long drive to the bridge through New Brunswick.

Wildlife potential: The Northumberland Strait has harbour porpoise, harbour seals, and occasionally minke and fin whales. The ferry crossing is a genuine wildlife watching opportunity with binoculars.

Free passage on entry to PEI: Northumberland Ferries’ toll structure is the opposite of the bridge — the fare is paid on the Nova Scotia side (Caribou to Wood Islands). Crossing from Wood Islands to Caribou is free, with the understanding that passengers paid on entry.

Wait — this needs clarification: the ferry fare structure was historically paid on entry to PEI from Caribou. Check the current Northumberland Ferries fare structure at ferries.ca for the most current pricing.

Foot passengers: The ferry accommodates foot passengers and cyclists comfortably. The bridge is not walkable or cyclable.

Practical disadvantages of the ferry

Seasonal operation: Northumberland Ferries runs approximately May through mid-December. It does not operate in winter. If visiting outside this window, the bridge is the only option.

Schedule dependency: The ferry runs on a fixed schedule — typically 3-9 crossings per day depending on season. You must plan around departure times. In peak season (July-August), late afternoon crossings can have vehicle waits of 1-2 hours.

Weather cancellations: The ferry cancels in high winds and severe weather. This is uncommon in summer but possible.

Cost: The ferry fare for a vehicle and driver is comparable to or slightly higher than the bridge toll; passengers are additional. Check current fares at ferries.ca.

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Cost comparison (approximate 2025-2026 CAD)

	Confederation Bridge	Northumberland Ferry
Vehicle (standard car)	~$50 (once, on exit)	~$80-90 (vehicle + driver)
Additional passengers	Included	~$16 per person
Foot passenger	Bridge not walkable	~$16
Crossing time	12 minutes	75 minutes
Season	Year-round	May to mid-December
Booking	Not required	Advisable in peak season

The best strategy for most visitors

The classic Atlantic Canada loop

Most visitors to Atlantic Canada approach PEI from one direction and leave toward another. The most common scenarios:

Arriving from New Brunswick / coming from Halifax via NB: Cross the Confederation Bridge on arrival (fast, no booking, toll paid on exit). Exit via the Wood Islands ferry to Caribou, NS — ending up in Nova Scotia for the drive back toward Halifax. This is the classic circuit: enter by bridge, exit by ferry, see two approaches to the island.

Arriving from Nova Scotia (Halifax direction): Take the Wood Islands ferry from Caribou to PEI. Exit via the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick. Again, two different experiences of the crossing.

If staying in New Brunswick and making a PEI day trip or short visit: Use the bridge in both directions — no ferry scheduling to worry about.

If in Halifax with limited time: The bridge approach via New Brunswick adds about 1.5 hours of driving compared to the ferry from Caribou. The ferry is more practical.

Which to choose as your single crossing

If you are crossing in only one direction and returning the same way (or flying in/out of Charlottetown), the choice comes down to:

Choose the bridge if:

• Reliability and no schedule dependency are important
• You are coming from New Brunswick and the routing is direct
• You are travelling outside Northumberland Ferry season (winter)
• You prefer efficiency over experience

Choose the ferry if:

• You value the sea crossing experience
• You are coming from or going toward Nova Scotia (Halifax direction)
• You are a foot passenger or cyclist (bridge not usable on foot or bicycle)
• Children or wildlife-watching passengers are part of the group

Additional practical information

Confederation Bridge driver assistance

The bridge authority operates a free vehicle crossing service for drivers who are unable to cross independently due to anxiety. Call the bridge authority at the toll plaza — a staff driver will take your vehicle across while you ride as a passenger. This service exists and is used regularly.

Northumberland Ferry reservations

In July and August, vehicle reservations are strongly advisable for the Northumberland Ferry to avoid waiting for the next available sailing. Book at ferries.ca. Foot passengers generally do not need reservations.

RVs on the bridge

RVs and oversized vehicles must call the bridge authority in advance to confirm their vehicle dimensions are within limits. Height restrictions (4.9m maximum) and an escort service for large vehicles are in place. See confederationbridge.com for current requirements.

Cycling to/from PEI

The Confederation Bridge is not crossable by bicycle or foot. The Northumberland Ferry accommodates bicycles. The Confederation Bridge authority operates a free bike shuttle — cyclists bring their bicycle to the toll plaza, it is carried across in a vehicle, and the cyclist is driven across. Book in advance for this service.

The Confederation Trail on PEI (a 470-km rail trail crossing the island) connects to the Wood Islands ferry terminal, making the ferry the natural cycling option.

Getting to Charlottetown from each crossing point

From the bridge (Borden-Carleton): Charlottetown is 55 km northeast via Trans-Canada Route 1 — about 45 minutes.

From Wood Islands ferry terminal: Charlottetown is 62 km northwest via Route 1 — about 50 minutes.

Both are direct and well-signed. The driving time to Charlottetown is essentially equal from both crossing points.

Frequently asked questions about Confederation Bridge vs ferry to PEI: which to take?

Is the Confederation Bridge safe in high winds?

The bridge closes when sustained winds exceed approximately 90 km/h. For normal crossings in moderate wind conditions, the bridge is safe; drivers may notice the vehicle moving with wind gusts. The bridge is engineered to withstand the extreme weather of the Northumberland Strait.

Can I walk on the Confederation Bridge?

No. The bridge is not open to pedestrians or cyclists. The free escort service handles bicycle crossings.

How long does the Northumberland Ferry wait take in peak season?

In July-August, afternoon crossings (particularly Friday and Sunday) can have waits of 1-2 hours for vehicles without reservations. Make a reservation. Morning crossings are generally less congested.

Does the ferry run on time?

Generally yes, within 15-30 minutes. Weather delays and cancellations can occur but are uncommon in summer. Check ferries.ca for real-time schedule updates.

What is the best time to cross the bridge?

Any time — the bridge is open 24 hours. Night crossings are fine. Fog crossings are fine (speed appropriately). The 10-12 minutes is consistent regardless of time of day.