Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the crossing between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island?

The crossing is approximately 75 minutes.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended and are offered for one-way or return travel at the same cost, with a credit card. Reserve your space on the departure of your choice online and pay no reservation fees*! For telephone reservations, please call 1-877-762-7245 to speak to an agent.  Please note that one-way travel from Caribou, Nova Scotia is available at no fee but on a first-come, first served basis. If travellers wish to make a one-way reservation from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, a fee of $79 will apply.

*A $5 reservation fee is applied to telephone reservations.

What information do I need to make a reservation?

Your credit card information (Mastercard, Visa and Amex is accepted)

License plate number

I travelled to Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge but plan to depart using the ferry. Where do I pay my ferry toll?

Like the Confederation Bridge, ferry fares are calculated for a round-trip and collected only when departing Prince Edward Island. Visitors who arrive on Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge and depart via the ferry will pay only the ferry fare and vice versa.

*If a customer departing from Caribou, Nova Scotia travelling one-way to Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island chooses to make a reservation for their crossing and exits Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge, they will pay both the ferry and the bridge toll.

What time should I arrive at the departing terminal?

Customers with reservations should arrive at the departing terminal 30 minutes prior to departure. Customers without reservations should arrive 1 hour prior to departure. Please note that customers without reservations will not be guaranteed boarding.

What happens if my crossing is cancelled?

In event of a cancelled crossing, Northumberland Ferries Limited will send you an email advisory including options on how to rebook or cancel your reservation.

If you have not provided us with an email address, our agents will attempt to call you as soon as possible.

Please be sure to give us contact information that you will have access to while travelling. If you are travelling out of country, please keep cell phone data access in mind.

When in doubt, please call our toll free line or our ferry terminals – they will be able to advise you of service interruptions and help you rebook/cancel your reservation.

Want to receive updates on ferry schedule changes? Text “OPT IN” to 902.200.0247. You will receive updates from Northumberland Ferries Limited. Text frequency may vary. To stop receiving alerts simply text “OPT OUT” to the same number.

I am travelling without a vehicle, where will my friends or family pick me up?

There are parking lots at each terminal which are accessible for passengers to be picked up.

Is parking available at the terminals?

Yes, parking is available at both terminals. In Wood Islands, parking is located behind the terminal building. Look for signs marked “public parking”. In Caribou, parking is located beside the terminal building/cafeteria and can be accessed by taking a right turn at the junction at the entrance to the compound. At both terminals, passengers park at their own risk.

What methods of payment are accepted at the ferry terminals and on the ships?

Cash, Debit, Visa, and Mastercard are accepted onboard the ships. The Wood Islands toll booth accepts Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX.

Are there ATM’s onboard?

No, there are no ATM’s onboard. However, there are ATM’s in the Wood Islands and Caribou Terminals.

Are the mv Confederation and mv Holiday wheelchair accessible?

We offer onboard accessibility. We also recommend you make your requirements known at time of check-in and our crew will be more than happy to assist you.

Can I remain in my vehicle during the crossing?

No – safety regulations do not permit passengers to remain in their vehicles during the crossing.

Can I return to my vehicle during the crossing?

Yes, but you must be accompanied by a crew member.

Are there passenger cabins onboard?

No.

What seating is available onboard?

Seating on the mv Confederation and the mv Holiday Island is first-come, first served. We offer a variety of seating options.

Is there an outside deck?

The Viewing Decks offer a great opportunity to walk around the ships, as well as take in the beautiful views of the Northumberland Strait. It is quite common to spot seals, birds and often porpoises swimming alongside the ships. The Viewing Decks are a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the crossing!

Can I smoke onboard?

Effective September 15^th, 2019, in an effort to provide and support the health and wellness of our passengers and employees, Northumberland Ferries is pleased to provide a smoke-free environment on board the mv Holiday Island and mv Confederation and within the Wood Islands and Caribou Terminal properties. No smoking of any kind is permitted including vapor products, e-cigarettes, and cannabis.

Can I shop for souvenirs onboard?

On the mv Confederation, the Gift Shop – In Good Taste at Sea – features goods created by local merchants from both sides of the Northumberland Strait. Shop music, books, jewelry, apparel, artwork, candy and much more. Join us in store for a unique Maritime experience!

Is there WIFI onboard?

Yes, WIFI onboard is free.

What entertainment do you offer?

Throughout July to September, don’t miss out on our fantastic Seaside Experiences. During your crossing, immerse yourself in a truly Maritime experience with some of the finest live music, entertainment, food, wine, and beer samplings the region has to offer. Sit back and enjoy incredible ocean views, food, and live entertainment.

For the full schedule, please visit www.seasideexperiences.com

Is alcohol served on board the ship?

No.

What dining options are available onboard?

Onboard Cafés

Both the mv Holiday and the mv Confederation feature the Salt Water Café which serves breakfast from 6am-10:30am and lunch and dinner from 10:30am until ferry service ends for the day. Enjoy a meal overlooking the Northumberland Strait with a selection of both hot and cold menu items.

Ice Cream, Snacks, and Souvenirs 

COWS Ice Cream—rated the best ice cream by Tauck World Discovery—is based in Prince Edward Island…and what better way to taste a sweet treat than onboard the mv Confederation. Enjoy a delicious COWS ice cream cone, and pick up one of the company’s iconic t-shirts at the same time!

Onboard mv Holiday Island enjoy soft-serve ice cream and snacks at the Coastal Café (open seasonally).

Do you have a children’s area?

The mv Confederation will keep your children entertained with our play space which features a small slide, books, a television and DVD’s.

The mv Holiday Island does not have a children’s area.

Filming/Photoshoots on Northumberland Ferries

Production companies may be permitted access to NFL vessels and terminals as a venue for filming or photoshoot efforts. Film/photo shoots must be coordinated in advance with NFL in order to minimize the impact on operations. For more information, please contact Allison MacLaurin at [email protected].

Are pets allowed onboard?

Pets are permitted on outside passenger decks as long as they are leashed. Crew members monitor the car decks and will contact the owner if a pet that is left in a vehicle seems to be uncomfortable. Alternatively, kennels are available upon request.

How do I apply for a job with Northumberland Ferries Limited?

Are you a safety-focused, team player with exceptional customer service skills? Would you enjoy working in a unique environment with a diverse staff and crew, serving travelers from near and far? If you think you are a good fit for our team, please submit your application at https://www.ferries.ca/careers/.

Do you offer discounts for frequent travellers?

Calling all frequent Sailors!

If you sail often with Northumberland Ferries Limited, now you can save even more. Take advantage of bulk pricing and SAVE $50 when you purchase a 5-Pass booklet. For more details, click here.

Do you offer gift cards?

Northumberland Ferries Limited offers Ferry Passes that can be purchased at various locations in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia! Present a friend or loved one with a round trip onboard the mv Confederation or mv Holiday Island. Ferry Passes cost $79 and cover a round trip for a standard passenger vehicle up to 7′ tall and 20′ long. Passes do not guarantee boarding but can be upgraded to a reservation online with no additional fees. Click here for a full list of Ferry Pass locations –  https://www.ferries.ca/ns-pei-ferry/offers/