14 Of The Most Scenic Ferry Crossings In Canada

Last Updated: 13 April 2022

Written By: Landsby Editorial Team

There’s a moment of quiet that settles over you the moment the ferry leaves the berth. The hum of the engine, the ocean opening in front of you, the shore drifting quietly behind. Canada’s scenic ferry crossings have a way of doing that — slowing everything down. From 7-minute cable crossings over prairie rivers to 15-hour overnight passages through some of the most remote wilderness on the continent, the network is as extraordinary as the scenery it moves through. Whether you’re planning a road trip, visiting a city, or just looking for an excuse to be on the water, these are the crossings worth building a day around.

The Northern Expedition sailing the Inside Passage from Prince Rupert. Photo by Mike Seehagel/Northern BC Tourism

Ferry Crossings in British Columbia

When it comes to coastal scenery, it’s hard to beat British Columbia. Take advantage of the relatively low cost of ferry rides to explore the stunning West Coast scenery. Keep watch for whales in the water!

BC Ferries operate nearly 30 different routes and you really can’t go wrong as each journey is very scenic. Here are three we highly recommend:

1. Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

If you are visiting Vancouver, be sure to take a ferry out of the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal as it is one of the most scenic spots for ferry departures in Canada. The terminal sits at the foot of steep forested mountains where West Vancouver tapers into the sea, and once you’re on the water, the scenery only gets better. Whether you’re heading over to Vancouver Island or taking a convenient day trip over to Bowen Island, each route is lined with stunning coastal scenery.

The quick hop to Bowen Island is one of the best day trips from Vancouver that most visitors never think to take. You’re back in the city by dinner, but for a few hours the mountains are right there, the herons are hunting the shoreline, and the whole thing costs less than lunch.

2. The Inside Passage to Prince Rupert

Starting in Port Hardy on the northern edge of Vancouver Island, take the ferry to Prince Rupert for an epic journey with stunning views of the rugged mountain coastline, lush forested islands and the narrow channels (with towering cliffs) that make up this part of the world. In the summer months, the trip takes 15 hours and reservations, both for a spot on the ferry and for accommodations after you dock, are a necessity as it is a very popular trip.

Pro tip: Book well in advance as this route sells out months ahead. Scan the water near the Grenville Channel for humpbacks and orcas. They’re spotted here regularly.

3. See the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Also leaving from Port Hardy is a summertime ferry headed directly to Bella Coola in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of BC. This 10-hour journey is as scenic as they come. The ferry heads through the Inside Passage and along one of the most incredible fjords in the country. The direct ferry is only available during the summer season (other times of the year, the route is offered in two stages — a transfer in Bella Bella is required) and reservations are highly recommended.

Pro tip: Direct sailing runs summer only. In other seasons there’s a transfer in Bella Bella. Book early as it fills up fast. If you’re driving into the Chilcotin after, top up your gas in Bella Coola before heading east.

Bleriot Ferry crossing. Photo by Katie Goldie/Travel Alberta

Ferry Crossings in Central Canada

Cable ferry crossings — which is a ferry that is guided across a river or body of water using cables on both shores — make for a very cool experience, even if the journey is short. There are several of these crossings in central Canada. Here are two of our favourites:

4. Bleriot Ferry in Alberta

The Bleriot Ferry connects the North Dinosaur Trail (Highway 838) as it crosses the Red Deer River northwest of Drumheller in Alberta’s Badlands. The trip across the river is just 105 metres and takes less than seven minutes but is a great experience on a road trip through the area. The ferry operates from May until the end of October.

5. Riverhurst Ferry

If you are travelling on Highway 42 in Saskatchewan and reach Lake Diefenbaker, you’ll need to take the Riverhurst Ferry. The 1.5 km journey across the lake links the village of Riverhurst on the east side with the community of Lucky Lake on the west. While short, the trip is really cool and free! The ferry only operates during the warmer months when the lake is free of ice. In the winter, the route goes over the lake via an ice road.

Pro tip: Summer only. Check Saskatchewan government schedules before you go. Free and takes about 15 minutes.

Toronto skyline seen from the ferry crossing to the Toronto Islands.

Ferry Crossings in Ontario

With four of the five Great Lakes and parts of the mighty St. Lawrence River within its boundaries, Ontario has some awesome ferry rides on offer. Here are a few of our favourites:

6. Toronto Islands Ferry

Leaving from the Jack Layton terminal on the shore of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands Ferries head to three different islands in the 15-island archipelago: Centre, Hanlan’s and Ward’s. All of the routes offer incredible views of the Toronto harbour and skyline, making this journey a perfect way to get that iconic photo of the city. Keep in mind that the islands are car-free and the ferries take passengers (and bicycles) only. The Ward’s Island ferry operates year round while the other two are seasonal.

Pro tip: Ward’s Island runs year-round. Centre and Hanlan’s are seasonal. Bikes are welcome on board. Get a seat on the upper deck for the crossing itself.

7. Georgian Bay Ferry

Fondly referred to as the Big Canoe, the MS  Chi-Cheemaun links South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island with Tobermory at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The 2-hour journey has sweeping views of Georgian Bay and the rugged coastline of the Bruce Peninsula on the one end of the trip and a lovely view of Manitoulin Island — the largest freshwater island in the world — on the other side.

You can take a day trip on the ferry just to enjoy the sights or use it as a method of transportation to avoid going around the lake.

Pro tip: Seasonal (spring through fall). Reservations strongly recommended for vehicles, especially on summer weekends. The sundeck fills up fast, so get there early.

8. Thousand Islands Ferry

Set out from the lovely Kingston waterfront on a scenic ferry crossing to Wolfe Island, the largest in the Thousand Islands archipelago. This 20-minute journey provides beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and various landmarks in Kingston, such as historic Fort Henry. Best of all, it is absolutely free to ride!

The ferry leaves from the Marysville Dock until ice forms on the river, at which point it begins to leave from the Dawson Point Dock.

Pro tip: Free, no reservation needed. Runs most of the year except when ice closes the river. The Marysville Dock is the standard departure point in warmer months.

View from Lévis-Québec City ferry. Photo by Jean-François Frenette

Ferry Crossings in Québec

Québec’s lakes, rivers and mountains make for some pretty spectacular scenery. Experience some of the best views on these stunning ferry crossings:

9. Saguenay Fjord Ferry

The Tadoussac-Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry crossing itself takes only a few minutes, but that’s enough time to be standing in the middle of one of the most dramatic fjords in Canada, watching the dark water churn where the Saguenay River meets the St. Lawrence. This is one of the best whale-watching areas in the world, and on a summer morning the belugas are often visible right from the ferry deck. The crossing is free and runs year-round, but in whale season (roughly June through October) every sailing feels like a small gift.

Pro tip: Free, year-round. Go early in the morning for the calmest water and best light on the fjord walls. Bring binoculars in summer as beluga pods often drift close to the ferry.

10. Québec City Ferry

Twelve minutes across the St. Lawrence, and the Chateau Frontenac fills your entire field of vision the whole way. The Quebec City ferry is technically a commuter service. Thousands of locals use it every day. But for a first-time visitor it’s one of the most dramatic approaches to a city skyline anywhere in the country. Take it in both directions: the crossing toward Levis gives you the full panorama of Old Quebec climbing the cliffs, and returning at night, when the stone buildings are lit against the sky, is even better.

Pro tip: Runs daily, year-round. Inexpensive. Try the evening crossing around 9 or 10pm in summer for the most atmospheric views of the lit-up city.

11. PEI to Îles de la Madeleine Ferry

The Magdalen Islands — or the Îles de la Madeleine — are located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and are officially part of the province of Québec. One of the most scenic ways to reach this island archipelago is via a 5-hour ferry crossing from Souris, Prince Edward Island. The ferry route skirts around the eastern tip of PEI and makes its way across the Gulf towards the islands.

Enjoy endless water views (perhaps even a glimpse of a whale or two) before being rewarded with lovely vistas as the islands come into view.

Pro tip: Check CTMA for schedules and reservations as off-season travel is limited. Cabins are available on board and recommended for the overnight sailing. Book your time on the islands well in advance as accommodations are limited.

Photo by Scott Munn

Ferry Crossings in the Maritimes

Water is part of every aspect of life in the Maritimes so it is no surprise that the Atlantic provinces have some of the most scenic ferry crossings in the country. Here are a few of the best:

12. Alderney Ferry in Nova Scotia

People have been crossing Halifax Harbour by ferry since 1752, making this one of the oldest saltwater ferry routes in the world and also one of the cheapest ways to see the city. The 15-minute crossing between Halifax and Dartmouth is mostly used by commuters, which means you’ll be sharing the deck with people headed to work while you’re busy photographing one of the finest harbour views in Atlantic Canada. The George’s Island lighthouse, the historic waterfront, the naval vessels. It all slides past in a quarter hour. Worth every cent.

Pro tip: Runs daily. Check Halifax Transit for current schedules and fares. The upper deck is worth braving even in cool weather. Try the late-afternoon sailing for golden-hour light on the harbour.

13. Bay of Fundy Ferry

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, up to 16 metres of water moving in and out twice a day, and from the ferry you get a visceral sense of just how vast and alive this stretch of water really is. The crossing from Saint John to Digby takes just over two hours, cutting across the bay instead of driving all the way around it. In summer it’s worth staying on deck the whole time. The water here is rich feeding ground for finback and humpback whales, and sightings mid-crossing are not unusual.

Pro tip: Check Bay Ferries for seasonal schedules and reservations. The crossing also doubles as a useful route shortcut between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, saving several hours of driving.

14. Northumberland Strait Ferry

The Confederation Bridge gets most of the attention, but before it was built in 1997, the only way to bring your car to Prince Edward Island was by ferry, and many travellers still prefer it that way. The 75-minute crossing between Wood Islands and Caribou, Nova Scotia, gives you time to feel the strait rather than just drive over it. The island approaches slowly, the red soil shoreline coming into focus as you cross, and there’s a good chance of spotting harbour seals or porpoises along the way. It’s a gentler arrival, and it suits PEI perfectly.

Pro tip: Check Northumberland Ferries for current schedules. No reservation needed for passengers. Reservations are recommended for vehicles and travellers should check peak-season wait times.

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This blog was originally published on March 18, 2022 and has been updated to maintain accuracy.