Atlantic Canada Ferry Traffic Surges as Lower Fares Attract More Travelers

Ferry services in Atlantic Canada are witnessing a significant surge in traffic as a result of newly reduced fares. The cost of ferries was halved this summer following a federal initiative that aimed to boost local tourism and travel.

Impact of Fare Reductions on Ferry Traffic

Between August 1 and September 25, 2023, Bay Ferries reported a remarkable 34% increase in passenger numbers and a 39% rise in vehicle traffic on the route between Saint John and Digby, Nova Scotia. This influx has been particularly notable among visitors from Nova Scotia, eager to explore attractions in New Brunswick.

Community Reactions

• Curtis Dionne, co-owner of Glass Roots in Saint John, noted a noticeable increase in visitors from Nova Scotia.
• William McCormick, a councillor in Digby, acknowledged higher traffic levels than usual, with visitors arriving from various places, including New Brunswick and the U.S. state of Maine.

Government Initiatives

On July 28, 2023, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered on an election promise, significantly reducing the bridge toll on Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Bridge from over $50 to $20. Additionally, fares for federally-supported ferries across Atlantic Canada were slashed by 50%.

This fare reduction is projected to cost approximately $100 million annually but is anticipated to result in a substantial rise in ferry traffic.

Future Trends in Travel

Marine Atlantic, which operates ferries between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, has also experienced a surge in bookings. Currently, 50,000 passengers are booked, with 38,000 of those being new bookings since the fare reductions. Darrell Mercer of Marine Atlantic stated, “That’s almost double what we’ve seen in previous years,” highlighting a busy forecast for summer 2026.

The demand for travel has presented capacity issues for Marine Atlantic this season, indicating that the effects of reduced fares may not be fully realized until later this fall and into next year.

Vehicle Traffic Increases

According to Tourism PEI data, vehicle traffic across the Confederation Bridge and on ferries to Prince Edward Island saw a 25% increase in August compared to the previous year. In contrast, air travel dropped by about 16%, suggesting a shift in travel preferences.

Local Business Insights

• Frédéric Gionet from the Canadian Federation of Independents remarked on the increase in day trips to the island.
• Businesses, however, are experiencing mixed results, with some owners like Tony Polley of Route 16 Diner seeing only modest sales increases.

Long-Term Economic Implications

Flavio Nienow from Transport Canada indicated that reduced fares in Eastern Canada, including those from Marine Atlantic, are expected to remain until at least 2029. Furthermore, Confederation Bridge tolls are set until 2032. These measures aim to bolster the local economy by facilitating interprovincial travel and trade.

The positive outcome of these fare reductions continues to unfold, as local communities adapt to increased tourism and the related economic benefits.