FerryConnect

Canada

Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) → Caribou (Nova Scotia)

The seasonal ferry between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia across the Northumberland Strait, an alternative to the Confederation Bridge for travellers heading east to Cape Breton or Halifax.

⏱ About 1h 15m🚢 1 operator📅 Seasonal: 8 departures a day each way in summer, 4 a day into December (2026 timetable)🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) takes About 1h 15m across the Northumberland Strait, operated by Northumberland Ferries. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: seasonal: 8 departures a day each way in summer, 4 a day into December (2026 timetable).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-28.

Sources: ferries.ca · How we verify

Return crossing: Caribou (Nova Scotia) to Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island)

Northumberland Ferries also sails Caribou (Nova Scotia) to Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island), taking About 1h 15m. Up to 17 October 2026, departures from Caribou are at the same times as from Wood Islands. From 18 October to 20 December 2026 they are at 08:30, 11:45, 16:30 and 19:30.

Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Daily sailings of about 75 minutes. From 15 June to 17 October 2026 there are 8 departures a day in each direction. From 18 October to 20 December 2026 this drops to 4 a day.

From 18 October to 20 December 2026, departures from Wood Islands are at 07:00, 10:00, 15:00 and 18:00. Northumberland Ferries publishes this timetable up to 20 December 2026.

Published departure times

  • 07:00
  • 08:30
  • 10:00
  • 11:45
  • 13:30
  • 15:15
  • 17:00
  • 18:30

Return: Up to 17 October 2026, departures from Caribou are at the same times as from Wood Islands. From 18 October to 20 December 2026 they are at 08:30, 11:45, 16:30 and 19:30.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Northumberland Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Northumberland Ferries →

Source: Northumberland Ferries sailing schedule (15 June – 17 October 2026 departures from Wood Islands). Verified 2026-09-28.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) and Caribou (Nova Scotia)

📐 14 Nautical Miles
Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island)⇄Caribou (Nova Scotia)
⏱ About 1h 15m · 📐 14 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia)?

Book your crossing with Northumberland Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Northumberland Ferries→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Northumberland Ferries1h 15mCar ferries

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

14 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Wood Islands is about 1 hour by road from Charlottetown
  • Caribou is near Pictou, with Highway 106/104 onward to Halifax and Cape Breton

Related Ferry Crossings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay for the PEI ferry both ways?
Like the Confederation Bridge toll, fares for crossing to and from PEI are collected when you leave the island.
Can you take the Wood Islands–Caribou ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Northumberland Ferries says foot passengers must check in at the toll booth 30 minutes before departure to collect a boarding card. Vehicles must be checked in at least 40 minutes before departure.
How long is the ferry from PEI to Nova Scotia?
Northumberland Ferries says the Wood Islands (PEI) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) crossing takes about 75 minutes.
How often does the Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) ferry sail?
Daily sailings of about 75 minutes. From 15 June to 17 October 2026 there are 8 departures a day in each direction. From 18 October to 20 December 2026 this drops to 4 a day. From 18 October to 20 December 2026, departures from Wood Islands are at 07:00, 10:00, 15:00 and 18:00. Northumberland Ferries publishes this timetable up to 20 December 2026. This is the pattern published in the Northumberland Ferries sailing schedule (15 June – 17 October 2026 departures from Wood Islands) (checked 2026-09-28); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia)?
Northumberland Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) from Caribou (Nova Scotia) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 14 nautical miles (roughly 26 km).