Halifax ferry

The Halifax–Dartmouth ferry is the oldest saltwater ferry service in North America, with its beginnings in 1752. It started as a simple rowboat crossing, run by John Connor, transporting passengers between the two communities from sunrise to sunset for a fare of just three pence. This essential link laid the foundation for what would become one of the longest-running ferry services in the world.

In 1816, innovation brought the “Sherbrooke,” a horse-powered ferry using a treadmill-style paddle system. Then in 1830, steam technology was introduced with the arrival of the Sir Charles Ogle, the first steam-powered ferry in the region, dramatically improving travel times across the harbour.

The ferry remained a critical mode of transportation until the opening of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in 1955, which shifted much of the traffic flow. Still, the ferry continued serving thousands daily. In the 1970s, a modern diesel-powered fleet was introduced, and in 1994, the service became part of Halifax Transit.

Today, the Halifax ferry remains a vital and scenic commuter link, connecting the past with the present across Halifax Harbour.

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