Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry: Schedule & Cost 2024
HALIFAX HARBOUR FERRY SERVICE:
• Operator: Halifax Transit
• Service Area: Halifax Harbour crossing
• Fleet: 3 vessels (Vincent Coleman, Christopher Stannix, Viola Desmond)
• Operating Since: 1752 (oldest saltwater ferry service in North America)
• Passengers Only: No vehicles (foot passengers and bicycles)
• Integration: Part of Halifax Transit system
Ferry Routes
ROUTE 1: HALIFAX-DARTMOUTH (ALDERNEY LANDING):
• Halifax Terminal: Historic Properties/Purdy's Wharf
• Dartmouth Terminal: Alderney Landing
• Crossing Time: 12 minutes
• Distance: 1.2 km across Halifax Harbour
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
• Primary Route: Main passenger service
ROUTE 2: HALIFAX-WOODSIDE:
• Halifax Terminal: Historic Properties/Purdy's Wharf
• Dartmouth Terminal: Woodside Terminal
• Crossing Time: 20 minutes
• Distance: 2.1 km
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
• Service: Limited schedule, primarily commuter-focused
2024 Schedule
HALIFAX-ALDERNEY LANDING SCHEDULE:
• Monday-Friday: 6:30 AM - 11:30 PM
• Saturday: 6:30 AM - 11:30 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Peak Hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM): Every 15 minutes
• Off-Peak Hours: Every 30 minutes
• Late Evening: Every 60 minutes
HALIFAX-WOODSIDE SCHEDULE:
• Monday-Friday: 6:50 AM - 9:20 PM
• Saturday: 9:20 AM - 9:20 PM
• Sunday: 9:20 AM - 9:20 PM
• Frequency: Every 60 minutes most times
• Peak Hours: Every 30 minutes (limited)
2024 Fares
CASH FARES:
• Adult (16+): $2.75 CAD
• Senior (65+): $2.00 CAD
• Youth (6-15): $2.00 CAD
• Child (0-5): Free
• Student (with ID): $2.00 CAD
• Bicycle: Free (space permitting)
MACPASS (ELECTRONIC PAYMENT):
• Adult: $2.50 CAD (10% discount)
• Senior/Youth/Student: $1.75 CAD
• Monthly Pass: $82.50 CAD (unlimited rides)
• Weekly Pass: $21.25 CAD
• Day Pass: $7.00 CAD
• Automatic Reload: Available for convenience
Payment Methods
ACCEPTED PAYMENT:
• MacPass: Electronic card system (recommended)
• Cash: Exact change required
• Mobile Payment: Tap and pay with phone
• Credit Cards: Contactless payment accepted
• Group Passes: Available for tour groups
• Transfers: Free within Halifax Transit system
Terminal Locations
HALIFAX TERMINAL (DOWNTOWN):
• Address: Historic Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street
• Landmarks: Near Purdy's Wharf, Historic Properties
• Parking: Paid parking nearby ($15-25/day)
• Amenities: Waiting shelter, ticket office
• Nearby: Restaurants, shops, tourist attractions
• Walking Distance: Downtown core, waterfront boardwalk
ALDERNEY LANDING TERMINAL (DARTMOUTH):
• Address: 2 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth
• Amenities: Indoor waiting area, restrooms
• Facilities: Farmers market (Saturday), event space
• Parking: Free parking available
• Nearby: Dartmouth Heritage Museum, restaurants
• Connections: Dartmouth bus routes, walking trails
WOODSIDE TERMINAL (DARTMOUTH):
• Address: 61 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth
• Amenities: Basic shelter, limited facilities
• Parking: Free parking available
• Industrial Area: Less tourist-oriented location
• Connections: Bus routes to Dartmouth/Cole Harbour
• Purpose: Primarily serves commuter traffic
Vessel Information
FERRY FLEET DETAILS:
• Vincent Coleman: Capacity 200 passengers, 16 bicycles
• Christopher Stannix: Capacity 200 passengers, 16 bicycles
• Viola Desmond: Newest vessel, capacity 200 passengers
• Accessibility: All vessels wheelchair accessible
• Climate Control: Heated cabins, indoor seating
• Outdoor Decks: Weather viewing areas
Accessibility Services
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
• Wheelchair Access: All vessels and terminals accessible
• Ramps: Loading ramps at all terminals
• Priority Boarding: Available for mobility devices
• Service Animals: Welcome onboard
• Audio Announcements: Terminal and onboard announcements
• Staff Assistance: Available upon request
Bicycle Transportation
CYCLING ON THE FERRY:
• Bicycle Fee: Free (space permitting)
• Capacity: 16 bicycles per crossing
• Loading: Cyclists board first, disembark last
• Restrictions: No motorbikes or e-scooters
• Busy Times: Limited space during peak hours
• Trails: Connect to Halifax waterfront trail system
Tourist Information
FERRY AS TOURIST ATTRACTION:
• Sightseeing: Excellent harbor views during crossing
• Photo Opportunities: Halifax skyline, Georges Island
• Historic Significance: Oldest saltwater ferry in North America
• Cultural Experience: Local commuter transportation
• Tour Integration: Part of Halifax waterfront tour
• Cost-Effective: Cheapest harbour tour available
Scenic Highlights
VIEWS DURING CROSSING:
• Halifax Skyline: Downtown high-rise buildings
• Historic Waterfront: 19th-century architecture
• Georges Island: National historic site
• Halifax Harbour: One of world's largest natural harbours
• Naval Ships: Occasional military vessel sightings
• Container Port: Active commercial shipping
Weather Considerations
SEASONAL SERVICE NOTES:
• Winter Operations: Service continues year-round
• Ice Conditions: Rare service interruptions
• Fog: Halifax harbor fog may delay service
• Storm Conditions: Service may be suspended
• Indoor Seating: Heated cabins in winter
• Updates: Real-time service alerts available
Service Alerts and Updates
STAYING INFORMED:
• Halifax Transit Website: halifaxtransit.ca
• Mobile App: Halifax Transit app with live updates
• Social Media: @hfxtransit for service alerts
• Phone: 311 for Halifax regional services
• Terminal Displays: Real-time departure information
• Emergency Notifications: Weather-related service changes
Connections and Transit
HALIFAX CONNECTIONS:
• Metro Transit: All bus routes accessible
• VIA Rail: Halifax station 2km from terminal
• Halifax Airport: Bus route 320 connection
• Taxi Stands: Available at waterfront
• Car Sharing: Car2Go/Uber pickup points
• Walking: Downtown attractions within 1km
DARTMOUTH CONNECTIONS:
• Bus Routes: Multiple Dartmouth routes from Alderney
• Bridge Terminal: 10-minute walk to Dartmouth bus terminal
• Park and Ride: Free parking at some Dartmouth locations
• Bike Trails: Dartmouth waterfront trail system
• Shopping: Alderney Gate shopping center nearby
Special Events and Charters
SPECIAL SERVICES:
• Group Charters: Available for private events
• Tall Ships Festival: Special schedules during events
• Canada Day: Extended service hours
• New Year's Eve: Late night service
• Wedding Transportation: Popular for wedding parties
• Corporate Events: Charter rates available
Safety Information
SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
• Life Jackets: Available onboard all vessels
• Safety Briefing: Posted safety information
• Emergency Equipment: Full safety equipment onboard
• Crew Training: Professional marine operators
• Coast Guard Approved: All vessels certified
• Weather Monitoring: Service suspended in dangerous conditions
Historical Significance
FERRY HERITAGE:
• Operating Since: 1752 (272 years continuous service)
• Historic Distinction: Oldest saltwater ferry in North America
• Economic Importance: Vital transportation link for centuries
• Cultural Icon: Symbol of Halifax-Dartmouth connection
• Evolution: From rowing boats to modern vessels
• Future Plans: Fleet modernization ongoing