Saint John-Digby Ferry: Princess of Acadia
PRINCESS OF ACADIA FERRY SERVICE:
• Route: Saint John, NB ↔ Digby, NS
• Distance: 52 km (32 miles) across Bay of Fundy
• Crossing Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Schedule: Year-round daily service
• Operator: Bay Ferries Limited
• Vessel: MV Princess of Acadia (capacity: 650 passengers, 162 vehicles)
Year-Round Schedule
DAILY DEPARTURES (YEAR-ROUND):
• Saint John to Digby: 6:45 AM, 4:15 PM AST
• Digby to Saint John: 10:00 AM, 7:30 PM AST
• Frequency: 2 crossings daily each direction
• Days Operating: 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Check-in Time: 1 hour before departure
• Cut-off Time: 30 minutes before departure
SEASONAL VARIATIONS:
• Summer Schedule: May-October standard times
• Winter Schedule: November-April adjusted for weather
• Holiday Service: Modified schedule on major holidays
• Weather Delays: Bay of Fundy conditions may affect schedule
• Ice Conditions: Rare cancellations in extreme winter weather
• Maintenance: Annual dry dock period (usually March)
Passenger Fares
ADULT FARES:
• Adult (13+): $48.00 CAD one-way
• Senior (65+): $43.00 CAD one-way
• Child (5-12): $24.00 CAD one-way
• Infant (0-4): Free
• Student (with ID): $43.00 CAD one-way
Vehicle Fares
VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION:
• Car/Small SUV: $75.00 CAD one-way
• Large SUV/Pickup: $85.00 CAD one-way
• Van/Minibus: $95.00 CAD one-way
• Motorcycle: $35.00 CAD one-way
• RV (under 20 feet): $105.00 CAD one-way
• RV (20+ feet): $135.00 CAD one-way
• Commercial Vehicle: Based on length and weight
Round-Trip Discounts
RETURN SAVINGS:
• Same-Day Return: 25% discount on return fare
• 7-Day Return: 15% discount on return fare
• 30-Day Return: 10% discount on return fare
• Annual Pass: Significant savings for frequent travelers
• Group Rates: 15+ passengers, advance booking required
• Commercial Rates: Available for business travelers
Terminal Locations
SAINT JOHN TERMINAL (NEW BRUNSWICK):
• Address: 114 Digby Ferry Road, Saint John, NB E2M 5W8
• Parking: Free parking available
• Amenities: Terminal building, restrooms, vending
• Services: Car wash, fuel station nearby
• Distance from Downtown: 15 minutes by car
• Public Transit: Limited bus service available
DIGBY TERMINAL (NOVA SCOTIA):
• Address: 114 Montague Row, Digby, NS B0V 1A0
• Parking: Free parking at terminal
• Amenities: Waiting area, restrooms, gift shop
• Services: Tourist information, car rentals
• Distance from Town: Walking distance to downtown
• Nearby: Restaurants, accommodations within 1km
Booking Information
HOW TO RESERVE:
• Online: ferries.ca (recommended)
• Phone: 1-888-249-7245
• Walk-up: Subject to availability
• Group Bookings: Call for special rates
• Payment: Major credit cards, debit, cash
• Confirmation: Email receipt sent immediately
Onboard Amenities
PRINCESS OF ACADIA FACILITIES:
• Seating: Indoor climate-controlled lounges
• Outdoor Deck: Fresh air viewing areas
• Café: Hot meals, sandwiches, beverages
• Gift Shop: Maritime souvenirs and necessities
• Restrooms: Multiple locations throughout vessel
• Children's Area: Family-friendly play space
• WiFi: Complimentary internet access
• Information Desk: Tourist brochures and assistance
What to Bring
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
• Photo ID: Driver's license or government-issued ID
• Vehicle Registration: Required for all vehicles
• International Visitors: Passport may be required
• Commercial Permits: For commercial vehicle operators
• Pet Documentation: Health certificates if traveling with pets
Bay of Fundy Experience
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS DURING CROSSING:
• Highest Tides: World's highest tides in Bay of Fundy
• Wildlife Viewing: Seals, porpoises, seabirds
• Whale Watching: Seasonal minke and finback whales
• Tidal Bore: Unique tidal phenomenon
• Geological Features: Ancient rock formations
• Photography: Excellent opportunities for maritime photos
Accessibility Services
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
• Wheelchair Access: Fully accessible vessel
• Accessible Washrooms: Available on all decks
• Elevator Service: Between vehicle and passenger decks
• Priority Boarding: Available for mobility-impaired passengers
• Assistance Animals: Welcome onboard
• Staff Assistance: Help available for boarding and disembarking
Pet Travel
TRAVELING WITH PETS:
• Pet Fee: $5.00 CAD each way
• Vehicle Requirement: Pets must remain in vehicle
• Exercise Area: Brief stops available at terminals
• Health Requirements: Current vaccinations recommended
• Service Animals: No additional fee required
• Pet Supplies: Available at onboard gift shop
Weather Considerations
SEASONAL TRAVEL CONDITIONS:
• Spring: Moderate seas, occasional fog
• Summer: Best weather, calm crossings
• Fall: Potential for rougher crossings
• Winter: Most challenging conditions, rare cancellations
• Fog: Bay of Fundy known for sudden fog banks
• Motion Sickness: Medication recommended for sensitive travelers
Connecting Transportation
FROM DIGBY CONNECTIONS:
• Halifax: 220km, 2.5-hour drive via Highway 101
• Yarmouth: 135km, 1.5-hour drive via Highway 101
• Annapolis Royal: 45km, 45-minute drive
• Car Rentals: Available at terminal
• Maritime Bus: Connections to major NS destinations
• Tour Operators: Day trips and multi-day packages
FROM SAINT JOHN CONNECTIONS:
• Fredericton: 110km, 1.5-hour drive
• Moncton: 150km, 2-hour drive
• Halifax (via land): 450km, 5-hour drive
• Saint John Airport: 20km, 25-minute drive
• VIA Rail: Limited service to central Canada
Freight and Commercial Service
COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION:
• Truck Transport: Daily commercial vehicle service
• Freight Rates: Based on vehicle size and weight
• Booking Requirements: 24-hour advance notice
• Loading Priority: Commercial vehicles board first
• Dangerous Goods: Special permits required
• Oversize Loads: Advance arrangements necessary
Cost Comparison
TRAVEL OPTIONS ANALYSIS:
• Ferry (car + 2 adults): $171 CAD return
• Driving via land: 450km, fuel $60+ plus 5 hours
• Flying: Limited direct options, usually via Halifax
• Ferry Advantage: Scenic route, relaxation time
• Time Savings: Avoids long drive around Bay of Fundy
Special Services
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
• Charter Service: Available for private groups
• Event Hosting: Weddings, conferences possible
• Educational Tours: School group packages
• Seasonal Events: Holiday-themed crossings
• Photography Tours: Specialized wildlife viewing
• Corporate Rates: Business travel discounts
Contact Information
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
• Reservations: 1-888-249-7245
• Website: ferries.ca
• Email: info@ferries.ca
• Saint John Terminal: (506) 636-4048
• Digby Terminal: (902) 245-2116
• Emergency: Contact terminal directly