Our History
Blog posts on Marine Atlantic ferries throughout history.
The SS Empress
A post office, saloon, and smoking room were all available on this vessel, which sailed between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick/Nova Scotia and served the Bay of Fundy from 1906 to 1930.
The MV Holiday Island
As evidenced by its name, this high-speed vessel was built for summer tourism traffic and serviced the Prince Edward Island-New Brunswick crossing from 1971 to 1997.
The Second SS Bruce
Longer and heavier than its predecessor, this vessel serviced the Port aux Basques–North Sydney crossing from 1912 to 1915 before becoming valuable for allied combat activities during World War I.
Labrador Coastal Communities
Labrador remains an important part of our history. Ferry service has a long and rich attachment to the strong and resilient communities that are located along the golden Labrador coastline.
The SS Stanley
Named for the same Lord Frederick Stanley whose name adorns the NHL’s championship trophy, this ice-breaking ferry helped connect Prince Edward Island with mainland Canada from 1888 to 1909.
The SS Clyde
Operating from 1900 to 1948 as a coastal boat, this vessel was an essential lifeline for residents in remote communities who needed vital supplies like food, fuel, and clothing.
The MV Marine Evangeline
Named for the main character of Henry Longfellow’s famous poem about the upheaval of the Acadian people of Nova Scotia, this vessel served several routes from 1978 to 1992.
The SS Ethie
A welcome sight for residents of remote communities in need of food, fuel, and clothing, this coastal boat operated in Conception and Trinity Bays and between Labrador and St. Barbe from 1900 to 1919.
The MV Leif Eiriksson
Named for the Viking explorer who established the first European settlement in North America around the year 1000, this vessel served the Port aux Basques–North Sydney route from 1966 to 1976.
The Digby Ferry Terminal
Along with its world-class seafood, Digby, Nova Scotia, has been recognized as an important economic link for transporting both passengers and commercial goods for over 100 years.