Pictou Island has had a ferry service for about ninety years. Subsidised by N.S. Transport, and CSI approved, it is the only privately owned ferry in the province.

 The 36 passenger ferry trip leaves the Caribou Port Authority wharf several times a week. This wharf is to the right of the Ferry that goes to Wood Island, PEI. Our ferry season goes from the first of May until the end of November. The mail is also delivered on Tuesday and Friday ferry runs.

The ferry trip takes about forty minutes. Passengers may have reasonable amounts of gear, including bicycles. Dogs must be muzzled for passenger safety. It is advisable to arrive at least a half hour before departure to allow time for loading. Marking your belongings is suggested to avoid loss and confusion when arriving at the wharf. Stairways are available on both wharves for easier boarding. Your vehicle can be parked in the compound by the Northumberland Ferry Ltd. terminal.

The ferry can take 36 passengers. Reservations for all runs are encouraged. Passengers may reserve by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Please indicate the number of passengers and specify the date, time and point of departure for your reservation. In the event of a double run, the ferry will return in about an hour and a half for another run, if necessary.

Please move your luggage, pets and people away from the unloading area on arrival. On waiting for departure, please put your luggage behind the yellow line on the Pictou Island wharf.

Transport of fuel, island vehicles and other cargo is also provided at arranged times. Details of the present service, including schedules, rates, private charters etc. are available on the website: http://www.pictouislandcharters.ca  ( check our links section)  - phone 921-1033- email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

When the Strait becomes impassable for boats due to ice, the island can be accessed by plane from the Trenton Airport. This service delivers mail on Tuesdays and Fridays, from Dec. to May, weather permitting. This unique mail run began in the early 1940s. Charter flights can also be booked. For details contact: Eastern Air Services Inc, phone # 752-9444.

We are fortunate to be able to have groceries delivered to the island during peak summer months, (July & August) as well as by air from December to May. This wonderful service is provided through Sobeys. Orders are placed by noon on Mondays, via email, and delivered to the island on Tuesdays for a nominal fee per box.

The Pictou Sobeys provides the groceries in the summer. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The winter groceries are picked up at the West Side Sobeys. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Customers need to register their credit information with the appropriate Sobeys location.