Labrador StraitsFerry Information
Overview
The Strait of Belle Isle Ferry service is the primary surface transportation link between the island of Newfoundland and the Labrador region of the Province. This service was originally an interprovincial, federally-operated service between St. Barbe, Newfoundland and Blanc Sablon, Quebec. The service is now operated by the Provincial Government of Newfoundland & Labrador (the ports of call remain unchanged). An operating contract is let by government to a private-sector service provider.
Ferry service is provided between St Barbe, Newfoundland and Blanc Sablon, Quebec.
The operating season for the ferry service extends from May 1 to mid-January. Outside of this season ice conditions in the Strait of Belle Isle preclude the regular movement of shipping. In spring months (March and April) Arctic pack ice moves down the Labrador coast and can block entirely the Strait of Belle Isle. In late December and January harbours begin to freeze, making docking difficult. Year-to-year these conditions vary. In some years there is little pack ice and the ferry service starts as scheduled on May 1. Other years see heavy and late pack ice, causing delays in the start-up of the service.
The current four-year, $17.8 million contract for provision of the ferry service is let to the Woodward Group of Companies, based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. This company owns and uses the vessel MV Apollo for the Strait of Belle Isle run.
Ferry service is provided between St Barbe, Newfoundland and Blanc Sablon, Quebec.
The operating season for the ferry service extends from May 1 to mid-January. Outside of this season ice conditions in the Strait of Belle Isle preclude the regular movement of shipping. In spring months (March and April) Arctic pack ice moves down the Labrador coast and can block entirely the Strait of Belle Isle. In late December and January harbours begin to freeze, making docking difficult. Year-to-year these conditions vary. In some years there is little pack ice and the ferry service starts as scheduled on May 1. Other years see heavy and late pack ice, causing delays in the start-up of the service.
The current four-year, $17.8 million contract for provision of the ferry service is let to the Woodward Group of Companies, based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. This company owns and uses the vessel MV Apollo for the Strait of Belle Isle run.
The Vessel
The MV Apollo is a newcomer to the Strait of Belle Isle ferry service. It replaces the Northern Princess which operated in the Straits for many years. The 110-metre Apollo is a much larger vessel than the Princess, with significantly increased carrying capacity. It provides drive-on, drive-off service, whereby vehicles enter at one end of the ship and exit at the other end. The Apollo easily carries numerous full-sized tractor trailer trucks in addition to motorcoaches, RVs and smaller vehicles.
The year 2000 was the first season of operation for the Apollo. Statistics collected by the operator and government show that:
During the peak operating months of July and August, passenger traffic increased 13 per cent in 2000 compared to 1999, while vehicle traffic - a significant portion of which was tractor trailers and heavy equipment - increased by 16 per cent. (Source)
On board the Apollo are numerous amenities including an extensive cafeteria-style restaurant area providing meals during the crossing, a fine-dining room for special tours and events, and a craft shop with an excellent selection of Labrador crafts. There are many seating areas that provide an excellent view -- ideally suited for whale and bird watching.
The year 2000 was the first season of operation for the Apollo. Statistics collected by the operator and government show that:
During the peak operating months of July and August, passenger traffic increased 13 per cent in 2000 compared to 1999, while vehicle traffic - a significant portion of which was tractor trailers and heavy equipment - increased by 16 per cent. (Source)
On board the Apollo are numerous amenities including an extensive cafeteria-style restaurant area providing meals during the crossing, a fine-dining room for special tours and events, and a craft shop with an excellent selection of Labrador crafts. There are many seating areas that provide an excellent view -- ideally suited for whale and bird watching.
Schedule & Rates
The Apollo makes at least one and frequently two or more crossings of the Strait of Belle Isle per day during the operating season (May-January). Crossings are less frequent in the early and late parts of the season, and most frequent during the peak months of July and August. Duration of a crossing (one-way) is approximately 1.5 hours.
Bookings on the Apollo may be made in advance via a toll-free telephone number (below). Traffic is also taken on a first-come, first-served basis after all advanced bookings have been honoured.
Vehicle rates are determined by the size and type of vehicle -- ranging from small cars to large RVs and tractor trailer trucks. In addition to the vehicle rate a per-person rate also applies.
For the latest schedule and rates please visit the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador website link below.
For Reservations Call Toll Free: 1-866-535-2567
For Schedules & Rates See: http://www.gov.nf.ca/ferryservices/schedules/J-apollo.stm
Bookings on the Apollo may be made in advance via a toll-free telephone number (below). Traffic is also taken on a first-come, first-served basis after all advanced bookings have been honoured.
Vehicle rates are determined by the size and type of vehicle -- ranging from small cars to large RVs and tractor trailer trucks. In addition to the vehicle rate a per-person rate also applies.
For the latest schedule and rates please visit the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador website link below.
For Reservations Call Toll Free: 1-866-535-2567
For Schedules & Rates See: http://www.gov.nf.ca/ferryservices/schedules/J-apollo.stm