Confederation Bridge and Wood Islands Ferry: Checking Conditions Before You Cross

1. One Bridge, One Ferry, Two Very Different Rules

Every vehicle leaving or entering PEI by road uses one of two crossings: the 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick, open year-round, or the Northumberland Ferries route between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, Nova Scotia, which runs seasonally.

2. What Actually Closes the Bridge

Confederation Bridge restricts high-sided vehicles first, then eventually all traffic, based on sustained wind speed and gusts, not just precipitation. Winter storms and fall gale-force wind events are the most common triggers. CPEI's Island Access page pulls live wind speed, gust, temperature, and direction readings straight from the bridge, plus any active travel advisories, such as scheduled wide-load crossings that slow traffic without closing the span.

3. Ferry Schedule Realities

The Wood Islands-Caribou ferry runs a fixed daily sailing schedule, typically 8 sailings a day in each direction during the season, but only operates seasonally, roughly May through December, and never in the depths of winter. Weather or mechanical issues can delay or cancel individual sailings even while the season is running, so the printed timetable is a starting point, not a guarantee.

4. Before You Drive

• Check CPEI's live Island Access page for current wind readings and active travel advisories
• Cross-reference the official Confederation Bridge site for posted restrictions before a winter or fall crossing
• For ferry crossings, check Northumberland Ferries' same-day departure status, not just the printed timetable