Gondola Point Ferry

USPA NEWS - On a recent trip from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the United States, I was reminded that sometimes unplanned adventure can present itself if we are ready to embrace it.

As the route to the Canada/USA border involves traveling through New Brunswick, we required a fuel stop which was made in Quispamsis. When approaching our fueling destination, we observed signage for ferry service which turned out to be about a 10 minute drive from the gas station. Needless to say, we took a short detour, drove to the ferry and had the chance to add an interesting component to what normally would be a routine drive to New England.

When we arrived at the Gondola Point Ferry landing in Quispamsis, two cable ferries could be seen carrying vehicles across the Kennebecaasis River one in each direction between Gondola Point and Reeds Point on the Kingston Peninsula. The ferry service is an extension of New Brunswick Route 119. Each ferry can carry up to 24 cars per crossing. The Gondola Point Ferry operates a single ferry 24 hours a day, but will add the second ferry during peak hours or when demand dictates. A one way crossing takes approximately 5 minutes.

As there was a lengthy line up which would require multiple crossings to accommodate, I decided to enjoy a ride on the ferry as a walk on passenger. On the round trip, I was subjected to some incredible views from a unique perspective. To me the short detour along our planned journey was worth the time.

The Gondola Point Ferry along with 11 other similar ferries throughout the province are operated by the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and offers these services at no cost to the traveling public.

There are other ferry services in New Brunswick such as the Fundy Rose (Saint John/Digby) operated by Bay Ferries and the Grand Manan Ferry operated by Coastal Transport. For more information visit (Bay Ferries) www.ferries.ca and (Coastal Transport) www.coastaltransport.ca Also visit (New Brunswick DOT) https://www2.gnb.ca/