Published on
October 19, 2025
The travel scene in Atlantic Canada saw an unanticipated but welcome shift this summer. Passenger traffic and ferry reservations have noticeably increased as a result of a substantial drop in ferry fares and the halving of Confederation Bridge tolls. Ferry operators in the area have reported remarkable increases in traffic since the federal government implemented these fare reductions, which have helped to strengthen local economies, particularly in towns that rely heavily on tourism.
Introduced in late July, the fare reductions are a component of a programme designed to lower the cost of interprovincial travel, especially in Atlantic Canada. This change has revitalised the area and drawn tourists who were previously turned off by the high expense of travelling between provinces.
Surge in Traffic: Saint John and Digby Experience Growth
Between August 1 and September 25, a marked increase in ferry traffic was observed between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, Nova Scotia. The Bay Ferries service, which operates between these two locations, saw a substantial 34% rise in passenger traffic and a 39% increase in vehicle traffic compared to the same period last year.
Locals in both towns have noticed the difference, with a surge in visitors, many of whom are travelling from nearby provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and Maine. Businesses in the area have welcomed the extra foot traffic, especially those in tourism-related industries. The impact of the fare cuts has clearly extended beyond just ferry operators; it has touched businesses across the region, giving them an opportunity to thrive in the peak tourist season.
The Impact of Lower Ferry Fares on the Local Economy
Ferry services are crucial to Atlantic Canada’s tourism infrastructure, and the price cuts have certainly impacted business growth. Curtis Dionne, co-owner of Glass Roots, a popular glassblowing studio in Uptown Saint John, reported an influx of visitors from Nova Scotia. These tourists, eager to visit Saint John for its unique cultural offerings, had found it difficult to make the crossing in previous years due to the high cost of ferry fares.
Dionne’s experience reflects a broader trend where local businesses are benefiting from the increase in visitors. The reduced fares have made it easier for both day-trippers and those planning longer stays to explore more of the region without worrying about steep transportation costs. Whether for business or leisure, more tourists are now finding it feasible to make the journey, leading to a rise in consumer spending in these regions.
Confederation Bridge and Marine Atlantic: Increased Bookings and Demand
The Confederation Bridge, which connects New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island, has also seen a notable increase in traffic. In August, vehicle traffic rose by 25%, compared to the previous year. In a shift away from air travel, which saw a 16% drop, more tourists have opted to take advantage of the bridge’s more affordable access. This rise in ferry and bridge traffic is a reflection of the broader trend towards more domestic, budget-conscious travel within Canada.
Meanwhile, Marine Atlantic, which operates ferries between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, has experienced a similar surge in bookings. By the end of the summer, the company had booked over 50,000 passengers, with nearly 38,000 of those bookings made after the fare reduction. The surge in demand for travel between these provinces indicates a new trend of Canadians looking to explore more of their own country, spurred on by lower transportation costs.
Future Outlook: How Fare Reductions Will Shape Travel
As a result of these fare reductions, many industry experts expect the effects to continue well into the future. With Marine Atlantic’s ferry crossings fully booked throughout the summer, the company anticipates even busier seasons ahead, especially in 2026. There are plans to accommodate growing demand, ensuring that the region remains accessible to travellers without sacrificing service quality.
This surge in ferry traffic is likely to have a long-term positive effect on the region’s economy. It opens up new opportunities for businesses to cater to an influx of tourists and gives the local economy a much-needed boost. By reducing financial barriers to travel, the federal government has made it easier for Canadians to explore the East Coast, fostering a greater sense of connection between the provinces.
A Step Towards Sustainable Travel and Economic Growth
The fare cuts are part of a broader initiative by the Canadian government to improve interprovincial travel and support the region’s economic recovery. In addition to the ferry fare reductions, the Confederation Bridge tolls were slashed by more than half, from just over $50 to $20. These changes are expected to remain in effect until at least 2029, with the aim of making the region more accessible to both tourists and local residents.
Government officials have noted that while the fare reductions will cost approximately $100 million annually, the positive impact on tourism and interprovincial trade will ultimately help offset those costs. The fare reductions are expected to stimulate more regional travel, reducing the reliance on air travel and encouraging more people to explore their own country.
Challenges and Opportunities for Local Businesses
Despite the positive outlook, some businesses, particularly restaurants, have reported only modest increases in sales. Tony Polley, owner of Route 16 Diner, located near the Confederation Bridge, noted that while there has been a slight increase in traffic, his sales are only up by about 5%. Polley suggested that while more people are passing through, they may be eating before arriving at the diner, rather than stopping along the way. This highlights the need for further adaptation by local businesses to capture more of the spending potential of these tourists.
In Saint John, business owners like Dionne are optimistic about the future. If the fare reductions continue, they hope to see even more visitors flocking to the area, helping local businesses grow and thrive.
A Positive Change for Atlantic Canada’s Tourism
Both local businesses and ferry operators have benefited from the revolutionary fare reductions in Atlantic Canada. The rise in traffic has demonstrated that tourism thrives when transportation barriers are lowered. It is anticipated that these fare reductions will continue to have a long-lasting effect on travel habits and the local economy for years to come as the area adapts to this new reality.
Without a doubt, the government’s decision to lower ferry fares and bridge tolls has increased tourism in Atlantic Canada, with benefits that should last for a very long time. The area is well-positioned to continue drawing tourists, whether they want to experience the charm of Atlantic Canada’s small, charming communities, explore stunning coastal towns, or engage in local culture, as more Canadians travel between provinces.
