Our History

Blog posts on Marine Atlantic ferries throughout history.

Image of the Lucy Maud Montgomery
The MV Lucy Maud Montgomery Named in honour of the creator of Anne of Green Gables book series, this vessel serviced the Cape Tormentine-Borden and Port aux Basques–North Sydney crossings between 1969 and 1975.
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blue life preserver ring on parchment paper textured background
Proud of our History - The tugboat Taskall
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the ss fife sailing away from shore
The SS Fife Sadly shipwrecked in 1900, this vessel was responsible for serving communities in western Newfoundland, the Strait of Belle Isle, and southern Labrador during its few short months of service.
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the ranger sailling
The MV Northern Ranger Serving the coastal Newfoundland and Labrador communities from 1986 to 1997, this ice-breaking vessel could carry over 100 passengers and up to 100 tons of freight per crossing.
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the empress sailing
The SS Empress A post office, saloon, and smoking room were all available on this vessel, which sailed between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick/Nova Scotia and served the Bay of Fundy from 1906 to 1930.
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the holiday coming into port
The MV Holiday Island As evidenced by its name, this high-speed vessel was built for summer tourism traffic and serviced the Prince Edward Island-New Brunswick crossing from 1971 to 1997.
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the bruce two sailing
The Second SS Bruce Longer and heavier than its predecessor, this vessel serviced the Port aux Basques–North Sydney crossing from 1912 to 1915 before becoming valuable for allied combat activities during World War I.
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Aerial of Labrador
Labrador Coastal Communities Labrador remains an important part of our history. Ferry service has a long and rich attachment to the strong and resilient communities that are located along the golden Labrador coastline.
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Image of the SS Stanley
The SS Stanley Named for the same Lord Frederick Stanley whose name adorns the NHL’s championship trophy, this ice-breaking ferry helped connect Prince Edward Island with mainland Canada from 1888 to 1909.
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the clyde sailing
The SS Clyde Operating from 1900 to 1948 as a coastal boat, this vessel was an essential lifeline for residents in remote communities who needed vital supplies like food, fuel, and clothing.
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semi trucks boarding the Evangeline
The MV Marine Evangeline Named for the main character of Henry Longfellow’s famous poem about the upheaval of the Acadian people of Nova Scotia, this vessel served several routes from 1978 to 1992.
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ethie at port
The SS Ethie A welcome sight for residents of remote communities in need of food, fuel, and clothing, this coastal boat operated in Conception and Trinity Bays and between Labrador and St. Barbe from 1900 to 1919.
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