The MV Caribou

Marine Atlantic, its predecessor CN Marine, and pre-confederation Newfoundland coastal boats have a strong and proud history serving the people of Atlantic Canada through ferry terminals, passenger vessels and rail service.

In this week’s blog we highlight the MV Caribou that serviced the Port aux Basques-North Sydney crossing from 1986-2010.

Named in honour of the original SS Caribou that was lost during World War II, the vessel could carry upwards of 1000 passengers per trip and hundreds of passenger and commercial vehicles. At the time the MV Caribou entered service it was the largest ferry ever built in Canada, significantly increased capacity and transformed passenger and freight ferry travel to and from Newfoundland.

During its 24 years of service, it is estimated that the MV Caribou made over 16,000 trips, carried approximately three million passengers and over two million vehicles between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.