The Original SS Bruce

February 13, 2014 - Marine Atlantic
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Our History
Our Fleet

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 blog we highlight the original SS Bruce, the first vessel to make the Port aux Basques-North Sydney crossing serving from 1898 to 1911.

The first vessel constructed as part of the ‘alphabet’ fleet, the SS Bruce had to ability to travel through the ice of the Cabot Strait and was recognized as a reliable ice-breaking vessel. From its first departure on June 30, 1898, the vessel made over 2000 trips and transported over 350,000 passengers.

Black and white image of the SS Bruce
The SS Bruce