The SS Empress

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 posting we highlight the SS Empress which serviced the Northumberland Strait and Bay of Fundy crossings between 1906 and 1930.

Originally designed to cross the Northumberland Strait, the vessel sailed between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick/Nova Scotia from 1906-1916. In 1916, the vessel moved to the Bay of Fundy service between Saint John and Digby. At 235 feet in length and 34 feet wide, the vessel could transport both passengers and freight. With capacity for 500 passengers, the vessel provided a number of amenities including a post office, saloon and smoking room for customers.