The SS Minto

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 Minto that travelled between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia from 1899-1914.

Named after Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, the 4th Earl of Minto, who served as Canada’s 8th Governor General, the vessel was introduced to primarily sail between Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, and Pictou, Nova Scotia. A steel icebreaker with 2900 horsepower, the vessel was stronger and heavier than its predecessors to travel through heavy winter ice. Transporting passengers, mail and freight, the vessel was designed to provide increased year-round reliability for the service.