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Ferry Services in the NWT 
Photo: Darryl Green  The GNWT Department of Transportation (DoT) operates ferries on Highways 1, 3, and 8.

The Ferry Service operates out of the Fort Simpson and Inuvik regions, with support from the Highways Division.
On this page, you will find information on ferry openings and closings, operating times, and other information of interest.

Ferries in the NWT can close with little or no notice due to water levels, debris, or other factors. Always check road bulletins before travelling to ensure ferries on your route are operating normal hours.

When driving on and off a ferry, use caution on the landings and approaches as they may be soft. Decks can be slippery, so use caution if you exit your vehicle.


Ferries

Lafferty (Hwy 1 near Fort Simpson)
Johnny Berens (Hwy 1 at Camsell Bend)
Merv Hardie (Hwy 3 near Fort Providence)
Abraham Francis (Hwy 8 near Fort McPherson)
Louis Cardinal (Hwy 8 near Tsiighethic)


Highway 1


 Photo: Darryl Green The Lafferty ferry (at Km 457 of the Mackenzie Highway, Highway 1) crosses the Liard River near Fort Simpson. It usually operates from mid- to late May until October on a demand schedule. The five year average opening date is May 16.

Current Status
:
The Lafferty is operating from 8:00 a.m. to midnight daily. The last trip departs the east side at 11:45 p.m. Interruptions may occur with little or no notice due to high water levels, ice floes, or debris. Caution should be used on the landings and approaches as they may be slippery and soft.
 
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 Highway 1


  The Johnny Berens crosses the Mackenzie River at Camsell Bend (N'Dulee Crossing), on the highway to Wrigley. It usually operates from late May until October on a demand schedule. The five year average opening date is May 16. This crossing is subject to extreme high and low water level fluctuations which may cause operational delays and temporary closings at any time. The weight limit on the ferry is 48,000 kg.

Current Status
:
The ferry is operating from 9 - 11 a.m. and from 2 - 8 pm. Caution should be used on the landings and approaches as they may be slippery and soft. 
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Highway 3

  The Merv Hardie ferry crosses the Mackenzie River at Km 24 of the Yellowknife Highway (Highway 3). It usually operates from mid-May to January.

Current Status:
The ferry is operating from 6:00 a.m. to midnight daily. Occasional interruptions in service can be expected if ice conditions warrant.
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Highway 8

  The Abraham Francis crosses the Peel River near Fort McPherson at Km 74 of the NWT portion of the Dempster Highway. It usually operates from early June to late October on a demand schedule. The five year average opening date is May 31. This crossing is subject to extreme high and low water level fluctuations which may cause operational delays and temporary closings at any time. The weight limit on the ferry is 64,000 kg.
 
 
Current Status:
The Abraham Francis has begun operations. The ferry is on a demand schedule from 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. daily.
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Highway 8

  The Louis Cardinal crosses the Arctic Red River near Tsiighetchic  at Km 143 of the NWT portion of the Dempster Highway. It usually operates from early June until October on a demand schedule. The five year average opening date is June 2.
 
 
Current Status:
The Louis Cardinal has begun operations. The ferry is on a demand schedule from 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. daily.
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