| Ferry Services in the NWT |
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Louis Cardinal (Hwy 8 near Tsiighethic)
The Merv Hardie ferry waits for a new day - 1 AM on a June morning
Photo: John Squires
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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.
You can also find information on the NWT's road and ferry system at the NWT Road and Campground Guide. |
Ferries in the NWT can close with little or no notice due to water levels, debris, or other factors. Caution should be used on landings and approaches. 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)
Open and close dates Ferry System
Highway 1
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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 has shut down for the season. |
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Highway 1
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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 Johnny Berens has shut down for the season. |
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Highway 3
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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 Merv Hardie Ferry is operating normally
Ice conditions and weather may cause intermittent service interruptions. Use caution on landings and approaches as they may be slippery. Consult this site before departing to ensure you have the most current information on the ferry status.
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Highway 8
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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. 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 ferry has shut down for the season. |
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Highway 8
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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 ferry has shut down for the season. |
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FERRY LOAD WIDTH AND HEIGHT LIMITS TO NOTE:
Merv Hardie:
Max load: 50,000kg
Max width of load: 6m
Max height of load: 5.8m
Lafferty:
Max width of load: 6.5m
Max load: 50,000kg
Johnny Berens:
Max width of load: 5.9m
Max load: 49,278kg
Louis Cardinal:
Max width of load: 5.67m
Max height of load: 5.9m
Abraham Francis:
Max width of load: 5.9m
Max load 64,000kg
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