Top 5 Ferry Daytrips in Canada

With ocean on three sides and a lacework pattern of lakes and rivers criss-crossing the country, Canada’s magnificent landscape is perhaps best viewed from the water at  “see” level.

But you don’t need to invest a lot of time or money in a luxury cruise to enjoy the scenery–consider one of these easy ferry excursions instead:

1. View BC’s dramatic coastline on a 20-minute mini-cruise aboard BC Ferries’ Queen of Capilano, which crosses fjord-like Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay to picturesque Bowen Island several times daily.

2. Have your camera at the ready when you make the short ferry trip across the St. Lawrence River from Levis to Québec City: the looming view of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly dramatic.

3. For the prettiest views of the historic harbour in Halifax, Nova Scotia, make the 12-minute ferry crossing between Nova Scotia’s capital and the city of Dartmouth.

4. For centuries, visitors have found respite from the urban bustle of Toronto in the lushly wooded Toronto Islands, just a short hop across Lake Ontario from Canada’s largest metropolis. Year-round ferry service departs from the docks at the foot of Bay Street. The return trip offers great photo opps of the city skyline.

5. At the historic junction of Manitoba’s mighty Red and Assiniboine Rivers is Winnipeg’s premier tourist attraction, The Forks. From May to September, the River Spirit water bus plies the scenic and tranquil riverfront. Or rent a canoe or paddleboat and explore at your own pace.

>>Related link: Ferries in Canada

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