NOTICE
New ferry boarding procedures start Nov. 3, 2025.
Passengers are now asked to enter the waiting area single file. It might seem like a simple change but this will help keep everyone safer during boarding.
- Let staff know if you or someone in your group may need extra assistance in the case of an emergency.
Please note that security screening hasn’t changed. The only difference is that passengers are asked to enter the waiting area one at a time to allow security to conduct proper counts. We recommend arriving about five minutes early to allow time for this new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What changes are being made to Halifax Transit ferry boarding procedures?
Starting November 3, 2025, Halifax Transit is introducing new ferry boarding procedures to align with recent changes to Transport Canada regulations related to passenger safety. These include updated processes for recording passengers who require additional assistance and tracking the number of children on board versus available child life jackets.
- Why are these changes being implemented?
These changes are required to comply with recent updates to federal safety regulations and must be demonstrably implemented by November 21, 2025.
- How will these changes affect passengers?
Passengers may experience slightly longer boarding times due to enhanced security screening and safety checks. They will be required to enter the passenger waiting area single file, allow time for screening, and inform staff if they or someone in their group requires additional assistance during an emergency.
- What roles do Halifax Transit employees play in this initiative?
Staff will be available at ferry terminals to guide passengers and answer questions about the new procedures during peak travel periods in the first week of implementation.
- What should passengers do to prepare for the new boarding process?
Passengers should arrive early for their trip, follow posted guidelines, enter the passenger waiting area single file, and notify staff if additional assistance is needed during an emergency. These steps help ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone.
Halifax Transit offers two Ferry services:
Alderney Ferry
Service between downtown Halifax and downtown Dartmouth.
Alderney Ferry Schedule
To Downtown Halifax
Monday to Friday
| Alderney Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Alderney Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
| 6:30 a.m. | 6:42 a.m. |
| 7:00 a.m. | 7:12 a.m. |
| 7:15 a.m. | 7:27 a.m. |
| every 15 minutes | |
| 8:00 p.m. | 8:12 p.m. |
| 8:30 p.m. | 8:42 p.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 11:30 p.m. | 11:42 p.m. |
Saturday and Sunday
| Alderney Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Alderney Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
| 6:30 a.m. | 6:42 a.m. |
| 7:00 a.m. | 7:12 a.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 11:30 p.m. | 11:42 p.m. |
Holidays
Halifax Transit offers reduced Alderney Ferry service on holidays. Visit Holiday Schedules for more information.
| Alderney Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Alderney Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
| 7:30 a.m. | 7:42 a.m. |
| 8:00 a.m. | 8:12 a.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 11:30 p.m. | 11:42 p.m. |
To Downtown Dartmouth
Monday to Friday
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Alderney Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Alderney Ferry Terminal |
| 6:45 a.m. | 6:57 a.m. |
| 7:15 a.m. | 7:27 a.m. |
| 7:30 a.m. | 7:42 a.m. |
| every 15 minutes | |
| 8:15 p.m. | 8:32 p.m. |
| 8:45 p.m. | 8:57 p.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 11:45 p.m. | 11:57 p.m. |
Saturday and Sunday
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Alderney Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Alderney Ferry Terminal |
| 6:45 a.m. | 6:57 a.m. |
| 7:15 a.m. | 7:27 a.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 11:45 p.m. | 11:57 |
Holidays
Halifax Transit offers reduced Alderney Ferry service on holidays. Visit Holiday Schedules for more information.
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Alderney Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Alderney Ferry Terminal |
| 7:45 a.m. | 7:57 a.m. |
| 8:15 a.m. | 8:27 a.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 11:45 p.m. | 11:57 p.m. |
Woodside Ferry
Service between downtown Halifax and Woodside.
No Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday service.
Woodside Ferry Schedule
To Downtown Halifax
Monday to Friday
| Woodside Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Woodside Ferry Terminal | Halifax Ferry Terminal |
| 6:37 a.m. | 6:49 a.m. |
| 6:52 a.m. | 7:04 a.m. |
| every 15 minutes | |
| 9:37 a.m. | 9:49 a.m. |
| 10:07 a.m. | 10:19 a.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 2:37 p.m. | 2:49 p.m. |
| 2:52 p.m. | 3:04 p.m. |
| every 15 minutes | |
| 6:07 p.m. | 6:19 p.m. |
| 6:37 p.m. | 6:49 p.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 8:37 p.m. | 8:49 p.m. |
To Woodside
Monday to Friday
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Woodside Ferry Terminal |
|---|---|
| Halifax Ferry Terminal | Woodside Ferry Terminal |
| 6:52 a.m. | 7:04 a.m. |
| 7:07 a.m. | 7:19 a.m. |
| every 15 minutes | |
| 9:52 a.m. | 7:42 a.m. |
| 10:22 a.m. | 10:34 a.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 2:52 p.m. | 3:04 p.m. |
| 3:07 p.m. | 3:19 p.m. |
| every 15 minutes | |
| 6:22 p.m. | 6:34 p.m. |
| 6:52 p.m. | 7:04 p.m. |
| every 30 minutes | |
| 8:52 p.m. | 9:04 p.m. |
Quick Links
Dedications
Each of the Halifax Transit ferries carries the name of a significant figure connected to the region. Learn more about their inspiring stories below.
Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake was the First Canadian sailor to be killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. He was part of an elite navy group that specializes in neutralizing bombs based at the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic in Halifax.
In 1917, during the events of the Halifax Explosion, Vincent Coleman stayed behind to warn an inbound train of the impending explosion that would take his life. In Halifax, his name has since been synonymous with heroism and bravery.
Viola Desmond was born and raised in Halifax and operated a beauty parlour on Gottingen Street. In 1946 she unknowingly sat in the Whites Only section of a movie theatre and was detained. Her story highlighted the need to address segregation in Canada.
Rita Joe was a Mi'kmaq poet who spent her early childhood on a reserve at Whycocomagh on Cape Breton Island and later attended the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. Rita was often referred to as the poet laureate of the Mi'kmaq people.
Master Corporal Christopher Stannix was a young soldier from Cole Harbour who was killed in 2007 while serving with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan.
Safety Notice
In the event of an emergency, ferry passengers requiring additional assistance are asked to identify themselves to ferry terminal staff at the time of fare payment.
Please Note: Persons needing additional assistance on board Halifax Transit can be anyone who cannot reasonably be expected to follow or understand instructions given by the crew or staff in the event of an emergency.