Campobello Island, N.B., ferry service starts early amid ongoing trade war

The ferry service to Campobello Island, N.B., started early this year amid the ongoing trade war.

Ferry service to Campobello Island in New Brunswick – an island near the border of Maine – is starting early this year as the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States continues.

Ferry crossings, which normally start in June, are scheduled to begin on Thursday.

“Our government understands the need to have a reliable transportation link to the mainland during these uncertain times,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson in a news release.

“Beginning seasonal ferry service early will make life easier for residents to travel, and will also make the island easier for New Brunswickers to visit.”

Last month, Campobello Island residents were granted an exemption from federal counter-tariffs on goods purchased in Maine.

Campobello Island has a permanent transportation link – the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge – which is connected to the mainland of Lubec, Maine.

This means a round trip to other parts of Canada requires motorists to cross the border four times – two times each way – and amounts to roughly 150 kilometres of travel.

“We know New Brunswickers are struggling with rising costs, and the residents of Campobello Island face additional expenses just to get to the Canadian mainland,” said Chiasson. “The ferry service will cut down on travel costs, making life more affordable for island residents.”

The Campobello Island ferry service schedule can be found online.

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