Saint John to Digby ferry: Is it worth it on a road trip?
Road trips are the best way to discover all the amazing sights in Canada’s Maritimes. If you’re heading to or from western Nova Scotia via New Brunswick by car, you have two options. You can drive around the Bay of Fundy, or you can cross it on the ferry that runs between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, Nova Scotia. As you’re planning your road trip, you may wonder: is the Saint John to Digby ferry worth it?
If you’re traveling between New Brunswick and points in Western Nova Scotia such as Digby, Yarmouth, Barrington, Shelburne, Liverpool, or Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, the ferry is likely to save you enough time to be worthwhile. It’s a wonderful way to travel and offers an excellent experience.
Here, we draw on our own travels via the Saint John to Digby ferry to help you decide if it’s right for you. We’ve outlined practical information and tips, answers to your frequently asked questions, and more.
We took the ferry from Digby to Saint John as we returned to Ontario from a trip hosted by Tourism Nova Scotia during which our travel expenses were covered. This article was not subject to review before publication.
Have questions about planning your east coast road trip? Join our Facebook community!
What is the ferry between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia?
The Saint John to Digby ferry is called the MV Fundy Rose. This is the only ferry that operates between these provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Bay Ferries Limited operates the MV Fundy Rose and several more ferries in the region.
The MV Fundy Rose is a car ferry. This means you can drive on board so you can continue your journey when you reach the other side. You can also book a walk-on reservation. This can be a good option for cruise ship passengers arriving in Saint John who want to explore further where itineraries allow for it.
Saint John, New Brunswick
Saint John is a beautiful port city on the New Brunswick side of the Bay of Fundy. Since the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, you’ll find several interesting landmarks in Saint John and the surrounding area.
At the Reversing Rapids, the Saint John River’s direction of flow changes as the tides come in and out. In nearby Saint Martins, you can stand on two UNESCO sites at once — the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark — as you admire a series of spectacular sea caves carved from the cliffsides over millennia.
Saint John is a stop on the Fundy Coastal Drive >
Digby, Nova Scotia
The town of Digby, Nova Scotia, is best known for its scallop fishing industry. You could spend an entire day hopping between the restaurants on Digby’s waterfront and sampling their varied takes on this regional delicacy! Digby is also a gateway to some of the region’s best whale watching excursions.
On the other side of the Annapolis Basin near Annapolis Royal, you’ll find evidence of some of the earliest colonial settlements in North America. Nova Scotia’s wine region, the Annapolis Valley, is an hour and a half to the east.
Make Digby part of a road trip through Southwest Nova Scotia >
How long is the Saint John to Digby ferry ride?
During peak season, the MV Fundy Rose takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to cross between Saint John and Digby. During the off-season, the ferry travels a little slower and completes the crossing in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How much does the Saint John to Digby ferry cost?
As of peak season in 2024, boarding a standard passenger vehicle on the MV Fundy Rose costs $128 one-way. There is an additional charge for each passenger on top of the vehicle cost. These prices vary depending on the passenger’s age and the date of travel. Click the link for more information on MV Fundy Rose ticket prices.
How early should I arrive for the Saint John to Digby ferry?
You must arrive at the ferry dock in Saint John or Digby and check in no later than 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. This will leave enough time for registration and to complete the boarding process. If you arrive less than 60 minutes before the time on your ticket, you may be pushed to a waiting list or your sailing may be cancelled.
Do you need a reservation for the MV Fundy Rose?
Reservations are strongly recommended for the MV Fundy Rose. If you arrive to the ferry dock without a reservation, you’ll be added to a waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all passengers and vehicles with reservations have boarded, you may be able to board if there’s space remaining.
How big is the MV Fundy Rose ferry?
The MV Fundy Rose ferry is 124 metres long and 19 metres wide. It can carry as many as 245 cars on each sailing. The Fundy Rose has 744 seats available, 250 of which are airline style with arm rests and reclining seatbacks.
What amenities are available on the MV Fundy Rose?
The MV Fundy Rose offers some impressive amenities. During our summer sailing, we found multiple bars and eateries to choose from, both sit-down and takeaway.
The Crow’s Nest, a beautiful, licensed open-air upper deck, is a summer standout. If you’re not the designated driver, this is a wonderful spot to enjoy the Bay of Fundy views. Sit back with an adult beverage and kick off or wrap up your vacation. It’s a very relaxed way to travel and sets the perfect tone for the beginning or end of a wonderful trip to Nova Scotia.
We also found two separate lounges with airline-style recliners playing kid-friendly movies. A small children’s play area is set aside with tables and some open space. There’s a gift shop selling travel essentials, locally made items, clothing, and souvenirs. The MV Fundy Rose also features a commercial driver’s lounge and a business centre. Since the ship’s crossings are relatively short, there are no private passenger cabins available.
Does the Digby ferry run year-round?
Typically, the MV Fundy Rose operates year-round. During peak times, sailings usually run twice daily in each direction, seven days per week. Once-daily sailings are more common during off-peak times such as from January through March.
The exception to the MV Fundy Rose’s year-round operation is its refitting period, which happens every two years. The ship enters drydock for hull inspection and deep cleaning during this period. The MV Fundy Rose’s next dry dock period is slated for late autumn 2026.
Are pets allowed on board the MV Fundy Rose?
Pets are permitted on the MV Fundy Rose. However, only documented service animals on a leash are allowed on the passenger decks. Other pets brought onboard must stay on the vehicle deck, either inside a vehicle or in one of the on-board kennels. Kennels must be requested upon check-in and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Both the Saint John and Digby ferry terminals have designated pet relief areas for use prior to boarding.
Passengers are not allowed to access the vehicle decks while the ship is in motion. Staff monitor these decks regularly and will alert you via announcement if an animal appears to be in distress. If you leave a pet inside your vehicle on a ferry, don’t forget to crack your windows for fresh air!
Can you see whales on the Saint John to Digby ferry?
It’s not common to see whales from the Saint John to Digby ferry, but it’s possible. Plenty of whales enter the Bay of Fundy to feed, but most head to a feeding ground above an underwater mountain to the west of the MV Fundy Rose’s route. Still, keep your eyes on the waves during your crossing. You just might spot a straggler!
How much time does the Saint John to Digby ferry save?
The amount of time you’ll save by taking the MV Fundy Rose depends on your start and end point. If you need to get directly from Digby, Nova Scotia, to Saint John, New Brunswick, the ferry takes two and a half hours while driving takes five and a half hours. In this scenario, the benefits of the ferry are obvious.
The ferry can also save a lot of time if you’re driving between western Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. When driving from Ontario or Quebec to places in Nova Scotia like Digby, Annapolis Royal, Yarmouth, Barrington, Shelburne, Liverpool, or Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, the MV Fundy Rose ferry is easily the most efficient route.
If you’re heading from New Brunswick toward points further east in Nova Scotia like Halifax, Lunenburg, or Peggy’s Cove, taking the Digby ferry doesn’t save time. From Fredericton, it takes four hours to drive to Halifax, versus a six-hour best-case scenario when you take the ferry. In this situation, driving around the Bay of Fundy is a more sensible choice unless your itinerary includes destinations along the route from Digby.
At certain locations in the Annapolis Valley like Wolfville or Kentville, driving versus ferry time works out roughly to a wash. In this case, the decision comes down entirely to your preference. Driving directly costs a little less, even when factoring in fuel and the toll to drive on Nova Scotia’s Cobequid Pass. But the ferry can be a much more relaxing experience, especially for families with kids who could use some time out of the car to stretch their legs.
Is taking the Saint John to Digby ferry worth it?
When you’re driving between southern New Brunswick and western Nova Scotia, taking the MV Fundy Rose is worthwhile. It will save a lot of time, particularly if your road trip is taking you to or from places in Nova Scotia’s extreme southwest. More importantly, ferries are a lot of fun. Adding the MV Fundy Rose to your route is a great way to integrate a very Canadian experience into your road trip through the Maritimes.
Looking for more Atlantic Canada road trips? Browse Nova Scotia road trips and New Brunswick road trips >
