Confederation Bridge, Maritimes Travel Guide

4.5 (1757)

Drive across the iconic Confederation Bridge, the world's longest bridge over ice-covered waters, connecting PEI to mainland Canada.

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Confederation Bridge

The Confederation Bridge, a modern engineering marvel, spans the Northumberland Strait, connecting Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick and the rest of mainland Canada. Opened in 1997, this 12.9-kilometer bridge is the world's longest over ice-covered waters and has become an iconic landmark in the Maritimes.

A brief summary to Confederation Bridge

Confederation Bridge, Borden-Carleton, CA
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Confederation Bridge.

Tolls are only collected when leaving Prince Edward Island. Be prepared to pay at the toll plaza in Borden-Carleton.
Pedestrians and cyclists are not permitted to cross the bridge. A shuttle service is available for a fee.
Consider visiting the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre on the New Brunswick side for excellent views and information about the bridge.
Check weather conditions before crossing, as the bridge may temporarily close during severe weather.

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Explore Confederation Bridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Confederation Bridge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Borden-Carleton, PEI, the Confederation Bridge is directly accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Follow the signs for the Confederation Bridge. After passing through the toll booths (when leaving PEI), you will be on the bridge. The toll for a two-axle vehicle is $50.25. Ensure you have cash, Interac, or a major credit card for payment. Overtaking and passing are not permitted on the bridge.
Shuttle

For pedestrians and cyclists, a shuttle service is available to cross the Confederation Bridge. The shuttle departs from both the Borden-Carleton, PEI, and Cape Jourimain, NB, sides of the bridge. As of January 2022, the shuttle costs $4.75 per pedestrian and $9.50 per cyclist when leaving Prince Edward Island. Check the schedule and book in advance, as space may be limited.

Discover more about Confederation Bridge

The Confederation Bridge is more than just a means of transportation; it's a symbol of connection and a testament to engineering ingenuity. Spanning the Abegweit Passage of the Northumberland Strait, the bridge links Prince Edward Island with mainland New Brunswick, facilitating travel and trade.Prior to the bridge's completion in May 1997, Prince Edward Island relied on ferry services to connect with the mainland. Recognizing the importance of a reliable link, the Canadian government committed to ensuring continuous communication when PEI joined Confederation in 1873. The Confederation Bridge emerged as the solution to this long-standing need, replacing the seasonal ferry service with a permanent, year-round connection.The bridge's construction, which took place between 1993 and 1997, was a massive undertaking, costing approximately $1.3 billion. The structure is a multi-span concrete box girder bridge, designed with a curve to maintain driver alertness. Its highest point reaches 60 meters above sea level to allow large ships to pass underneath. The bridge is built to withstand the harsh winter conditions of the Northumberland Strait, including ice floes and severe weather.Crossing the Confederation Bridge is a unique experience. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes at the normal speed of 80 km/h. While on the bridge, drivers are treated to panoramic views of the Northumberland Strait. The bridge funnels traffic to Borden-Carleton, PEI, which is home to visitor information and the Marine Rail Park.