Travelling on the PEI Ferry - July 2020

[ghYHZ]

Since July 3rd.....residents of the four Atlantic Provinces have been able to travel between those provinces (NS NB PEI & NL) without having to isolate for 14 days once they cross a provincial border. (anyone coming from outside....say Quebec into New Brunswick still has to isolate)

So with that in mind.....after four months at home.....time for a day trip over to Prince Edward Island on Northumberland Ferries. Something we've been doing several times a summer for years!

https://www.ferries.ca/ns-pei-ferry/overview/

 

But a bit different now. You have to register on line with the Government of Prince Edward Island to enter the day before...... then once on the ferry...... the PEI Heath Dept. checks your Photo ID/Drivers License to confirm you're a resident of the Atlantic Provinces. Then you're given a 'pre-clearance' form to hand in when driving off the ferry. Returning that evening....... Nova Scotia just checks your ID....no form to complete.

Below is something I though I'd never see.....checks at the provincial borders within Canada and a Form allowing me to enter another province! But hey.....the lockdown has worked and we're seeing the benefits of it now!

 

 

And the Ferries: This time of the year they're usually full and reservations are recommended on some crossings. Now they are only running at half-capacity to allow for social distancing and something new: they will let you remain in your vehicle down below for the 75 min crossing. Previously a no-no!

(we had 12 cars going over + 5 trucks. Capacity is 225 cars)

 

 

And up on deck.....no 'Islander Big Breakfast' being served in the cafeteria.....coffee and muffins only!....with a curtain now closing off half the restaurant area.

 

 

And returning to Nova Scotia that evening......again lots of room!

 

 

And those PEI Beaches!......Lots of room to Social Distance!