November 21, 2024

VIDEO: GGC – 36 – The 12.9km Confederation Bridge from PEI to New Brunswick


Part 32 of our road trip across Northern Quebec and Eastern Canada. After only a few days on Prince Edward Island, it was unfortunately, already time to leave. But rather than take the ferry back to Nova Scotia, we decided to take the 12.9 km (8 mile) Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick.

30 thoughts on “VIDEO: GGC – 36 – The 12.9km Confederation Bridge from PEI to New Brunswick

  1. The fuel savings is because boats have to overcome greater water resistance to motion.   These days many tolls for bridges and tunnels are collected one way, like all those about NYC..

  2. Fun to relive that bridge crossing.  We did it on a tour bus and had a great view sitting up high as we crossed on the bridge.  Enjoyed the video and I always hate to see them end.

  3. you mention the longest bridge. I happen to live just a few miles from the longest bridge in the world. The 26 miles Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Southeast Louisiana, USA. It to only has a one way toll, north to south. it's only 3 dollars US. I'm enjoying your videos!

  4. Great video! The last time we rode the ferry was in 1996. It was very interesting to ride past the piers as they worked on the bridge. We came back in 1999 and drove across the bridge for the first time. My grandfather was from PEI; his last trip there was in 1971 and I know he would be in awe of that bridge. When I used to take him to the Island, it took us 12 hours from Portland, ME to Cape Tormentine, then an hour on the boat if we were lucky to get on when we arrived at the terminal and then once off the boat, another 45 minutes or so to get to our final destination. With improvements in roads across Maine, New Brunswick and the bridge, I can get to my cousin's in Charlottetown in 9 hours. I love PEI, my first visit was in 1954 and it took 2 full days to get there from Portland, some of it on dirt roads. I was only 4 but I remember many parts of that trip. Between 1954 and 2015, I have made 20 some trips there. It's like going home.

  5. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Virginia is over 17 miles long and includes two tunnels from man made islands. Built in the 1960s it was an engineering marvel.

  6. I've loved following your journey belatedly. I have so much to ask you about your trip, but for the moment I just want to say that you won my heart when you read the toll booth signs out loud. I do that too. Kindred souls.

  7. Living on the Island I've been across that bridge more times than I can remember.For nostalgic purposes I may take a trip down to wood Islands and take the ferry for a trip.My last ferry ride was about 2 weeks before the bridge opened.Myself and two of my friends drove back from Calgary back to P.E.I. .I set my odometer in Alberta .It was 5084 km from Calgary to my place.I must of liked it .I done it two more times lol.The prairies are so flat you can see your dog running away for 3 days lol.Have a good day everyone.

  8. If you know where to look, on the NB side, you can still see the ramps that were made (earth) for the anticipated bridge that the Diefenbaker government started in the 1960's. Crossing the bridge in the winter is nothing like it used to be on the ice breaking ferries. One crossing took over 6 hours and the ice sheet was 6 feet thick! The problem was that the ice was always moving so the channel the boat created on crossing was long moved away on the return crossing so it had to smash thru the ice all over again! The "Abegweit" ice breaker (1947-1982, the original!) ferry would literally run up onto the ice with its bow and with the engines pushing, it would shudder and crush the ice down, backup and then run at it again. The "Abegweit" ferry still exists! It is a clubhouse now for a yacht club in Chicago, lovingly restored! Some winter crossings were much longer, when the winter sea ice was much thicker and colder. Often helicopters would have to bring food and water to the ferry passengers trapped onboard. Those were the good old days!

  9. In 2001 I drove from Nova Scotia to PEI..Took the ferry to the island and then drove the bridge to New Brunswick. I HATE TALL BRIDGES! After a few white-knuckled minutes at the very top…the rest of the drive wasn't bad. Beautifully island. I'd love to live in the marítimas…As I type this from the Atlanta area.

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