Pictou County · Long-form guide
PEI Ferry (Caribou Terminal) — Rides from Pictou County
The Northumberland Ferries terminal at Caribou (just north of Pictou) is the seasonal gateway between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. If you're sailing without a car, or arriving without one waiting on the other side, Giv'er connects you with licensed local cab drivers who know the ferry corridor.
Common Caribou ferry runs
- Pictou or New Glasgow to Caribou terminal — 15 to 30 minutes; the standard pre-sailing run.
- Caribou terminal to Pictou for an overnight stay — common for foot passengers arriving from PEI without an onward vehicle.
- Caribou to New Glasgow / Stellarton / Trenton — for arrivals continuing onward by Maritime Bus or other connection.
- Caribou to Halifax area — about 2.5 hours; some Giv'er drivers do the longer hauls for passengers landing without a car.
Ferry schedule considerations
Northumberland Ferries runs the Wood Islands–Caribou route from May to mid-December. Sailings cluster around early morning, midday, and evening. Foot-passenger demand at the terminal spikes 30-45 minutes before each sailing and 15 minutes after each arrival. Book your ride to match. The seasonal nature of the route means winter passengers cross to PEI via the Confederation Bridge route instead — a much longer drive, sometimes worth a Giv'er booking.
Why Giv'er for ferry connections
Caribou is a small terminal in a small community. Phone-dispatched taxis around sailing times work, but they're a finite resource. Giv'er widens the pool by reaching every licensed local driver who's online, not just one company's available cars.
Frequently asked
How do I get to the PEI ferry from Pictou?
The Northumberland Ferries terminal is at Caribou, about 15 minutes north of the town of Pictou. From New Glasgow, expect about 30 minutes. Post your ride in Giv'er and a local cab driver will pick it up.
Is there a taxi at the Caribou ferry terminal?
There's no permanent taxi stand at Caribou. Giv'er is the simplest way to get a ride at the terminal: post your destination as soon as you walk off, and a local driver will lock it in. Many Pictou-based drivers monitor the schedule.
When does the PEI ferry run?
Northumberland Ferries operates the Wood Islands–Caribou route seasonally, from late May through mid-December. Outside that window, the only crossing is the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick — a longer drive, but Giv'er drivers can do that too.
Can I take a taxi from the Caribou ferry to New Glasgow or Halifax?
Yes. Caribou to New Glasgow is about 30 minutes — a routine Giv'er ride. Caribou to Halifax airport (2.5 hours) is a longer haul, but available — post the trip with destination set and a driver will respond.