2022 Traffic Update

​LABRADOR STRAITS FERRY TRAFFIC SURPASSES PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS
SAR exercise means reduced sailings September 13
 
(Happy Valley-Goose Bay) – Labrador Marine Inc. (LMI), operator of the Strait of Belle Isle ferry service for the NL Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, stated today that traffic levels this summer recovered from the reductions that resulted from COVID travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021, and surpassed all numbers for the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
 
LMI General Manager Captain Austin Daley released numbers for passenger traffic, private vehicle crossings, commercial, and tour bus transportation on the Qajaq W.

​“LMI is delighted to see traffic return to normal on the Straits service and the continued upward trend of all traffic types,” Daley stated. “This vital service is the only sea link between Labrador and the island. The completion of the paving of the Trans Labrador Highway this summer led to an increase in road traffic to and from Labrador for both local residents and tourists.

​There has been a substantial increase in tour bus traffic over previous years, and this contributes substantially to the Labrador tourist industry. The service provided by the Qajaq W is an essential connection for private passengers and commercial traffic and a positive contributor to Labrador communities.  LMI appreciates the co-operation of the travelling public and the efforts of our onboard and onshore crew and staff in providing a safe and reliable service.”
​

​SUMMER SCHEDULE ENDS ON SEPTEMBER 13
LMI reminds travellers that the Straits summer ferry schedule ends on Tuesday, September 13.
However, due to the Qajaq W’s participation part in a Search and Rescue exercise on September 13, there will be reduced service on that day. 

FALL SCHEDULE
The fall schedule will begin on September 14. Consult the LMI website at www.labradormarine.com or the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website at www.gov.nl.ca for schedule details.
 
 
For further information, contact:
Captain Austin Daley
General Manager
Labrador Marine Inc.
Email: [email protected]
​