Is there an alternate route to the Englishtown ferry?

Yes! The St. Ann's Loop is a scenic alternate route around the bay via Trans-Canada Highway. It takes 22-25 minutes to drive around vs. the 3-minute ferry crossing plus wait time.

How long does the alternate route take?

The St. Ann's Loop alternate route takes 22-25 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. The distance is approximately 35 km around St. Ann's Bay.

When should I take the alternate route instead of the ferry?

Choose the alternate route when ferry wait times exceed 20 minutes, during peak busy periods, if you're towing large trailers, or if you prefer scenic driving over waiting in line.

Alternate Route to Englishtown Ferry | St. Ann's Loop Drive Around Bay

✅ Yes! There IS an Alternate Route

The St. Ann's Loop is a scenic drive around St. Ann's Bay that bypasses the ferry completely. Here's how it compares:

🛣️ St. Ann's Loop (Alternate Route)

22-25 minutes

Distance: ~35 km around the bay
Route: Via Trans-Canada Highway
Cost: Fuel only (no ferry fees)
Wait Time: Zero (no lineup)
Weather Impact: Minimal (paved highway)
Vehicle Restrictions: None (all sizes welcome)

🚢 Ferry Crossing

3 min + wait

Crossing Time: 3 minutes
Wait Time: 0-30+ minutes (varies)
Total Time: 3-30+ minutes
Cost: FREE
Capacity: 15 vehicles max
Peak Traffic: 155+ trips/day in summer

🗺️ St. Ann's Loop Directions

📍 From Englishtown to Jersey Cove Area:

Start: From Englishtown ferry terminal
Head North: Take Route 312 north toward Trans-Canada Highway
Turn West: Merge onto Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) westbound
Follow TCH: Stay on highway around St. Ann's Bay
Turn South: Take Route 312 south toward Jersey Cove
Arrive: Jersey Cove area (22-25 minutes total)

📍 From Jersey Cove to Englishtown Area:

Start: From Jersey Cove ferry terminal
Head North: Take Route 312 north toward Trans-Canada Highway
Turn East: Merge onto Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) eastbound
Follow TCH: Stay on highway around St. Ann's Bay
Turn South: Take Route 312 south toward Englishtown
Arrive: Englishtown area (22-25 minutes total)

🤔 When Should You Take the Alternate Route?

✅ Choose St. Ann's Loop When:

Ferry wait time > 20 minutes: You'll save time by driving
Peak summer hours: 8:00-11:00 AM, 3:00-6:00 PM
Summer weekends: Especially Saturdays (155+ trips/day)
Towing trailers: Avoid steep ferry ramps
Large vehicles: RVs, trucks, oversized loads
Scenic preference: Beautiful Cape Breton views
Weather delays: When ferry service is suspended
Holiday weekends: Canada Day, long weekends

🚢 Choose Ferry When:

Wait time < 20 minutes: Faster than driving around
Off-peak hours: 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, after 6:00 PM
Winter months: Lower traffic, minimal waits
Fuel savings: 3-minute crossing vs. 25-minute drive
Unique experience: Scenic water crossing

✅ St. Ann's Loop Advantages:

No waiting in lineups
Beautiful scenic drive
All vehicle sizes welcome
Weather independent
Predictable timing
Multiple stopping points

❌ St. Ann's Loop Disadvantages:

Longer total time (22-25 min)
Uses more fuel
Highway driving required
No water crossing experience
Weather-dependent road conditions

🧠 Smart Route Decision Tool

Let FerryLight Online help you make the best choice in real-time!

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✅ Live wait times • ✅ Traffic alerts • ✅ Smart routing • ✅ Weather updates

📊 Route Comparison Summary

Factor	🚢 Ferry	🛣️ St. Ann's Loop
Travel Time	3 min + wait (0-30+ min)	22-25 minutes
Cost	FREE	Fuel cost only
Predictability	Variable wait times	Consistent timing
Vehicle Restrictions	Steep ramps (issues with trailers)	All vehicles welcome
Weather Impact	Can suspend service	Minimal impact (highway)

🛣️ Alternate Route to Englishtown Ferry