📚 Englishtown Ferry History

The Man Behind the Ferry: Torquil MacLean (born 1840 at Wreck Cove) began ferry service with a large rowboat to transport passengers and goods across St. Ann's Bay. According to his grandson Captain Harry C. Morrison, Torquil was "short of stature but built like a wrestler and strong as an ox" with a heavy beard that made him look cross, but he was "a good natured man, and had a heart of gold."

Early Operations: During his first years, most traffic was on foot. When horses and carriages needed crossing, Torquil would take the carriage aboard his rowboat while the horse would swim behind, attached by a long rope to its halter. Torquil often had to haul the heavy boat by himself, frequently working waist-deep in water. He wore heavy pants year-round and leather boots to his knees, emptying them out after each trip.

The "Old Scow" Era: As traffic increased, Torquil commissioned the famous "Old Scow" from Kenneth Morrison and Alex Morrison at Wreck Cove. This boat was 20 feet long and 9 feet wide with a flat bottom and could carry two horses and one carriage. The fare was 20 cents for horse and carriage, 5 cents for passengers. A launch-way made of poles and a capstan system pulled the boat from the water.

Winter Operations: When the harbor froze, Torquil used smaller rowboats for passengers and mail. The ice crossing was marked with 125 seven-foot spruce trees from Englishtown shore to Raymond's Beach, providing safe passage even in snowstorms.

Torquil's Final Days: On December 28th, 1921, Torquil MacLean made his last ferry crossing. That afternoon, he told his wife he was going to lie down for a spell. He complained of heavy chest pains and after a few hours of severe suffering, he passed away at age 81 years old. He is buried in the Englishtown Cemetery - land which he himself donated - overlooking the ferry crossing he operated for 50 years.

Family Transition: Uncle Allan MacLean took over ferry operations in 1921. He had already purchased a four horsepower motor launch in 1920 to tow the Old Scow, requiring an additional hand. The transition marked the end of Torquil's personal era but continued the MacLean family involvement.

Government Infrastructure: The first government-operated ferry and ferry wharfs were established in the summer of 1921. Two wharfs were built on each side - one for high tide and another for low tide landing. This represented a significant investment in Cape Breton infrastructure and recognition of the ferry's importance to regional transportation.

Technical Specifications: The initial government ferry boat was built at Bay St. Lawrence by a Fitzgerald - about thirty-five feet long and eleven feet wide, equipped with a twelve-horsepower Acadia motor and reverse gear, and could carry one car. This was revolutionary for its time, being one of the first motorized ferries in Nova Scotia.

The original ferry was replaced by a larger boat built by Best and Hussy at Ingonish, capable of carrying two to three cars. This expansion reflected the growing automobile culture and increasing tourism in Cape Breton during the 1930s.

40 Years of Service: This ferry served the community for an impressive forty years, demonstrating the quality of local boat building and the steady, reliable service that became the ferry's trademark.

The Highland Lass (1952): Built in North Sydney, this ferry took over operations and served for decades, reflecting the growing automobile traffic in Cape Breton during the post-war boom.

Gordon S. Harrington: When the Seal Island Bridge opened, this ferry came to Englishtown from New Campbellton, continuing the evolution of ferry technology and capacity to meet increasing demand.

The ferry "Angus MacAskill" was introduced in 1976, serving faithfully for 32 years until 2008. Built by Sydney Engineering and Drydock for $750,000, this 12-car vessel operated 24 hours a day, saving approximately 45 minutes of driving by cutting across the bay.

Named After a Legend: The ferry was named after Angus MacAskill, the famous Cape Breton Giant who stood 7'9" tall and was known worldwide for his strength. Born at Munro's Point in St. Ann's Bay, the Giant's connection to the area made this naming particularly meaningful.

Decades of Service: For over three decades, the Angus MacAskill provided reliable transportation, becoming an integral part of Cape Breton's transportation network and community life.

Student Essay Contest (April 2008): 125 students from four local schools (Baddeck, Middle River, Cape Smokey, and Boularderie) wrote essays choosing between two names: "Torquil MacLean" or "Angus MacAskill II." The quality of essays impressed officials, with many students demonstrating deep understanding of local history.

The Decision: Students chose to honor Torquil MacLean, who operated the ferry for 50 years, recognizing that members of the MacLean family were involved in ferry operations for more than 150 years. This decision brought the ferry's history full circle, from the original MacLean service to the modern vessel bearing his name.

Christening Ceremony (September 24, 2008): The "Torquil MacLean" was officially christened on September 24, 2008, replacing the Angus MacAskill after 32 years of faithful service. This $4-million cable ferry, designed by E.Y.E. Marine Consultants and built by A.F. Theriault & Son Ltd., can carry 15 cars compared to the previous ferry's 12-car capacity.

Recognition: Winning student essay writers received prizes at the christening ceremony, with Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation, praising their historical knowledge and community engagement.

Hull Strengthening & Engine Replacement: The Torquil MacLean underwent significant upgrades in 2014, including hull strengthening and complete engine replacement to ensure continued reliable service and extend the vessel's operational life.

Enhanced Performance: These upgrades improved the ferry's reliability, efficiency, and safety standards while maintaining the essential 24/7 service that Cape Breton communities depend on.

Economic Analysis: The Nova Scotia Department of Transportation completed a comprehensive feasibility study analyzing the economic implications of replacing the ferry with a bridge. The study estimated a bridge cost of approximately $45 million.

Community Consultation: Public meetings were held to gather community feedback on bridge replacement options, demonstrating the government's commitment to involving local residents in major transportation decisions.

Infrastructure Challenges: The ferry service experienced construction issues with new slipways in 2018, causing temporary disruptions to regular operations while ensuring long-term infrastructure improvements.

Commitment to Service: Despite construction challenges, the province worked to minimize service interruptions and maintain the vital transportation link for Cape Breton communities.

The Englishtown Ferry remains the busiest of Nova Scotia's seven provincially operated ferries, handling about 50% of the province's total ferry traffic. It operates 24/7 on demand and continues the proud tradition of connecting Cape Breton communities that began over 150 years ago.

Modern Technology: Today's ferry features advanced cable ferry technology, real-time tracking through platforms like FerryLight Online, and maintains the efficiency and reliability that the MacLean family established in 1871.

Live Performance Data: Current tracking shows the ferry handling 155+ trips on busy summer days, with peak hours reaching 10+ trips per hour - far exceeding historical projections and demonstrating the continued vital role in Cape Breton transportation.