Ports Toronto takes passengers from Toronto’s mainland to Billy Bishop Island airport every 15 minutes using the Marilyn Bell Ferry, carrying cars and people across the Western Channel’s small distance, making it one of the shortest ferries in the world.
How Short Is it?
The Marilyn Bell travels an impressively minimal distance of 397 feet.
Who is Marilyn Bell?
She is a Canadian swimming legend; the first person to swim across Lake Ontario in 1954 at just 16 years old.
Is It Worth Riding?
Because it’s free for pedestrians (not vehicles), some travel buffs do enjoy hopping on to enjoy this short cruise across the channel. It does offer great views of Toronto’s skyline and fills the need for those who love to be on the water instead of only looking at it.
Keep in mind the ride is only 90 seconds each way, so enjoy the trip!
It is Canada’s first 100% electric, zero-emission ferry if that fun fact rocks your boat. (See what we did there?)
Anything to Do On the Other Side?
If you’re not planning to jet-set anywhere, then the answer is…not really. There is a Booster Juice inside the terminal’s pre-security area, but that’s about it.
What are Some Other ‘Shortest Ferry’ Contenders?
- J-Mack Ferry (California), 400 feet
- Nanticoke River (Delaware) 480 feet
- Real McCoy II (California), 750 feet
- Balboa Island (California), 900 feet
Other ferries may report shorter distances, but only carry bikes/pedestrians and are not scheduled commercial ferries.
