This souvenir sheet features active, Canadian ferries that are an integral part of Canada's marine heritage: Spirit of British Columbia (Salish Sea, British Columbia), Chi-Cheemaun (Georgian Bay, Ontario), Trillium (Lake Ontario, Ont.), Alphonse-Desjardins (St. Lawrence River, Quebec) and Grand Manan V (Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick).
These ferries continue to operate in bodies of water across the country, playing a crucial role in regional transit systems.
Transportation by waterway holds a fundamental place in Canada’s history, originating with Indigenous traditions of utilizing canoes, kayaks, umiaks, and other vessels for hunting, transportation and trade along lakes, rivers, and coastlines. Serving millions of passengers annually, Canadian ferries remain vital conduits to access remote locations, and play a significant role in Canada’s tourism sector.
The ferries in this issue represent various regions of Canada.
Built in 1993, Spirit of British Columbia is one of the two largest ferries in the BC Ferries fleet. With a capacity for 2,100 passengers and crew and more than 350 vehicles, the ferry includes seating lounges, a café and coffee bar, the Passages gift store and outer decks for passengers to enjoy.
The vessel’s 95-minute scenic route crosses the Salish Sea, connecting Vancouver (Tsawwassen) and Victoria (Swartz Bay). In 2018, it was converted to dual-fuel propulsion, which allows the ship to use liquefied natural gas, to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Chi-Cheemaun, meaning “big canoe” in Ojibwe, is a passenger and vehicle ferry that crosses Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay between Tobermory, on the Bruce Peninsula, and Manitoulin Island. Built in 1974, the ferry operates from May to October, with a capacity of 643 passengers and close to 150 vehicles.
The vessel features woodland-inspired artwork on its bow and funnel, and passengers can watch the views from a Muskoka chair on the upper deck and enjoy other amenities on board, including an art gallery.
Launched in 1910, Trillium is a rare side-wheeled paddle steamer. Retired in 1956, the ferry returned to
service 20 years later in 1976, following a two-year restoration. At 564 gross tonnes, it is the largest ferry in the Toronto fleet, and can carry up to 800 passengers.
Trillium is the oldest of five ferries that transport residents and visitors between the city and the Toronto Islands, including Centre Island and its beaches and amusement park.
Built in 1971, Alphonse-Desjardins, named after the founder of North America’s first credit union, can carry up to 590 passengers and more than 50 vehicles.
The 10-minute, one-kilometre crossing of the St. Lawrence River provides a year-round connection between Québec on the north shore and Lévis on the south shore. Passengers can enjoy spectacular views of the old city and its fortifications from the water.
Built in 1990, Grand Manan V operates from late June to mid-September and can carry up to 300 people and 60 vehicles. Along with the year-round Grand Manan Adventure, it transports millions of dollars of lobster, salmon and dulse annually.
Sailing in some of the highest tides in the world, the ferry brings residents and visitors to Grand Manan, the largest island in the Bay of Fundy. During its 90-minute crossing, passengers have a chance to watch fishing boats at work or spot wildlife, including whales and seabirds.
The Ferries Souvenir sheet features images of the five Ferries stamps, as designed by Lionel Gadoury and Owen Gabany of Context Creative. With five postcard-perfect photos of the ferries in their home waters, this souvenir sheet depicts the stamp lineup against a waterscape background.