Ferry access to the Beaufort Delta is officially closed for the season after the Louis Cardinal ferry made its final crossing on Oct. 29.
"The Mackenzie River ferry at KM 143 Dempster Highway # 8 is officially closed for the season," reads a notice from the Department of Infrastructure. "Historical yearly average on both the North Mackenzie and Peel River ferry crossings closure are generally in the first week in November. During the last year’s operations, the Louis Cardinal closed on Oct. 30, 2023, and the Abraham Francis closed on Nov. 3, 2023.
"In keeping with this trend, please focus on making your arrangements for the last load crossings and travel. We will be announcing the tentative closure times as usual in 72-hour, 48-hour and 24-hour increments, or with immediate closure due to circumstances."
The Peel River ferry remains in full service at this time, operating on demand. The first trip leaves the north shore at 9:15 a.m. and the last one to leave the south shore is at 12:45 a.m.
The notice also advises travellers on the Dempster Highway to be cautious of icy conditions and be aware of a dip in the road at kilometre 178, as well as ongoing road work and single-lane traffic from kilometre 26 to 28.