Travel between Kingston and Wolfe Island has been significantly disrupted as the Wolfe Island Ferry remains out of service due to an unexpected electrical problem. The issue was reported on December 23, 2025, leaving residents and visitors without a critical transportation link.
Service Halted During Busy Holiday Period
The ferry, a vital lifeline connecting mainland Ontario to Wolfe Island, was taken out of operation in the afternoon. The specific nature of the "electrical issue" has not been detailed by authorities, but it is severe enough to require a full suspension of service. This outage comes during the busy Christmas travel period, compounding frustrations for those relying on the ferry for holiday plans, work commutes, and essential deliveries.
Impact on Island Community and Travelers
The sudden service suspension has immediate and tangible consequences. Wolfe Island residents who work, shop, or have medical appointments in Kingston are now stranded. Similarly, visitors planning to travel to the island are forced to alter their plans. The only alternative route involves a lengthy drive through the United States via the Thousand Islands Bridge, which is not a practical or accessible option for many, especially for pedestrians and cyclists who commonly use the ferry.
No estimated time for a return to service has been provided, adding to the uncertainty. The Ministry of Transportation, which operates the ferry, is expected to face mounting pressure to resolve the problem quickly, particularly with the holiday weekend underway.
History and Context of the Ferry Service
The Wolfe Island Ferry is a fundamental piece of local infrastructure, operating year-round between downtown Kingston and the island's community of Marysville. It is one of the largest freshwater ferry services in Ontario. Service disruptions, while not frequent, have a major impact due to the island's limited transportation alternatives. This incident highlights the community's dependency on this single, aging maritime link.
Officials are urging the public to seek alternative arrangements and to monitor official channels for updates on repairs. The focus now is on engineering teams diagnosing and fixing the electrical fault to restore this essential service to one of Ontario's largest islands as swiftly and safely as possible.
