The End of a Storied Cross-Border Ferry Service
For over 200 years, a narrow stretch of the St. Lawrence River quietly linked Wolfe Island, Ontario, and Cape Vincent, New York, with a ferry service operated by generations of the Horne family. But this summer, the William Darrell ferry sat idle, docked and overgrown with weeds, symbolizing the pause—and quite possibly the end—of a remarkable chapter in North American cross-border relations.
A Personal Loss Reverberates Across an International Border
Unlike many recent disruptions along the Canada-U.S. border, which have often stemmed from geopolitical tensions or global crises such as 9/11 or the COVID-19 pandemic, the temporary closure of this ferry is rooted in deeply personal circumstances. The passing of the last Horne family member willing to captain the ferry left the vessel without a pilot, effectively idling the service. Efforts to revive the ferry are complicated by aging infrastructure and financial hurdles.
Decades of Family Legacy in Motion
The Horne family's stewardship of the ferry traces back generations, with roots linking to British loyalists who settled Wolfe Island following the American Revolution. Bruce Horne, who helmed the ferry for 43 years and had planned a career as a geologist before family obligations called him to sea, reflects on the service with a mix of nostalgia and hope. “It’s a shame to lose this connection... There’s a closeness to our communities,” he says, standing on the weather-beaten wharf.
Life on Wolfe Island: A Quiet Community in Flux
Wolfe Island covers 48 square miles—more than twice the size of Manhattan—but is home to only around 1,600 year-round residents. Most roads are unpaved, and the lifestyle remains anchored in small farms, two schools, and the lone village of Marysville. Population spikes during summer as tourists arrive, many drawn by the idyllic charm accessible in part thanks to that now-silent ferry link.
Economic and Social Ripple Effects
The closure is more than just an inconvenience; it removes a cherished artery of community life. James Kirkham, owner of the Wolfe Island Pub and Pizzeria, laments the loss of American visitors who made spontaneous stops while waiting to board the ferry to Kingston. Local businesses and social fabric feel this impact, at a time when cross-border travel is already complicated by broader political and logistical factors.
Cross-Border Infrastructure Challenges
The Canadian and U.S. wharves, currently for sale, require significant investment to continue operations. The Canada Border Services Agency has made clear that any restarting will demand a new customs facility on the Canadian side, replacing the outdated 1960s structure. Estimates suggest this could cost upward of $400,000 CAD (~$290,000 USD). Meanwhile, the village of Cape Vincent recently invested $225,000 to secure the American wharf, signaling local commitment but highlighting the high price of preserving such links.
Financial Viability in the Modern Era
Bruce Horne notes that the ferry service had been operating at a loss since the pandemic, calling attention to a broader challenge faced by small, family-run transportation services in the face of changing economic realities and shifting travel patterns. The question lingers: who will steer the future of this historic crossing?
Historical Context and Cultural Bridges
The Wolfe Island ferry is more than a transport route; it’s a symbol of centuries-old connections forged in the wake of war, settlement, and shared waterways. The border itself was disputed after the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 until a commission settled lines in 1822. For families separated by this artificial line but united by geography and history, the ferry has long been a tangible manifestation of unity.
Yet, this crossing’s fate also illuminates how personal stories and local challenges intersect with larger narratives about international cooperation, economic sustainability, and cultural continuity.
The Road Ahead: Hope Amid Uncertainty
Despite the hurdles, both Canadian and American politicians have expressed interest in reviving the service. The ferry represents more than just a route—it embodies the spirit of cross-border friendship, community resilience, and shared heritage that endure despite political storms.
Bob Albin, a visitor from Pennsylvania, captures the sentiment aptly: “It’s taken away the fun factor... crossing from Cape Vincent, it’s so idyllic. We missed that.”
Editor’s Note: Reflecting on Cross-Border Ties and Community Resilience
The cessation of the Wolfe Island–Cape Vincent ferry service is a poignant reminder of how small, community-centred connections often bear the heaviest weight of geopolitical and economic shifts. Beyond the personal loss and logistical challenges lies a broader question relevant to many border communities: How can we preserve historic, human-scale links in a world of growing complexity and security concerns? And who will champion these efforts when family legacies end and modernization demands surge?
As policymakers, historians, and residents grapple with these challenges, the story of the Horne ferry serves as a case study in the intimate intersections of history, economy, and identity. Its future remains uncertain—but the echoes of boat engines, and the church bells of Cape Vincent across the river, remind us that some ties resist easy severance.
