The Nightmare before Christmas - an update from the Kingston Ferry Dock 4K

Kingston, Ontario December 27th, 2025
It has been a challenging week for Wolfe Islanders and Marine Services staff of Ontario's Ministry of Transportation alike. A mechanical issue with the Wolfe Islander IV left her blocking the Kingston Dock for a day and a half. Resumption of the ferry service to Wolfe Island required that she be repaired or removed from the dock. The solution became movement to the new, secondary dock, which has yet to be adopted by MTO. The substantial challenge remaining was to find and crew a replacement ferry, or ferries. At time of publication, the Amherst Islander II and Quinte Loyalist are providing service; the former carrying cars and the latter moving walk-on passengers - from Crawford Wharf.

The effort that has had to be made to maintain service should not be under-estimated. MTO staff have shown resourcefulness and determination to serve Wolfe Island, where many of them live. All over a major holiday period.

Chapter markers are provided below for those who may want to watch a particular activity.

00:00 - Titles
00:48 - December 23rd - Service to Wolfe Island interrupted
01:58 - December 23rd - Quinte Loyalist arrives to move pedestrian passengers
02:14 - Preparations are made to move the Wolfe Islander IV to the secondary dock
03:07 - Media interest is evident - MPP Ted Hsu arrives
03:58 - The Wolfe Islander IV is moved to the secondary dock
04:19 - December 24th - work to bring in a backup ferry is underway
06:29 - Testing the ability of the Frontenac II to dock
09:00 - December 24th 18:30 Arrival of the Amherst Islander II
11:01 - Operations after Christmas

All music is from Epidemic Sound