Be Prepared for Tolls
There are only a handful of toll roads in the Maritimes, but it’s best to be prepared ahead of time.
At Cameron Auto Rental, our vehicles are equipped with MacPass transponder stickers on the windshield.
As shown on our 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the transponder is not removable and will automatically scan at the Halifax harbour bridges.
MacDonald and MacKay Bridges
When you cross Halifax harbour on either the MacDonald or MacKay bridge, you are free to choose any lane at the toll booths. The MacPass will work in any lane, but you’ll get through fastest in the MacPass only lanes. The toll per crossing is just $1, and you’ll receive an invoice after your trip for any charges incurred.
If you’ve booked airport delivery with Cameron Auto Rental, the MacPass will be used to enter and exit the terminal parkade at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. You’ll receive instructions before your trip starts with details on where to go.
Highway 104/The Cobequid Pass
Since all our vehicles are registered in Nova Scotia, they are exempt from the toll charge on Highway 104 at the Cobequid Pass. As of December 2021, tolls only apply to vehicles from out of province. Our MacPasses are not synced to the E-Pass system, so you will have to take a lane with a pay booth. Tell the operator that you’re in a Nova Scotian vehicle (they can see the license plate on their cameras), and they’ll wave you through. If you’re driving to New Brunswick or beyond, you will encounter this toll. There is a detour around it on Highway 4 through Wentworth Valley, but it will be a longer drive for no financial benefit.
Pro Tip: The Cobequid Pass is in a region of high elevation and close proximity to water. The weather can be significantly different here than other parts of Nova Scotia. Expect challenging driving conditions such as fog or heavy snowfall. The highway is well maintained, but you should allow extra time in winter for inclement weather.
The Confederation Bridge (P.E.I.)
Travelling to Prince Edward Island? The Confederation Bridge is open year round for drivers. You could also take the ferry (seasonal) between Caribou, NS and Wood Islands, PE. Regardless of how you enter the island, tolls are only charged when leaving. For example, if you wanted to experience the ferry and the bridge, it would cost less to enter PEI via ferry and leave on the bridge. As of December 2022, the bridge toll is $50.25. Check the Confederation Bridge website for the latest rates. Our MacPasses are not initialized for use on the Confederation Bridge. You can pay via credit card at the toll gates or with cash at the staffed booths.
Nova Scotia’s Provincial Ferry System
Nova Scotia has several short cable ferries linking islands to the mainland and crossing rivers. As of 2022, these are free of any tolls (subject to change). Make sure you check the schedules, as not all ferries run frequently.
The most common ferries to encounter as a tourist:
Englishtown to Jersey Cove (Cape Breton)
LaHave to East LaHave (South Shore near Bridgewater)
Petit Passage and Grand Passage (Digby Neck)
Source: novascotia.ca