You can ride one of Alberta’s last remaining cable ferries for free

If you’re ever driving along North Dinosaur Trail near Drumheller and suddenly spot a tiny ferry crossing the river, you’re not imagining things. The Bleriot Ferry is one of Alberta’s last remaining cable ferries, and it’s definitely not something you would expect to be still running in 2026, but that’s exactly what makes it worth pulling over for.

The seven-minute river crossing

Tucked along the North Dinosaur Trail, the Bleriot Ferry connects the two sides of the Red Deer River and has been operating since 1913. At the time, river crossings were a big deal in rural Alberta, and ferries like this were essential for moving cars, people, and goods. Today, it is one of just a few cable ferries still running in Alberta.

According to Travel Drumheller, it was built by André Bleriot and was once a major part of life in the Drumheller Valley. It was used as a transport route, a community meeting point, and a place for social gatherings.

The ferry is cable-operated, which means it’s pulled across the river on a guided system rather than powered through like a boat. The whole crossing takes about seven minutes, which means that even if you miss it, you won’t be waiting too long for the next trip across.

The ferry can carry up to 45 passengers and 13 mid-size cars, and it’s completely free to ride, which is a major win!

One thing to keep in mind is the steep ramp on and off the ferry. If your car sits low, it’s recommended to go slowly. Otherwise, you may get a little closer to the ground than you planned.

The ferry runs from early May to early October, and is the perfect add-on if you’re planning a trip down to Drumheller.

Alongside the ferry, there is also a campground right beside it, plus access to the Horsethief Canyon and some really underrated viewpoints nearby.

It’s not every day you see a ferry in the middle of rural Alberta, especially one with so much history behind it. The Bleriot Ferry is a reminder of how people once moved through the valley, long before bridges and modern highways took over.

So next time you take a trip to Drumheller, it’s definitely worth making a quick stop to see it for yourself.

Bleriot Ferry

When: Friday, May 1, 2026, until Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
Time: Operates from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Where: Highway 838, Starland County, Alta.
Cost: Free

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