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The white and blue ferry 'NISKA I' (o^nb I) is beached on a rocky shore with its ramp extended to land, under a partly cloudy blue sky, next to brown water and green trees.

MV Niska 1

The 2026 Sailing Season has ended.

1.705.658.4335 Reservations are Closed 2027 Schedule Coming Soon

Small yet mighty, the MV Niska 1 offers a safe, reliable link across the Moose River, connecting Moose Factory Island with Moosonee—the Gateway to the Arctic. Operated in partnership with Moose Cree First Nation, the landing craft-style vessel provides essential ferry transportation for passengers, vehicles, and commercial freight in one of Ontario's oldest and most historic communities.

A white vehicle ferry, "Ontario NISKA II P-1", carries two semi-trucks, docked at a dirt ramp connecting to a wide river with distant forest, under a cloudy sky. A person sits on the bank.

Quick Ferry Facts

  • Moosonee ↔ Moose Factory Island
  • Crossing Time: 18 minutes
  • Capacity: 47 passengers, mixed vehicle/freight loads
  • Size: 27 meters (88.5 feet) long with a 10.5-meter (35-foot) beam
  • Service Speed: 6–10 knots
  • Draft: 1.2 meters
  • Power: 714 kilowatt
Ferry deck with yellow lines extends between two white superstructures. One displays "Ontario" and a Canadian flag. It's by water and distant land under a blue, cloudy sky.

Onboard Amenities

The MV Niska 1 is a “no frills” ferry service. Designed for a short, 18-minute commute across the Moose River, the open-deck vessel does not offer washroom facilities, onboard dining, or an indoor passenger lounge.

Boat on the Moose River

History of the MV Niska 1

The MV Niska 1 entered service in 2010, replacing the aging Manitou Island II, which had served the Moose River for decades. The vessel was specifically designed as a landing craft—a nod to the birch bark canoes used by the Cree for centuries—with a shallow draft suited to river navigation. Named the Niska (Cree for "Goose"), the ferry is operated through a partnership with Moose Cree First Nation. 

Learn More

Ready to ride the MV Niska I?

2026 SEASON CLOSED

Seasonal Phone Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm.

1.705.658.4335 Reservations Closed 2027 Schedule Coming Soon Fares

Please note that we are a cashless environment. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Debit at the Complex and on the ferry.

MV Niska 1 FAQ

Yes, walk-on passengers are generally allowed, however no other vehicle(s) or walk-on passengers are allowed on the vessel with propane/fuel or gas delivery trucks (dangerous goods runs).

No, the MV Niska 1 operates as a cashless environment. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Debit at the Complex and on the ferry.

The MV Niska 1 runs dedicated Dangerous Goods sailings. For safety, no passengers are permitted on Dangerous Goods sailings. The only exception is the certified operator of the vehicle carrying the dangerous goods. 

For more information or to confirm the schedule, please call 1-705-658-4335.

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