Canal Street Ferry in New Orleans

Highlights of the Canal Street Ferry

Canal Street Ferry operates as a tourist sightseeing transportation option but it’s also a key transportation link for commuters traveling between the West Bank and the city’s Central Business District.

There’s plenty to see along Canal Street, a lively part of downtown New Orleans just a block away from the French Quarter. The French Quarter itself is home to Mardi Gras parades, luxury hotels, shops and restored theaters. If you have time before boarding, you might want to go for a breezy riverside walk along the promenade in adjacent Woldenberg Park or relax by the fountain at Spanish Plaza.   

The ferry’s destination stop at Algiers Point is more low-key than the lively French Quarter, but it has its own neighbourhood charms. One of the first sights you won’t miss on arrival to Algiers Point is the Jazz Walk of Fame, featuring a large statue of the beloved New Orleans-born jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Wander the
streets to see the historic architecture or enjoy a scenic stroll along the Algiers Walking and Bike Path.

A brief history of the Canal Street Ferry

With the mighty Mississippi River meandering through the heart of New Orleans, ferry boats have long played a key role in moving people and goods around the city. The first regularly scheduled ferry service between Canal Street and Algiers Point launched in 1827. The ferry transportation service continued to grow for the next century and by the 1930s there were 6 ferry crossings and numerous ferries connecting New Orleans to other cities along the Mississippi.

The opening of the Huey P. Long Bridge in 1935 marked the start of a decline in demand for ferry services across New Orleans. The Canal Street Ferry is one of only 2 ferry services that have survived, the other being the Lower Algiers-Chalmette Ferry, which carries foot passengers, bike riders and vehicles. Canal Street Ferry is still a crucial transportation link for the city, remaining one of America’s busiest ferry services handling more than 2 million passenger trips per year.

Good to know about Canal Street Ferry

Anyone expecting a Canal Street Ferry trip to be aboard a traditional sternwheeler of Mississippi River lore might be disappointed, but there’s a chance you’ll catch sight of some of those old-timey paddleboats cruising the river while you’re crossing over. Rather, the Canal Street Ferry operates 2 catamaran boats called the RTA 1 and RTA 2, which each carry up to 150 passengers. There’s no extra charge to bring a bicycle aboard. Dogs are also allowed. 

Ferries depart every 30 minutes from each side, with the first ferries launching from Algiers Point at 6 am daily. The final trips of the day depart from Canal Street Terminal at 8.45 pm from Sunday to Thursday and at 10.45 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. From start to finish, the trip takes about 30 minutes.