A record number of passengers and vehicles were transported across the Strait of Bell Isle this year. In fact, Labrador Marine says tourism has rebounded.

By December 18, The Qajaq W had moved 100,619 passengers and 41,806 vehicles between Newfoundland and Labrador.

Labrador Marine Inc. general manager Captain Austin Daley says the Qajaq W has become the trusted gateway for people travelling year-round to and from Labrador.

It has been almost four years since the vessel entered service, and apart from the impact of COVID-related travel restrictions in 2020, they have served an increasing number of travellers.

To December 18, the company transported 11.561 more passengers than during the same period in 2021, and an additional 981 vehicles. 172 tour buses made the crossing in 2022, twenty-three more than the year before. Commercial traffic was down slightly this year.

Daley says the paving of the Trans-Labrador Highway makes it easier for people to travel.