Local residents will have to wait a little longer before they are able to utilize the ferries in the area for the 2023 season. 

The four ferries that operate in the area provide a critical link between shores of the South Saskatchewan River and typically begin operations in April. 

According to the Director of Communications with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, David Horth, one factor for the delay was the chilly spring in the Southwest. 

“We typically operate from April to November but it's always dependent on weather, we had a cold spring,” he elaborated. 

Numerous other factors also play a role in determining when the ferries will open for the season. 

“The ice has to recede, and we've got ice on the approaches to the ferries that serve the southwest at the moment,” Horth explained. “So, we need a bit more melting to occur and the other thing is the profile of the river in the case of the three ferries that go over the river and the condition of the lake in the case of the one that goes over Lake Diefenbaker.” 

Once open for the season the ferries will operate as follows: 

The Riverhurst Ferry, located north of Moose Jaw on Highway 42, will operate 24 hours a day, running on demand during the night. 

The Estuary Ferry, located on a grid road north of Estuary, will operate from 7:00 a.m. until midnight. 

Located north of Lancer between Highways 30 and 32, the Lancer Ferry will be operational from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. 

The Lemsford Ferry, which can be found north of Lemsford on Highway 649, will run from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. 

To stay up to date on ferry crossings in Saskatchewan, click here