People in Niagara were enjoying something unusual today. It was the first day of a summer season of ferry boat trips across the Welland Canal for anyone who wants an easy-going, short, free ride on the water at Port Robinson.

Tucked away on the Welland Canal in Thorold’s Port Robinson, this little ferry boat started its summer of back-and-forth trips today. There once was a bridge over the canal, but it was destroyed in 1974 when a ship collided with it.

The ferry runs from 9 am to 8 pm, but doesn’t have scheduled departures. The crew just waits for anyone who needs a lift, and heads for them across the canal if they’re on the other side.

Pets are welcome, except for something like a horse – which somebody brought along once. They’re drawing the line now at large animals.

Thorold mayor Terry Uglini said more and more people are using the ferry and it’s great for the community. Brock University archives say the bridge collision that led to the ferry brought a tranquility to Port Robinson that many people enjoy.

These days, a lot of ferry users are cyclists, the ferry can give them a break in the middle of what’s called the Greater Niagara Cycle Route.

The ferry is operating this weekend and next weekend, then daily through the summer and into the fall.