Captain Barry McDonald navigates the Merv Hardie through icy waters. The reflection of the Deh Cho Bridge looms overhead.
The Merv Hardie ferry is an icon of the North, especially for Northerners. The vessel has been around since the early ’70’s and has been the only way to cross the Mackenzie River by land vehicle in the summer. Now, with the ongoing construction of the Deh Cho Bridge nearly complete, the ferry will soon be a relic of the past, and to some, a loss of a unique cultural experience. I shot a short photo essay about the Merv Hardie for Up Here Magazine a few weeks ago. Here are some of the out-takes from that shoot. Be sure to pick up the July/Aug issue to see the published photos and to read the story.
patkanephoto.wordpress.com 
We rode the Merv Hardie September 2011, driving from California to Yellowknife. What a great ship! Thank you for the photos.
I will miss the ferry, it was a point as a kid I looked forward to. Thanks to all the staff who kept it moving safely and thank you for the memories!
Great shots! A part of me is really going to miss that ferry, too.