Cobequid Pass Toll Rates Complete Guide: E-Pass, Rates & Payment 2025
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Cobequid Pass Toll Rates Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (E-Pass) + Manual payment
Coverage: 45 km section of Highway 104 Trans-Canada Highway
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Technology: E-Pass transponders, Cash/Credit Card payment
Operators: Highway 104 Western Alignment Corporation, Atlantic Highway Management
Do I Need E-Pass for Cobequid Pass? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-Pass to use Cobequid Pass - but Nova Scotia residents travel completely free with proof of registration. The 45-kilometer tolled section of Highway 104 offers both electronic and manual payment options for out-of-province vehicles.
Key Reality: Nova Scotia residents have been toll-free since December 21, 2021. Out-of-province visitors pay $4 for cars, while commercial vehicles face doubled rates for American-registered trucks as of 2025.
2025 Update: Toll rates for American commercial vehicles doubled as part of trade war retaliation measures. Last general toll increase was January 1, 2004 - making Cobequid Pass one of Canada's most stable toll facilities.
Cobequid Pass Toll Costs: Current Rates
Cobequid Pass operates a simple toll structure with free passage for Nova Scotia residents and fixed rates for out-of-province vehicles unchanged since 2004.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Type (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Nova Scotia | Out-of-Province | US Commercial (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | Free | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Recreational Vehicles | Free | $5.25 | $5.25 |
| Commercial Trucks (per axle) | Free | $3.00 | $6.00 (doubled) |
| Large Trucks/Buses | Free | Up to $24.00 | Up to $48.00 (doubled) |
Traffic and Usage Statistics
Daily Traffic (2019 pre-pandemic):
- 7,600 cars daily (50% out-of-province)
- 2,100 trucks daily (70% out-of-province)
- Total annual revenue: $10.7 million from non-Nova Scotia vehicles
How to Pay Cobequid Pass Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods at Cobequid Pass:
1. Nova Scotia Residents (Free):
- Free E-Pass transponder (apply at cobequidpass.com)
- Manual lanes: Present Nova Scotia vehicle registration
- No tolls charged since December 21, 2021
2. Out-of-Province Vehicles:
- Cash payment at toll booths
- Credit/Debit cards accepted
- E-Pass transponders available for frequent users
3. Electronic Collection:
- E-Pass system operated by Atlantic Highway Management
- Faster passage through dedicated lanes
- Account management available online
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, RVs and all vehicle types on Cobequid Pass and other Nova Scotia toll facilities, use TollGuru Nova Scotia toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Trade War Response:
- American commercial vehicle tolls doubled effective 2025
- Retaliatory measure for US tariffs on Canadian goods
- Passenger vehicle rates unchanged for US travelers
Free Transit for Nova Scotians:
- Eliminated tolls December 21, 2021 for provincial residents
- Free E-Pass transponders available for quicker passage
- Approximately 50 employees maintained at toll plaza
Stable Pricing:
- Last general toll increase: January 1, 2004
- No planned increases for non-US commercial vehicles
- Debt projected to be paid off ahead of 2026 schedule
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Registration Documentation:
- Nova Scotia residents must carry vehicle registration if no E-Pass
- Rental vehicles registered in Nova Scotia qualify for free passage
- Out-of-province residents cannot use NS E-Pass for free transit
Alternative Route Confusion:
- Old Highway 104 through Wentworth Valley is toll-free but slower
- Alternative adds 45-90 minutes to journey time
- Historic "Valley of Death" route still exists as Trunk 4
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Out-of-province cars: $4 each direction ($8 round trip)
- RV travelers: $5.25 each direction ($10.50 round trip)
- Commercial trucks: $3 per axle (2-axle truck = $6 each way)
- US commercial vehicles: Double rates as of 2025
Toll-Free Alternative
- Original Highway 104 through Wentworth Valley (now Trunk 4)
- 53-kilometer route vs 45-kilometer tolled section
- Significantly slower with challenging mountain grades
- Historic safety concerns led to Cobequid Pass construction
Travel Tips
- Speed limit: 110 km/h except 50 km/h through toll plaza
- Five full interchanges with local access
- Modern 4-lane divided highway with safety features
- Designed to replace dangerous "Valley of Death" route
Regional Toll Information
Nova Scotia - Limited Toll Network:
- Cobequid Pass - Province's only toll highway section
- Nova Scotia E-Pass - Electronic payment systems
- Halifax Harbour Bridges (separate toll system for city bridges)
Trans-Canada Highway Context:
- Only tolled section of Trans-Canada Highway in Maritime provinces
- Critical link between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
- Bypass of historically dangerous Wentworth Valley route
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Cobequid Pass tolls completely?
Yes, use the original Highway 104 through Wentworth Valley (now Trunk 4), but expect 45-90 minutes additional travel time and challenging mountain grades that historically earned the "Valley of Death" nickname.
What if I'm a Nova Scotia resident without E-Pass?
Stop at manual toll booths and present your Nova Scotia vehicle registration. No toll charged, but consider getting a free E-Pass for faster passage through dedicated lanes.
Do motorcycle tolls differ from car tolls?
Motorcycles pay the same $4 rate as passenger cars for out-of-province vehicles. Nova Scotia-registered motorcycles travel free like all provincial vehicles.
Why are US commercial vehicle rates doubled?
Premier Tim Houston implemented doubled rates for American commercial vehicles in 2025 as non-tariff retaliation for US trade war tariffs on Canadian goods. Passenger vehicles unaffected.
When will tolls end completely?
The private financing debt was originally scheduled for repayment by 2026, but current revenue from out-of-province vehicles supports ongoing operations and maintenance. No definitive end date announced.
Cobequid Pass vs. Regional Toll Systems
| Location | System Type | Typical Cost | Resident Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobequid Pass (NS) | Fixed-rate toll | $4 CAD (out-of-province) | Free for NS residents |
| Other Canadian Provinces | Mixed systems | Varies by province | Varies by location |
| United States | Electronic + Cash | Varies by state | No state exemptions |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- Nova Scotia E-Pass - Electronic payment system information
- Cobequid Pass website: cobequidpass.com - E-Pass registration and account management
- Highway 104 Western Alignment Corporation - Toll facility operator
Customer Service:
- Atlantic Highway Management Corporation Limited - Toll operations
- Nova Scotia Department of Public Works - Policy and planning
- Emergency services: 911 or *911 from mobile
Travel Information:
- 511 Nova Scotia - Real-time traffic and road conditions
- Trans-Canada Highway information - Route planning resources
- Nova Scotia tourism - Provincial travel guides
