The Dartmouth Ferry Commission was created in April of 1890, in response to civic dissatisfaction with the privately-owned ferry system. In April of 1890, an act was passed by the provincial legislature to borrow money for a public ferry between Halifax and Dartmouth. In July 1890, the Commission bought the Halifax and Dartmouth Steam Ferry Company, which had run the ferries for four years, after taking over the Halifax Steam Boat Company in 1886. The Commission operated passenger and vehicle ferry service between Halifax and Dartmouth. They met regularly, and reported to the Dartmouth Town (later City) council.
In 1944, the Commission was given authority by the Dartmouth Town Council to undertake the improvement of the Lake Banook area, which they developed into a recreational and sporting area.
In 1956, when the Angus L. MacDonald bridge was built over the Halifax Harbour, allowing for vehicle transportation from Dartmouth to Halifax, vehicle traffic on ferry crossings declined sharply. The vehicle ferries were sold, and two new passenger ferries were built.
In 1994, the Metropolitan Authority took over the ferry system from the Dartmouth Ferry Commission, operating it through Metro Transit, which became part of Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996.