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Trips & RoutesDay Trips

You’ll Be Able To Travel From Maine To Canada On This Fast Ferry Starting This Summer

The CAT Ferry service between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is resuming in summer 2020, offering a convenient travel option with various amenities.

Published Feb 27, 2020

Written by 

Michelle Starin

One of the benefits of living in Maine is the state's proximity to Canada. In fact, we're so close that some parts of the state actually speak primarily French. Other folks live so close to the border that going back and forth is something they do each week. But, for those who live further away it can sometimes feel like Canada is within shouting distance, but just out of reach. Not anymore! The ferry is back and it already has us changing our summer vacation plans.

The CAT Ferry service has had a bit of a dramatic history. Here one minute, gone the next! But the good news is that it's now officially coming back for the summer of 2020, which means Canada (or Maine if you're already in Canada) should be back on your travel list.

A large ferry named "The Cat" sailing on calm blue waters under a clear sky.
management / TripAdvisor

Service will begin June 26th, 2020, and will run between Bar Harbor in Maine and Yarmouth in Nova Scotia.

Interior of a ferry with rows of orange and blue seats, large windows, and a no smoking sign displayed on a screen.
neysa623 / TripAdvisor

The 3.5-hour trip has some great amenities, too. Comfortable seats allow travelers to relax.

Interior of a ferry with rows of seats, large windows, and passengers mingling in a spacious, well-lit area.
janet f / TripAdvisor

On board, travelers will also find a lounge serving local wine and craft beer from Nova Scotia.

A smiling woman stands at the counter of Forchu Lounge, with a menu board displaying drinks and snacks in the background.
management / TripAdvisor

And a great coffee shop.

A barista hands a coffee cup to a customer at a counter, with jars of tea in the foreground.
management/ TripAdvisor

There's even a gift shop, movie viewing area, and children's play area.

A brightly lit store interior featuring shelves of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs in a wooden setting.
management / TripAdvisor

The trip, which allows you to bring a car to use in Nova Scotia, will leave from each port one time per day.

A vehicle drives up a ramp inside a large ferry, with yellow pillars and industrial surroundings visible.
igal27 / TripAdvisor

From Bar Harbor, the ferry will depart for Yarmouth at 3 p.m. and from Yarmouth the ferry departs at 9:30 a.m. The schedule will operate this way through Labor Day when it will change to six crossings per week until the end of the season, on October 13th, 2020.

Three birds skimming over calm water, creating gentle ripples in the serene blue surface.
sfosterphotography / TripAdvisor

The speed of the ferry makes this an easily doable weekend trip. Especially when the journey itself is filled with so much to do!

A ferry boat glides across calm waters at sunset, reflecting the colorful sky and surrounding landscape.
management / TripAdvisor

The CAT Ferry is operated by Bay Ferries Unlimited and will begin running Jun 26th, 2020. You can learn more about the service, including their schedule, through the website.

Now is the time to start making summer plans, but keep in mind that new rules in 2020 might prevent you from driving through Acadia National Park.

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