Is there a ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Nova Scotia?

Yes. Bay Ferries operates the CAT, a high-speed car-and-passenger catamaran, between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The 2026 season ran May 14 to October 14 - 120 of about 132 planned round trips sailed after 12 weather cancellations. It's the only passenger-and-car ferry directly linking the United States and Nova Scotia.

Can I take the ferry from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia?

No - there is no direct ferry from Portland to Nova Scotia today. The CAT's former Portland service ended years ago, and the ferry now sails exclusively from Bar Harbor (about 2.5 hours north of Portland on I-295/US-1). If you're starting in Portland, your options are: drive north to Bar Harbor and take the CAT (~3.5-hour crossing to Yarmouth); fly Portland or Boston to Halifax (connecting flights, ~1.5 hours from Boston); or drive all the way through Maine and New Brunswick to Nova Scotia (~8 hours from Portland, year-round). Portland was the CAT's original US terminus, so the question still comes up - but Bar Harbor has been the departure point since the service resumed.

How long is the ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia?

The sea crossing between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth is about 3.5 hours across the Gulf of Maine. Plan to arrive roughly 90 minutes before departure for vehicle check-in and boarding.

How much does the Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia ferry cost?

In 2026, adult fares run about $90 USD one-way in spring/fall and up to $121 USD in summer peak, plus a vehicle fare of roughly $156–$209 USD one-way and a $15/person port and security fee. A car with two adults is typically around $366 USD off-peak or $481 USD in peak summer, one-way. Confirm current pricing at ferries.ca before you book.

When does the CAT ferry run in 2026?

The 2026 CAT season ran May 14 to October 14 - 120 of 132 planned round trips sailed, with 12 cancelled for weather. Bay Ferries expects to publish the 2027 schedule around the start of November 2026; confirm next season's dates at ferries.ca once they are live.

Should I book the CAT ferry in advance?

Yes. The CAT carried 44,032 passengers in 2026 - up 10.8% from 39,745 in 2025 and the second-highest season in five years - so July and August weekend crossings fill up well ahead. Reserve as soon as your dates are firm, especially for peak-summer weekend crossings.

Is this the last season of the Bar Harbor ferry?

No end date has been announced. The 2026 season closed Oct 14 as the second-highest in five years, and Bay Ferries says the 2027 schedule is expected by early November, with the service operating under its annual provincial contract. Confirm 2027 dates at ferries.ca once they post - and whenever the CAT runs, Yarmouth remains Nova Scotia's primary sea gateway from the US, with the drive and fly alternatives above working year-round.

Ferry Guide · 2026 Season: May 14 – Oct 14

Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia Ferry

The complete CAT ferry guide: 2026 schedules, fares, the Bar Harbor terminal, the 3.5-hour crossing, arriving in Yarmouth, and the best alternatives

Check 2026 Schedules ↗ See Fares & Tips

Updated October 2026

⛴️ Comparing all routes? See the ferry to Nova Scotia hub - every crossing, season and drive time in one place.

The ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Nova Scotia is the most direct sea route from the United States into the province. Operated by Bay Ferries, the high-speed CAT is a car-and-passenger catamaran that makes the ~3.5-hour crossing from Bar Harbor (sometimes spelled Bar Harbour) straight into the harbour town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. According to Bay Ferries CEO Mark Wilson, 86% of CAT bookings originate in the United States, so the service is purpose-built for American travellers. The 2026 season runs May 14 to October 14, with 120 round trips sailed (12 lost to weather) and a final tally of 44,032 passengers and 18,124 vehicles - up 10.8% over 2025. Whether you spell it Bar Harbor or Bar Harbour, this is your ferry - and this guide covers everything from booking and border documents to the crossing, the Yarmouth arrival, and what to do if the ferry doesn't fit your trip. For live timetables and current fares, always check ferries.ca.

This page covers everything Americans need to plan the trip: the 2026 schedule and fares, the Bar Harbor terminal and check-in process, what the 3.5-hour crossing itself is like on board, arriving in Yarmouth, and the driving and flying alternatives - whether you're bringing your car or travelling as a foot passenger.

The Bar Harbor CAT Ferry at a Glance

Operated by Bay Ferries, the CAT is a high-speed catamaran connecting Bar Harbor, Maine with Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Here's the fast picture for 2026.

Route

Bar Harbor, Maine ⇄ Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

2026 Season

May 14 – October 14

Round trips

120 of 132 planned (12 weather cancels)

Sea crossing

~3.5 hours

2026 ridership

44,032 passengers / 18,124 vehicles (+10.8% YoY)

US-bookings share

86% (Bay Ferries CEO)

On arrival

A rental car is essential in Yarmouth

The 2026 season closed Oct 14 with 44,032 passengers and 18,124 vehicles carried - up 10.8% from 39,745 passengers and 16,233 vehicles in 2025, the second-highest season in five years. About 85% of passengers were US travellers, making this the primary US sea gateway into Nova Scotia. For the 2027 timetable - expected by early November - plus sailing calendar and fares, visit ferries.ca.

Route Facts: Bar Harbor to Yarmouth

Here are the core facts of the Bar Harbor to Yarmouth route in one table: the operator and vessel, the endpoints, how long the crossing takes, when the 2026 season runs, and how early to arrive at the terminal. Everything below is covered in detail in this guide - confirm live schedules and fares at ferries.ca before booking.

The CAT ferry between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia - key facts for the 2026 season.
Crossing Fact	Detail
Operator & vessel	Bay Ferries' CAT, a high-speed car-and-passenger catamaran
Route	Bar Harbor, Maine ⇄ Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Crossing time	~3.5 hours across the Gulf of Maine
2026 season	May 14 – October 14; 120 of 132 planned round trips sailed (12 weather cancellations)
Check-in cutoff	Vehicle check-in closes ~45 minutes before departure; arrive 60–90 minutes early (foot passengers at least 60 minutes)

The Future of the Bar Harbor Ferry Route

The CAT's Bar Harbor service is seasonal and its continuation beyond any given year depends on the operator's schedule. The 2026 season closed October 14; the next chance to sail is the 2027 season.

The CAT only runs from mid-May to mid-October, and like any seasonal ferry service its future schedule is set by Bay Ferries and the supporting governments - not guaranteed indefinitely. If you want the classic Bar Harbor → Yarmouth arrival, plan for the 2027 season and book early once the new sailings are confirmed.

Whatever happens to the Bar Harbor departure in future seasons, Yarmouth remains Nova Scotia's primary sea gateway from the United States, and the province is easy to reach year-round by car (via Maine and New Brunswick) or by direct flights into Halifax. The alternatives section below covers every option that works when the ferry doesn't - including the year-round Saint John → Digby ferry across the Bay of Fundy.

📌 Confirm before you plan around it. For any season beyond 2026, check the latest service announcements at ferries.ca before booking non-refundable travel.

2026 Schedule, Fares & Booking

Sailing days and times shift through the season, and fares depend on date, vehicle size, and demand. Here's what to expect in 2026 - always confirm live pricing on the operator's site.

Before you board

Book early - summer weekends sell out fast

The 2026 season closed Oct 14 with 44,032 passengers and 18,124 vehicles carried - up 10.8% from 2025 (39,745 passengers, 16,233 vehicles) and the second-highest season in five years. About 85% of passengers were US travellers. When sailings resume in 2027, summer weekend crossings will still sell out first, so reserve as soon as your dates are firm.

Border documents

The CAT crosses the US–Canada border, so every passenger needs valid travel documents - a passport book (fastest at customs), passport card, or approved NEXUS/Enhanced ID. Have documents ready at check-in and again for customs on arrival in Yarmouth.

Arrive 90 minutes early

Vehicle check-in closes roughly 45 minutes before departure. Build in 60–90 minutes at the Bar Harbor terminal for ticketing, vehicle staging, and boarding. Foot passengers should arrive at least 60 minutes ahead.

If you're driving a rental car

US rental cars boarded on the ferry need a letter from the rental company authorizing cross-border transport. Request this when you pick up the vehicle - not at the terminal. Confirm your US auto policy covers Canada and carry proof.

2026 fares (indicative, USD)

Adult, one-way (spring/fall): from ~$90 USD
Adult, one-way (summer peak): from ~$121 USD
Standard vehicle, one-way: ~$156–$209 USD
Port & security fee: $15/person (each way)
Sample: car + 2 adults, summer: ~$481 USD one-way
Sample: car + 2 adults, spring/fall: ~$366 USD one-way

Fares change with season and demand and are shown as a guide. Spring/fall sits at the lower end, summer at the higher end. Children, seniors, and foot passengers pay less - and the easiest way to cut the bill is to travel as a foot passenger and pick up a rental car in Yarmouth. Confirm exact pricing at ferries.ca.

How to book

Book directly with Bay Ferries at ferries.ca. With 2026 ridership up 10.8% year-over-year, reserve as soon as your dates are firm - especially July and August weekend crossings, which sell out first. Vehicle space is allocated per sailing, so reserve your car's spot at the same time you book passenger tickets.

The Bar Harbor Terminal

The CAT sails from the Bar Harbor ferry terminal in Maine - gateway to Acadia National Park and a natural staging point for a New England + Nova Scotia trip.

Allow 90 minutes. Vehicle check-in closes about 45 minutes before sailing. Foot passengers should arrive at least 60 minutes ahead.
Parking. Long-term parking in Bar Harbor books up in peak summer - reserve it ahead if you're leaving a vehicle behind.
Pair it with Acadia. Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park. Most travellers overnight here before an early sailing - drive the Park Loop Road and watch sunset from Cadillac Mountain the evening before.
Getting there. Bar Harbor is about 5 hours from Boston via I-95, and ~2.5 hours north of Portland, Maine on I-295/US-1.

On the Nova Scotia side you'll dock at the Yarmouth ferry terminal - for the full arrival experience (Cape Forchu lighthouse, whale watching, car rental at the terminal, and onward Acadian Shore routes), see our companion CAT Ferry & Yarmouth guide.

The Crossing Experience

Three and a half hours across the Gulf of Maine - enough time for a meal, a walk on deck, and a first glimpse of the Nova Scotia coast. Here's what to expect on board.

Drive-on, drive-off

The CAT is a high-speed catamaran built for cars and passengers. You drive your vehicle into the hull and walk up to the passenger decks for the crossing - no need to stay with your car.

Onboard amenities

Café and bar service, comfortable indoor seating, and outdoor viewing decks. Cell coverage is spotty over the Gulf of Maine - download offline maps before you board.

Customs on arrival

Canada Border Services clears you at the dock in Yarmouth. Have passports out and declare any food, alcohol, or firearms. The process is usually quick but can stack up when a full sailing disembarks.

Travelling with pets

Pets are welcome on the CAT. On most sailings your dog or cat may remain in your vehicle or travel with you - check Bay Ferries' current pet and carrier policy before you sail.

The Crossing, Hour by Hour

Three and a half hours is short for an international crossing, but the sailing still has a shape: boarding in Bar Harbor, open water, landfall in Nova Scotia, customs at the dock, and the road onward. Here's how it unfolds and what to have ready at each stage.

Give yourself 60–90 minutes at the Bar Harbor terminal before departure: vehicle check-in closes about 45 minutes ahead, and foot passengers should arrive at least 60 minutes early. You drive your own vehicle into the hull, then walk up to the passenger decks for the crossing - no need to stay with your car. As the CAT clears Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor - the gateway to Acadia National Park - slips astern, and the open Gulf of Maine ahead is what the next three and a half hours are made of.

Most of the crossing is open Gulf of Maine, and the ship is built for exactly this stretch: a high-speed catamaran with comfortable indoor seating, café and bar service, and outdoor viewing decks. Cell coverage is spotty over the Gulf of Maine, so download offline maps before you board. Three and a half hours is enough time for a meal and a walk on deck, and you're free to move around the passenger decks rather than sitting with your vehicle.

The CAT runs only from mid-May to mid-October, and the drive via Maine and New Brunswick is the page's year-round, all-weather alternative - a fair signal that sea conditions are part of any ferry crossing. If open water is a concern for anyone in your party, you can settle into the comfortable indoor seating rather than the outdoor decks. And if the idea of a crossing at sea doesn't appeal at all, the drive (roughly 700 miles from Boston) or a direct flight into Halifax works in any weather, any month.

As the sailing nears its end, you get your first glimpse of the Nova Scotia coast - one of the small payoffs of the crossing, and a good moment to be up on the outdoor viewing decks. The destination is the Yarmouth ferry terminal on Nova Scotia's southwest coast, and the town you're headed for is compact and walkable. After hours of open water, the sight of land - a working harbour town, not a remote dock - marks the moment the Nova Scotia half of your trip begins.

Docking in Yarmouth is only half the arrival: the other half is Canada Border Services, which clears you at the dock. Have passports out and declare any food, alcohol, or firearms. The process is usually quick but can stack up when a full sailing disembarks - worth knowing if you have a tight connection. Remember that every passenger needed valid travel documents at check-in, too: a passport book is fastest at customs, with a passport card or approved NEXUS/Enhanced ID as alternatives.

Once you're cleared, Yarmouth is the launchpad, not the whole story. There is no public transit from the terminal, so a rental car is essential - reserve one ahead for the best rates, or travel as a foot passenger and pick up the car in Yarmouth to cut the ferry bill. From the terminal, Cape Forchu Lightstation, downtown Yarmouth, whale watching, and the Acadian Shore all fan out within reach, and the Acadian Shore, Digby, and the South Shore are all within a few hours' drive.

Arriving in Yarmouth

You'll dock at the Yarmouth ferry terminal on Nova Scotia's southwest coast. The town is compact and walkable, but to see the region you'll need wheels - so sort your rental car first.

Yarmouth is the launchpad, not the whole story: Cape Forchu Lightstation, downtown Yarmouth, whale watching, and the Acadian Shore all fan out from the terminal. We cover all of it - plus car rental logistics and the best onward routes - in our dedicated CAT Ferry & Yarmouth guide. Coming from the US? Pair it with our US Traveller Guide for the full border, currency, and driving checklist.

The first clicks after docking are easy: our South Shore guide covers the harbour-town drive north from Yarmouth, and our Where to Stay in Nova Scotia guide sorts first-night stops across the province. The drive lets out in Halifax - see the Halifax Waterfront guide - and if the ferry is the start of a short trip, the 3-day long-weekend itinerary shows how the pieces fit.

Alternatives to the Bar Harbor Ferry

The CAT only runs mid-May to mid-October, and a ferry isn't always the right fit. These three options work year-round - and they're your plan B whenever the ferry doesn't align with your dates.

Drive via Maine and New Brunswick

~10–11 hrs driving + border

The year-round, all-weather option. Take I-95 north through Maine to the Houlton–Woodstock border, then the Trans-Canada across New Brunswick to the Amherst, NS border. Roughly 700 miles from Boston. The only choice once the CAT season ends in mid-October.

Boston & New England to NS Guide →

Saint John (NB) → Digby (NS) ferry

~3 hr crossing

Bay Ferries' other Nova Scotia route runs year-round across the Bay of Fundy, landing you in Digby - famous for scallops and about 1.5 hours from the Annapolis Valley. A strong alternative if you're already in New Brunswick or want a winter crossing.

Ferry Route Planner →

Fly Boston Logan → Halifax (YHZ)

~1.5 hrs direct

The fastest option if you don't need your car. Direct flights from Boston (and other US hubs) land at Halifax Stanfield, where you can pick up a rental car. Best for one-week trips centred on Halifax, the South Shore, and the Valley.

Halifax Airport (YHZ) Guide →

🗺️ Compare every Nova Scotia ferry route - CAT, Saint John–Digby, and the PEI connection - side by side, with live fares and driving directions, in our Ferry Route Planner. Building a bigger trip? The Maritimes Multi-Province Loop strings NS, NB, and PEI together.