Looking for a ferry to Nova Scotia? If you’re traveling from the U.S., the CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia is the fastest and easiest option.

This high-speed ferry runs between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, cutting hours off a road trip and offering a comfortable alternative to driving the long way around.

 

The CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia is North America’s only high-speed passenger and car ferry. It’s fast, comfortable, and offers amazing views of Nova Scotia’s coastline. You can relax on board or explore all that Nova Scotia offers when you arrive at the terminal.

Take a break from driving and enjoy the journey! Free WiFi makes it easy for everyone to stay connected while traveling. If you need some quiet time away from kids and technology, there are two decks and lots of seating- perfect for enjoying an afternoon nap or reading a book by yourself (or both). Plus, delicious food options like pizza slices and ice cream cones will surely hit the spot after hours on the road!

Ferry to Nova Scotia: Quick Facts

– Route: Bar Harbor, Maine – Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
– Ferry name: CAT Ferry
– Crossing time: ~3.5 hours
– Vehicles allowed: Yes
– Passengers:Walk-on or with car
– Best for:Road trips, families, avoiding long drives

Why we chose to take the CAT Ferry

We took the CAT  high speed ferry from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, to Bar Harbor, Maine, and saved hours of driving while enjoying each other’s company plus lots of legroom. It takes just 3.5 hours to cross, saving a number of hours of driving time!

We enjoyed free WiFi and lots of outlets to keep our devices charged up throughout the voyage. The kids loved being able to walk around and have some freedom instead of just taking a long road trip.

The Ferry to Nova Scotia from Maine (CAT Ferry Overview)

We arrived in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, about 30 minutes before our appointed time and were able to visit the rest station near the Ferry Terminal for bathrooms and some snacks.

Getting on the ferry is very simple; you simply show up at your appointed time and wait in the designated spot to load on the ferry. (We drove our car, so we were in the car line, but you can also walk on.)

Once we drove on, we were told to wait in our vehicles until the bell sounded. Then, we were able to leave the car, take the escalators up to the main deck and enjoy the rest of the journey stress-free.

While the ferry is somewhat dated in decor, it is so much more luxurious than any ferry I have ever taken. We love the opportunity to break up our Connecticut to Halifax road trip with way more space to spread out.

 

The layout of the CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia

The ferry had a lot of deck space to walk around on; there were cafes, seating areas, seating with tables (great for card games), outdoor seating areas, movie rooms, and more.

Some areas had bench seating, allowing you to put your feet up and get comfy.

The movie rooms have airplane-like seats that allow many people to enjoy the movie.

The computer lounge had quite a few wifi linked computers (although we brought our own laptops instead.)

The cafes are at each end of the main deck and have a good selection of snacks and meals.

The upper deck had another cafe as well as lots of seating. (It was rainy and cold the day we wet, so we didn’t spend any time out there.)

 

What to do to pass the time on the CAT ferry.

The CAT Ferry has two movie lounges; these are especially great if you have kids. However, they are open to adults as well for free! They had a nice selection of movies playing throughout the day/evening.

We watched Kung Fu Panda 3 in one room and Rogue One in another movie area. Both were family-friendly but still enjoyable for us grown-ups too!

 

They also offer fun activities like coloring pages you can color on the ferry ride to your destination. They even have markers already out, so all you need is an extra sheet of paper. All the kids’ activities take place in the kids ‘play area.

 

The Ferry also has many vending machines offering various snacks, coffee, tea & hot chocolate machines.

The café has many sweet treat options, including ice cream cones, chips, candy & drinks. In addition to this, they have a full-service restaurant onboard that offers pizza slices, sandwiches, and more! I love the idea of having a restaurant on board while you are waiting for your ferry ride once you arrive at a new destination. You can simply get up and walk over to grab something for lunch before heading off to explore your new surroundings!

 

We bought some cards at the CAT ferry gift shop because we didn’t want to dig ours out of the game bag in our trunk. We played some of our favorite games, the boys watched YouTube with free Wi-Fi, and my husband took a nap.

Arriving in Bar Harbor

Upon arrival in Bar Harbor, we returned to our car when the announcement came on over the speaker. After driving our cars off the boat, we had to clear passport control (which was very quick) and then finished our road trip from Bar Harbor to Boston and from Boston home to Connecticut.

How Much Does the Ferry to Nova Scotia Cost?

We paid approximately $480 for the car and five adults round trip. This is a little more expensive than some crossings, but we don’t mind paying a little more when we can relax and utilize all the ferry offers in terms of amenities and free wifi! Plus, it shaves a good 2-3 hours off your travel time.

Book your trip on the CAT Ferry here.

Ferry to Nova Scotia FAQ

Is there a ferry to Nova Scotia from the United States?
Yes! The CAT Ferry is currently the only high-speed ferry that runs between the United States and Nova Scotia. It travels seasonally between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and it’s a great option if you want to skip a long drive through New Brunswick.

How long is the ferry ride to Nova Scotia?
The crossing takes about 3.5 hours. Compared to driving all the way around, this can save several hours — and it’s a much more relaxing way to travel.

Can you bring a car on the ferry to Nova Scotia?
You can. One of the biggest perks of the CAT Ferry is that you can drive your car right onto the ferry and continue your road trip as soon as you arrive in Nova Scotia.

Where does the ferry to Nova Scotia leave from?
The ferry departs from Bar Harbor, Maine, and arrives in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Whether you’re walking on or bringing a car, everything happens at the same terminal.

Is the ferry to Nova Scotia worth it?
For us, yes. The ferry cuts down driving time, gives everyone space to move around, and makes the journey feel like part of the vacation instead of a chore. It’s especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids or doing a longer road trip.

Do you need a passport to take the ferry to Nova Scotia?
Yes. Because you’re crossing from the U.S. into Canada, everyone needs a valid passport (or appropriate travel documents) to board the ferry.

How much does the ferry to Nova Scotia cost?
Pricing depends on the time of year, how many people are traveling, and whether you bring a vehicle. While it can cost more than driving, the time savings and comfort make it a worthwhile option for many families.

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Is the Ferry to Nova Scotia Worth It?

I recommend this ferry if you want to break up your long drives with an overnight stay. It makes sense to take advantage of the crossing time to rest/sleep instead of sitting in a car trying to get comfy for 8+ hours on the road.

If you are considering taking this trip, I would highly recommend it!

The CAT ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia was so easy and stress-free to use, plus they have plenty of options available for the whole family!