After a hiatus due to the global pandemic, passengers will once again travel by sea between the US and Canada starting May 19, 2022. Bay Ferries is restoring marine service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Bar Harbor, Maine, enabling travellers to explore both beautiful sides of the border.
“We are thrilled to see The CAT back at it,” says Bay Ferries CEO Mark MacDonald. “It’s excellent news for travellers, our tourism economy, and for Nova Scotia and Maine.”
The return of The CAT restores the historic marine connection between the US and Nova Scotia. Ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor first began in 1956 and over the years, ports, operators, and vessels have changed. The desire to travel between the countries has remained strong, as has the recognition of the importance of ferry service to port communities. The CAT is perfectly suited to the crossing with a maximum speed of 50 mph.
For travellers from the US, The CAT offers the opportunity to explore Nova Scotia ––boasting more than 13,300 kilometres of staggeringly beautiful coastlines. In the U.S., the voyage provides easy access to everything from Old Orchard beach to Acadia National Park and all of New England. For all travellers, The CAT means less time inside a car, and more time exploring.
“Couples, solo adventurers, and families are eager to get out on the open road – and open ocean – to see, taste, and explore experiences beyond their backyard,” says MacDonald. “I know we are all more than ready to get out there, to see and do everything we’ve missed over the past couple of years. The CAT is going to make this exploration easy and fun.”
The CAT high-speed ferry, which completes the crossing in approximately 3.5 hours, starts May 19 operating four days per week, increasing to seven days a week on June 23. Service will move to six days per week on September 7 and the season ends October 10. Travellers on foot, motorcycle, car, SUV and RV are all welcome on board.