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Cat Ferry To Nova Scotia

Final Count Of 37000 To 41000 Passengers Projected

The Cat ferry resumes service between Nova Scotia and Bar Harbor after 13-year hiatus

Bay Ferries says that as of Sept. 1 it had sold 35,056 passengers tickets for the 2022 operating season.

Ticket sales are still ongoing. The service runs to Oct. 10.

The ferry did not sail in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The past two years of cancellations were due to the COVID pandemic.

Bay Ferries says that rebuilding inbound U.S. tourism while COVID still exists is a Canada-wide challenge.

Despite Statistics Canada reporting an approximate 40 per cent drop in the number of U.S. vehicles entering Canada in summer 2022 as compared to summer 2019, Bay Ferries is making progress this year in re-establishing the service between Nova Scotia and Maine, it said in a Sept. 8 statement.

In our last pre-pandemic year, we carried approximately 50,000 passengers. This year we expect to carry 37,000 to 41,000 passengers.

What Is The Cost Of The Ferry From Nova Scotia To Newfoundland

The cost of the ferry from nova scotia to newfoundland is $100 per person. The ferry ride takes approximately 3 hours.

Getting there means flying or taking a ferry to Newfoundland, which is a large island off the east coast of mainland Canada. It is not possible to cross the ocean between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Approximately 95% of all visitors to Newfoundland arrive by ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Newfoundland via the ferry. There is a restaurant on both the ferry to Port-aux-Basques and the ferry to Argentia. Because the MV Caribou is the largest ferry in Canada, it is comparable to traveling on a cruise ship rather than a car ferry. You can travel the world with friends, explore the outer reaches of the ocean, and enjoy the scenery. The ferry that connects North Sydney, Nova Scotia, with Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland, is available all year.

Visitors to the area may be able to find a non-traditional rental car, such as one provided by a moving company. Is there a reliable resource for driving through provinces? Regular travelers are not permitted to enter New Brunswick or Nova Scotia. Is it legal to drive through a gas station? Toronto is also an Ontario city. My daughter lives near Gander, so Ill be getting my second Covid shot soon. Its about 45 feet long, and hes using it for my brothers birthday.

How Much Does It Cost To Ride The Cat Ferry From Yarmouth To Maine

The fares vary for The CAT depending on if you are walking on, or what kind and size of vehicle you are driving and of course your age. For a round trip fare for an adult the cost is $210 per person plus $199 per vehicle. Youth fares are $125 round trip and seniors are $200. Kids aged six and under ride The CAT Ferry for free. For more information on fares check out their information page HERE.

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What Is The Customs Procedure

At check-in in Bar Harbor, passengers will be issued a Customs declaration form to complete before arrival in Nova Scotia. Upon arrival to port, all passengers will present their passport and declaration form to Customs for entry into the country. No declaration form is currently required for entry to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Passengers traveling via vehicle or bicycle will drive to a Customs checkpoint where they will present documents for entry.

Passengers traveling without a vehicle will present themselves to Customs with all their bags in hand.

Only Customs can determine if you are permitted to enter the country. Bay Ferries Limited cannot be held responsible in any way for individuals who are inadmissible or who do not hold the necessary documentation to enter Canada or the United States.

Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving Under the Influence conviction is considered a felony in Canada. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information.

See Maine’s Acadia National Park By Day And Nova Scotia By Night

The CAT: Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia The fastest way to ...

In busy Bar Harbor, one of my favorite spots has always been the town pier, where even as a kid, I was mesmerized by the sea of boats, ferries, and cruise ships that would moor their vessels for a beat. I loved to watch the coming and goings of passengers, the excitement upon arrival, and the final glance back as they depart.

For whatever reason, it was The Cat that always stood out the ferry that brought passengers between Maine and Canada.

A few decades later, with children of my own, I finally got to experience The Cat for the first time, as the service between Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia resumed after a 13-year hiatus.

“Personally, I think the best indication for whether or not The Cat’s return to service is a success is how many folks come down to the water on either end of the route to wave us in,” said the vessel’s captain, Stu Coniglio, who recalls seeing the “rubberneck effect” in Bar Harbor after training routes began.

The ferry has evolved since my childhood days. In fact, it’s an entirely different boat, docked in a different location, and the route is completed even faster these days. In just 3.5 hours , visitors and their vehicles can arrive in another country.

Mere minutes after stepping aboard The Cat , I said to my family, “If I could always travel this way, I would.” Of course, The Cat is not a cruise ship, but the interior is so pristine and the onboard amenities so plentiful that I was hooked.

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Is The Cat Ferry Pet Friendly

Yes The CAT ferry is pet friendly however all dogs and cats must remain in your vehicle on in a kennel on the vehicle deck. You are not able to visit your pet during the crossing. Certain pets also require specific documents and vaccines by each countrys border rules. Visit The CAT Ferry FAQ page for more information.

The Cat Ferry: The Perfect Getaway

If you want to get away quickly and easily, the CAT ferry is the way to go. The ferry leaves Bar Harbor, Maine, every 3.5 hours, making it a convenient and quick way to travel between Nova Scotias Yarmouth and Maines Bar Harbor. With a starting price of $60 per person, this is an affordable option for almost any passenger.

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The Cat Ferry: A Convenient Way To Travel Between Maine And Nova Scotia

It is possible to travel between Portland, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada via ferry. By using CAT ferries, travelers can travel between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in just 3.5 hours, making it a convenient and cost-effective option. It is ideal for those on a budget or looking for a hassle-free transportation option because it has a wide range of recreational vehicles, pickup trucks, SUVs, cars, tour buses, motorcycles, and bicycles available. The ferry is priced at US$60 per person for children aged 6-13, and US$99 for adults aged 14 and up.

A Guide To Ferries In Nova Scotia

THE CAT Ferry Tour, Maine to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a peninsula with 13,000kms of coastline and is home to over 3,800 islands of all sizes. With so many islands and such a large coastal area getting around by boat is a common means of transportation in certain parts of the province. In Nova Scotia you will find seven provincially operated ferries, two city operated ferries, four interprovincial ferries and one international ferry. Some of Nova Scotias ferries are free, some are really cheap and others can be quite pricey depending one where you are going.

Ferries in Nova Scotia are used to connect islands to the mainland, or to quicken a route where a bridge isnt able to cross. Whether its a 15minute cruise with gorgeous city views, a unique 14 car cable ferry or a seven hour journey from Newfoundland you will enjoy your ferry travel in and to Nova Scotia. This guide to ferries in Nova Scotia you will help you navigate your next ocean going adventure.

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Ns Premier And Minister’s Comments About Cat Ferry Service Draw Reaction And Concern

Cat service will be reviewed at end of season says premier, with minister saying contract cancellation an option Supporters say ferry is important, more so than ever during COVID recovery

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THESE SALTWIRE VIDEOS

YARMOUTH, NS The 2022 return of the Nova Scotia-Maine ferry service has not only been important economically to the tourism sector, says the Yarmouth and Area Tourism Association , but it creates confidence and optimism moving forward.

This is important as the sector rebounds from the COVID pandemic.

Tourism operators throughout the region are finally able to build towards recovery, says Neil MacKenzie, CEO of YASTA. Tourism operators in western Nova Scotia are extremely happy to finally have direct access to the U.S. market again. The impact has been massive.

Which is why Sept. 8 comments from Premier Tim Houston expressing disappointment over ferry numbers and comments from Minister of Public Works Kim Masland who suggested cancellation of the ferry contact is an option are being met with concern by many in Yarmouth, the port where the ferry docks and where significant investment for the ferry service has been made.

Cat Ferry To Yarmouth From Maine

Cat Ferry between Yarmouth and Maine

The Cat Ferry is a slick, high-speed catamaran, that gets you and your car from the American state of Maine to Yarmouth, on the southwest tip of Nova Scotia.

It runs from late May to mid-October, with 3 to 4 sailings each week from both Portland and Bar Harbor.

Once on board, you can relax in a cafe, take a punt in the casino or watch a movie.

The crossing can be rough so take some motion sickness pills if youre prone to seasickness.

Saving on driving time is the main reason to take the Cat Ferry. Its 3 hours on the boat if youre coming from Bar Harbor and 5-1/2 hours from Portland but it takes about 10 hours to drive to Yarmouth from Portland.

If youre heading for the northern half of Nova Scotia, its just as efficient to drive through New Brunswick and save yourself the cost of the ferry.

Book in advance, especially during the peak summer season and definitely if youre planning to take a vehicle along. Dont forget to allow an extra hour on either end for getting on and off the boat.

The downside of the Cat Ferry is its cost. An adult foot passenger pays $69one-way from Bar Harbor and $99 from Portland, plus a $10 U.S. security fee. From Portland, you can pay $139return on a Weekend rate and stay up to 64 hours. Children 5 and under travel for free.

For a small car and trailer, add on another $115 for the Bar Harbor-Yarmouth run or $164 for the Portland-Yarmouth sailing, plus a $25 fuel surcharge each way.

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Are Pets Permitted On Board

Dogs and cats are permitted to travel on The CAT and can remain comfortably in their owners vehicle or in an onboard kennel located on the vehicle deck. For safety reasons, pet owners are not permitted to visit pets during the voyage, therefore we ask that you ensure your furry friend has adequate food, water, and fresh air. Crew members monitor the vehicle deck during the voyage and will be sure to make pet owners aware of a distressed pet. Guests traveling with pets should call to notify us so we can note it on their reservation. Appropriate veterinarian-issued certificates are required and must be shown at check-in.

Prices Of The Cat Ferry

The CAT is back! Bookings are now available for The CAT Ferry ...

We paid approximately $300 for the car and 5 adults round trip. This is a little more expensive than some crossings, but we dont mind paying a little more when we can relax and utilize all that the ferry has to offer in terms of amenities and free wifi! Plus it shaves a good 2-3 hours off your travel time.

I always recommend this ferry if you want to break up your long drives with an overnight stay along the way. 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 ferry was so easy and stress-free to use, plus they have plenty of options available for the whole family!

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The Cat Ferry From Maine To Nova Scotia

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Want to make quick work of a road trip from Maine to Nova Scotia? The CAT ferry will help you do just that.

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

Take a break from driving and enjoy the journey! With free WiFi, it is 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 . Plus there are delicious food options like pizza slices and ice cream cones that will be sure to hit the spot after hours on the road!

The Halifax Ferry To Dartmouth

The Halifax ferry to Dartmouth is operated by Halifax Transit who also runs the citys buses. There is one ferry terminal on the Halifax side of the Halifax Harbour located on the waterfront at the bottom of George St. . The ferry travels directly to one of two Dartmouth ferry terminals. One is the Alderney Landing ferry terminal which will bring you right into downtown Dartmouth at the bottom of Portland St. This is a great ferry to take if you want to explore downtown Dartmouth by foot. Do some shopping, grab a bite to eat or visit one of the great breweries, cideries or beer bars located nearby.

The second Dartmouth ferry terminal is located in Woodside. There are a couple good places to eat near this ferry terminal or you can jump on a bus for a quick 20min drive to Fishermans Wharf. Here you will find a few more places for seafood, cute souvenir and art shops and a small provincial park. The Woodside ferry terminal is most commonly used by locals commuting for work or to school at the NSCC Ivany Campus.

Halifax to Dartmouth Ferry Fares: 0-12 free, Youth 13-17 and seniors $2.00, adults $2.75. Cash only or pre-purchased tickets from a store. Get a transfer when you board and use it for your return ferry trip if its within 90minutes. Click HERE for the schedules.

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Province To Review Service

So far the numbers dont impress Premier Houston.

I certainly am absolutely disappointed with the numbers. Nova Scotians have invested a significant amount in an operation over the last number of years and I think every Nova Scotian should be disappointed with the uptake on the service.

Millions are spent annually by the province to operate the ferry service. The province also paid millions to upgrade the terminal facility in Bar Harbor. The province contracts Bay Ferries to serve as the operator of the service. The contract runs to 2026.

Houston says the government will wait to see how the remainder of the season shapes up.

I think everyone has always been hopeful that things will turn around. I havent seen that yet, but well let the season finish out, he told reporters on Sept. 8. Well look at the final numbers and make some decisions based on that.

Minister Masland, however, went a step further, saying theyll evaluate the service and one option could be canceling the contract.

“That would be a possibility, yes, absolutely, she told reporters.

Bay Ferries monthly traffic updates have pointed to market challenges this year, which include fuel prices and rising inflation encumbrances, or perceived encumbrances, of international cross-border travel and a reluctance people still have to travel due to COVID.

What To Know About The Cat

Cat canceled

A post shared by The CAT Ferry

The CAT ran for 12 seasons before 2018. During this time, it brought 1.7 million travelers from Maine in the US to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in Canada. This isnt the first time The CAT has made a comeback, though. Its story starts in 1998 as a replacement for a decommissioned ferry passage between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine.

The first interaction of The CAT was the HSC INCAT 046. It was an ultra-fast Australian-built catamaran that ferried passengers between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbour, Maine. The second version was the INCAT 059, which replaced the old model in 2006 as service was extended in the Gulf of Maine to include routes between Portland and Bar Harbor as well as Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Unfortunately, ferry services were suspended in 2009 until The CAT came under new ownership in 2016. Until the end of the 2018 season, The Cat ran between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Portland, Maine.

The current iteration of The CAT is a former Hawaiian super ferry. It gets to keep its title as The Cat, but it is a chartered ship from the US Navy operated by Bay Ferries.

The return of The Cat also comes with a return to its classic route. It will be running between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine, as it did when it first came into service.

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