the cat catamaran

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Traveling between Maine & Nova Scotia aboard The Cat ferry

The Cat Ferry is back. This 3.5-hour cruise aboard a high-speed catamaran makes traveling easy between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. And not only that, it cuts the driving time in half.

This international ferry departs Bar Harbor at 3pm EDT arriving in Yarmouth at 7:30pm ADT. And it departs Yarmouth at 9:30am ADT, arriving in Bar Harbor at noon EDT. Remember there’s a one-hour time difference as Nova Scotia is on Atlantic time while Bar Harbor is on Eastern time. Passengers need to allow time for showing paperwork on prior to boarding on either end as well as time to clear through Customs & Immigration when disembarking.

What it’s like aboard The Cat ferry

Numerous lounging areas, order-at-the-counter food service, and a bar make it easy to get comfortable once aboard. Movies are shown on overhead TV screens. And the ferry’s gift shop invites browsing.

Guests can access the outdoors on both sides as well as in the back of The Cat ferry. On my trip, I found the back well sheltered from the wind and quite pleasant, although that likely changes with the weather and wind direction.

On our way over, we were entertained in the bar/front lounge by an acoustic duo: He played guitar, she played flute, and both sang—think easy listening.

Food is served at three locations: one in the front, one in the back, and one mid-ship. Breakfast pastries, pre-made sandwiches, soup, and baked goods are available midship. You’ll find made-to-order coffee drinks and a selection of loose teas along with gelato in the back, and pizza, wings, nachos, and the like in the bar area at the of the ship.

Required paperwork

To sail aboard The Cat, you’ll need appropriate ID: a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license or enhanced ID card; those not born in Canada or the US may need a visa.

History of The Cat ferry

Canada’s Bay Ferries Limited operates The Cat, which is registered in the U.S. and leased from the U.S. Navy. This 349-foot-long (106m) ship began its sea life as a high-speed inter-island ferry in Hawaii named ALAKAI (Hawaiian for Sea Path ). In 2009, the U.S. Navy acquired it, using it in 2010 for humanitarian relief in Haiti.

It remained homeported on the East Coast until April 2016, when Bay Ferries leased it and refit it to operate between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth. When put in service that year, it participating in rescuing two Maine lobstermen during high-seas rescues.

The Cat ferry by the numbers

• 4 MTU 80000-series high-speed diesel engines
• 44000 horsepower
• 4 Rolls Royce water jets and 125 MK II water jets
• top speed is 43 knots or 51 miles per hour
• 22 crew members
• up to 866 passengers and 228 vehicles
• more than 280 whales sighted in 2016

Bar Harbor pilot

Perhaps my favorite moment aboard was watching the harbor pilot from Bar Harbor board the ship to guide it to the dock. The pilot knows where the hidden ledges are, where the channels narrow, and tidal changes. Although The Cat ferry slowed down a bit, both boats are moving when the pilot boards, as you can see from this video .

All the details

The Cat Ferry  operates from mid-May into November.

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The CAT Ferry from Nova Scotia to Maine

Last Updated on September 5, 2023

The CAT ferry is an international high speed ferry that travels from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, Maine and back again. The ferry operates annually from May to October. Whether you are looking for a quick shopping trip to the US from Nova Scotia or you are wanting to eat some lobster rolls in Nova Scotia and enjoy a quick trip to eastern Canada then this is the best way to travel. The CAT Ferry from Nova Scotia to Maine only takes 3.5hours and is quite the adventure.

Table of Contents

Why should you take The CAT ferry?

Halifax, Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, Maine is only an eight hour drive, so why should you take The CAT ferry? The obvious answer here is that the ferry from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Bar Harbour, Maine only takes 3.5 hours. Add on the 3 hours driving from Halifax to Yarmouth and you are still saving time by taking the ferry. Reason number two, to save on fuel. Reason number three because you can stretch your legs, nap, eat, shop, etc. all on board while on the move. Bonus you get to take your car with you of course so it’s still a fun road trip. Taking the CAT saves you from putting at least 700km on your car one way so less wear and tear on your vehicle too.

Taking The CAT ferry from Nova Scotia to Maine is also ideal for family travel. Kids would much rather enjoy the play area, look for whales and dolphins, or watch movies then being stuck in the back seat for hours on end.

How much does it cost to ride The CAT Ferry from Yarmouth to Maine?

The fares vary for The CAT Ferry 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 (14-59) the cost is $210 per person plus $199 per vehicle. Youth (7-13) fares are $125 round trip and seniors (60+) are $200. Kids aged six and under ride The CAT Ferry for free. For more information on fares check out their information page HERE .

The CAT ferry also offers a “Walk-on Atlantic Adventure” ticket that gives you a discounted rate for a 72 hour round trip. Prices start at $175 for adults.

Amenities Onboard

During your 3.5hour ferry ride from Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor there are several things that you can do to keep you entertained. Onboard The CAT Ferry there are three places to eat, a movie area, a play area for kids and a gift shop. On select dates there will also be live music. There are various places to sit from airplane like seats to cafe seating, booths and even large oversized chairs which make a great place for a nap. While cruising on The CAT Ferry don’t forget to enjoy the view. You might spot a dolphin or whale or two!

There is no wifi onboard The CAT Ferry as it travels in international waters. However guests can access the business centre with computers for use for 20 minutes at a time. If you get bored easily it might be a great idea to download a few Netflix or Prime shows prior to boarding to watch on your trip. The ship also has family style games available onboard free to use. Or you could travel with a deck of cards or other table games of your own.

What is The CAT Ferry’s schedule?

The CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia takes approximately 3.5 hours. The ferry departs from Nova Scotia at 9:30am and arrives in Bar Harbor, Maine around 1pm. For a return trip the ferry departs Bar Harbor, Maine at 3pm and returns to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia around 6:30pm. When departing guests must arrive 90min to 1hour before departure time for boarding.

Due to the early morning departure time from Yarmouth to Bar Harbor it is recommended that guests spend the night before departure in Yarmouth. A great Yarmouth hotel recommendation is the Rodd Grand Yarmouth just a 2min drive from The CAT ferry terminal.

Is The CAT ferry pet friendly?

Yes The CAT ferry is pet friendly however all dogs and cats must remain in your vehicle or 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 country’s border rules. Visit The CAT Ferry FAQ page for more information.

The CAT Ferry FACTS

The CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia can hold 800 guests and 200 cars. The boat is 349 feet long and travels at 65 kms an hour or 35 knots. The ferry did not operate in the summer of 2019 due to ferry terminal construction in Bar Harbor. Then the covid-19 pandemic shut down the ferry service for summer 2020 and 2021. The summer of 2022 was the first time The CAT ferry was able to operate between Maine and and Nova Scotia in 3 years.

The CAT, officially known as HST-2 originally acted as a catamaran ferry service between Oahu and Maui in Hawaii. The boat was later bought by the US Navy and is now on a multiyear charter to Bay Ferries Limited based in Prince Edward Island. Bay Ferries also operates two other ferries to Nova Scotia. The Fundy Rose Ferry between Digby, NS and Saint John, New Brunswick and two ferries between Caribou, NS and Wood Islands, PEI.

Tips for taking The CAT Ferry

Don’t forget you need to take your passport! You will be passing through customs when you arrive at each port. If you are traveling from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth you will also need to fill out a customs declaration card. (NEXUS is not currently available on this route.)

Once onboard the ferry you are not allowed to stay in your vehicle or return to it during the voyage. Be sure to bring essentials with you like your wallet, phone and chargers. You might also want to have a sweater or blanket handy just in case you find the boat chilly. If you aren’t the best with boats you will also want to consider bringing gravol/dramamine or ginger chews and other seasickness aids for the trip just in case.

All covid mandates have been lifted in Nova Scotia. Always travel with a mask and use hand sanitizer frequently.

Cailin is a born and raised Nova Scotian with a passion for exploring the world and her home province.

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Thanks for the great info. We are planning to take the CAT over to NS the first week of June. Would love to have your suggestions on getting from The ferry terminal to the Tru by Hilton hotel. Also rental cars and if there is a way to rent a car at or near the terminal. Thanks

Hello Beverly, The Tru by Hilton is just a 6minute drive from the Yarmouth ferry terminal. So you can grab a taxi. I think the hotel is looking into getting a shuttle but that hasn’t been arranged just yet. But you should check with them closer to the date! Also there is an Enterprise Rent-a-car right at the ferry terminal and there are a few other rental car companies in town. I would book a rental car as soon as possible as I hear they are booking up fast for the 2022 season! Happy Travels!

Thanks so much. Great info. I’ll check with Enterprise right away

Thank you for the information on the ferry as we are trying to decide between taking it from Yarmouth to Bar Harbor or to Portland Maine. Do you have any thoughts on the difference besides the amount of time and cost?

Hello Janet, The CAT Ferry actually used to go from Yarmouth to Portland and back again. But now it only goes from Yarmouth to Bar Harbour and vice versa. Hope that helps!

Hi Cailin We are planning on taking the cat ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia the end of July 2022 Do we still need to fill out the ArriveCan and is the Covid mandates still lifted for Nova Scotia?

Hello Chris, as far as I know you do still need the ArriveCan app. All mandates are currently lifted right now in Canada as well, but it can’t hurt to bring masks with you and still take precautions.

When will booking open for 2023? I hope to take the ferry from Yarmouth to Bar Harbor in September 2023.

Hello, I am not sure when booking will open for them. But you don’t need to book too far ahead. Check back next spring?

It says for a round trip–I am a senior 200 plus 199 for my car–can I come back in 2 days r do I have to come back same day for the round trip fare

Round trip does not need to be the same day. It can be whenever you want!

Hello Cailin, I’m looking for contact info for Scotia Market Gift Shop that was on board on our trip to Yarmouth this fall. Can you help?

Hello Mark, the giftshop is specific to the ship and it doesn’t exist elsewhere. Is there a certain product that you are looking for that I could help you find?

Hello Cailin, We will have a US citizen baby (1.5 years old) with us He will not have a passport. Will a US Birth certificate be enough?

Hello Sara, I found this online – “U.S. and Canadian citizen infants are not required to have a passport for travel by land or sea – although they are required to present a copy of a birth certificate and, if not traveling with both parents, the Department of State suggest a consent letter accompany the other parent(s)”. Hope that helps!

[…] are driving from another part of Nova Scotia, arriving on the Digby Ferry from New Brunswick or the CAT Ferry from Maine, the town of Yarmouth should be a main stop for you to visit in Yarmouth County. The […]

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Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Cailin

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The ferry between Bar Harbor, Maine and Canada is back in service after 13 years

The 3.5 hour trip gets you to Nova Scotia in no time with lots of onboard fun.

If you’ve stood on the Maine shoreline for the last 13 years awaiting your ride to Nova Scotia , your lips buttery with lobster residue, you’re in luck. Now you can finally take the Bar Harbor ferry which has resumed service after more than a decade, as reported by Travel + Leisure .

Launching from the adorable Bar Harbor (‘Bah Hah-bah’ in local vernacular), the 3.5-hour one-way trip to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia is a speedy, wave-cresting ride on the CAT High Speed Ferry for all sizes of vehicles. Even RVs and tour buses can fit on this sturdy vessel. But if you’re traveling lighter, you can also board on foot or on your bicycle, and you can bring your dog along, too. Since Bar Harbor is the front door to Acadia National Park with its incredible biking trails, you can organize a trip that lets you bike in Canada in the morning and in the US in the afternoon. The ferry leaves Yarmouth each day at 9:30am and departs from Bar Harbor at 3pm.

The Cat’s service between Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia was suspended in 2009, reports the Portland Press Herald , and the embarkation point was moved to Portland , Maine instead. The Portland route stopped in 2018 due to construction delays at the terminal — and then of course the pandemic reared its head. Many are thrilled to have The Cat return to Bar Harbor.

The ferry is more than just a place to park it and wait. Besides the gusty winds off the Atlantic and the ferry’s gorgeous sea views, there’s an onboard movie area where you can watch the film of the day, a cafe with homemade gelato, a cafeteria for more sturdy fare and a lounge for more liquid fare. There’s sometimes live music, or if you prefer to disappear into your headphones, the Bay Ferries Limited and Northumberland Ferries Limited have created a 3.5 hour playlist to listen to as you sail along. Bonus: depending on the time of year and your luck, you might spot a whale off the bow.

Check the website for discounts: right now, if you book two passengers and a vehicle, you can get three additional passengers on the ferry for free. Kids 6 and under ride for free all season long. And Nova Scotia residents get 50 percent off all passenger fares.

As for the small print details, make sure to have your passport, passport card or, depending on your home state, an enhanced driver's license or identification to board the ferry. If you are not vaccinated against Covid, you must do an on-arrival test in Canada, a Day 8 test and a 14 day quarantine—and all arrivals must register with the ArriveCAN system. Anyone entering the US who is not a resident is required to be fully vaccinated against Covid. Check website for more details.

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