Cape Forchu Lightstation
The iconic 'apple-core' lighthouse a short drive from the ferry terminal. Climb the tower, walk the rocky headland trails, and grab lobster rolls at the on-site café. One of the best first stops after you dock.
Ferry & Arrival Guide · 2026 Season: May 14 – Oct 14
CAT Ferry to Nova Scotia: Yarmouth & Acadian Shores
Schedules, booking tips, car rental on arrival, and onward routes for the high-speed ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine
The high-speed CAT ferry is the primary sea route from the United States to Nova Scotia - a ~3.5-hour catamaran crossing from Bar Harbor, Maine straight into the harbour town of Yarmouth. According to Bay Ferries CEO Mark Wilson, 86% of CAT bookings originate in the United States, making this a service purpose-built for American travelers. The 2026 season runs May 14 to October 14, with 132 round trips planned with 33,832 passengers booked as of Aug 14 - up 37% from early July. This guide covers everything from booking and border documents to car rental on arrival, Yarmouth highlights, and the best onward routes along the Acadian Shore. For live timetables and current fares, always check ferries.ca.
The 2026 CAT Ferry at a Glance
Operated by Bay Ferries, the CAT is a high-speed car-and-passenger 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
132 sailings planned
Sea crossing
~3.5 hours
Passengers to date
33,832 (as of Aug 14; +37% month-over-month)
US-bookings share
86% (Bay Ferries CEO)
On arrival
A rental car is essential
Bookings for 2026 reached 33,832 passengers as of Aug 14 - a 37% jump from 24,613 a month earlier, though about 17% below the 40,950 logged by the same date last season. Bay Ferries says US bookings are holding close to 2025 levels while Canadian bookings are down sharply; 86% of CAT bookings originate in the United States, making this the primary US sea gateway into Nova Scotia. For the current timetable, sailing calendar, and fares, visit ferries.ca.
Before You Board
A little prep goes a long way. The CAT is popular in 2026, so the most important step is to book ahead.
Book early - summer weekends sell out fast
Bay Ferries reported 33,832 passengers booked on The CAT as of Aug 14, 2026 - a 37% jump from 24,613 in early July. Year over year, bookings are running about 17% below the same point last season (40,950): American bookings are holding close to last year's levels while Canadian bookings are down sharply. Summer weekend sailings 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, passport card, or approved NEXUS/Enhanced ID. Have documents ready for both check-in and customs on arrival in Yarmouth.
Arrive 90 minutes early
Vehicle check-in closes well 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.
Vehicle prep & parking
Remove valuables from sight, note your fuel level, and keep keys with you. Long-term parking is available in Bar Harbor - book it ahead in peak summer. Roof boxes, bikes, and trailers are accommodated but may affect your fare and staging lane.
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 car rental first, then explore.
Downtown Yarmouth
Historic sea-captains' homes, the Yarmouth County Museum, and a walkable main street of cafés, galleries, and shops. A relaxed place to stretch your legs and pick up supplies before driving onward.
Whale watching & marine tours
The waters off Yarmouth are prime territory for humpback, minke, and fin whales. Several operators run half-day trips from the harbour - book the day after you arrive so you're not rushing back to the ferry.
Car rental at the terminal
There is no public transit from the ferry terminal, so a rental car is essential. Reserve ahead for the best rates.
Looking for somewhere to sleep the first night? Compare where to stay across Nova Scotia or browse unique stays like lighthouses and glamping.
Onward Routes from Yarmouth
Yarmouth is a launchpad, not a destination in itself. Once you have your car, three classic routes fan out from the ferry terminal - pick the one that fits your trip.
The Acadian Shore (Clare / Baie Sainte-Marie)
45 min – 2 hrs westFollow the French Shore through Meteghan, Church Point (home of Université Sainte-Anne and the largest wooden church in North America), and the Acadian villages of Clare. The richest concentration of Acadian culture in the province.
Acadian Shores Guide →Digby & the Annapolis Valley
1.5 hrs northDrive to Digby for the world-famous scallops and the year-round ferry to Saint John, NB - a natural fit for our multi-province loop. Continue into the Annapolis Valley for wineries, the Bay of Fundy shore, and Blomidon Provincial Park.
Annapolis Valley Self-Drive →South Shore to Halifax
3 hrs eastTake the Lighthouse Route east toward Shelburne, Lunenburg (UNESCO), and Peggy's Cove before arriving in Halifax. The scenic alternative to the faster Highway 103 inland.
South Shore Guide →🗺️ For the Bar Harbor departure side of this same route - 2026 fares, the Maine terminal, and the crossing itself - see our Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia Ferry guide. For Acadian culture, language, and cuisine, the must-read companion is our Acadian Shores Guide - it pairs perfectly with a Yarmouth arrival. Coming from Maine? Our US Traveler Guide covers the full crossing, the Southwest NS Guide rounds out the region, and the Multi-Province Loop covers the Digby–Saint John ferry onward.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Practical Info & FAQ
- How long is the CAT ferry from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth?
- The sea crossing is about 3.5 hours. Arrive roughly 90 minutes early for vehicle check-in and boarding.
- When does the CAT ferry run in 2026?
- The 2026 season runs May 14 to October 14, with 132 round trips planned. Confirm the current calendar at ferries.ca.
- Do I need a passport to take the CAT ferry?
- Yes - the CAT crosses the US–Canada border, so valid travel documents (passport, passport card, or approved NEXUS/Enhanced ID) are required for every passenger.
- Should I book the CAT ferry in advance?
- Yes. Bookings reached 33,832 by Aug 14, 2026 - up 37% in a month - and summer weekend sailings fill early. Reserve as soon as your dates are firm.