Nova Scotia Extends Yarmouth–Bar Harbor Ferry Service for One Year
Nova Scotia Public Works Minister Fred Tilley announced a one-year extension of the ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, operated by Bay Ferries. The province spent $21 million on the service in 2026, which carried 44,000 passengers.
Nova Scotia Public Works Minister Fred Tilley has announced a one-year extension of the ferry service connecting Yarmouth, N.S., and Bar Harbor, Maine. The announcement came two days after the high-speed ferry, The Cat, completed its final crossing of the season.
The vessel is currently owned by the U.S. Navy. Because it is American-owned and flagged, regulations require that its crew be from the United States. Tilley described purchasing the ship from the navy as an "ideal option," noting that doing so would allow the province to control the vessel, change its flag to Canadian, and crew it with Nova Scotians.
Efforts to secure a long-term deal for the service are ongoing with operator Bay Ferries. The one-year extension prevents any interruption while those negotiations continue. The province has also invested in facilities used by the ferry in Bar Harbor and remains comfortable continuing with that arrangement.
During the 2026 sailing season, The Cat transported 44,000 passengers, representing an increase of about 10 per cent over 2025. Approximately 85 per cent of the ferry's users were travellers from the United States. The province spent $21 million on the ferry service in 2026.