Nova Scotia Extends Yarmouth-Bar Harbor Ferry Service Through 2027
The Province of Nova Scotia and Bay Ferries Ltd. have signed an agreement to continue the Yarmouth-Bar Harbor ferry service in 2027, following a 2026 season that carried approximately 44,000 passengers—a 10 per cent increase over the previous year.
The Province of Nova Scotia and Bay Ferries Ltd. have signed an extension agreement to continue the Yarmouth ferry service in 2027. The route between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine, will operate from May to October next year.
The decision follows a successful 2026 sailing season. The ferry transported about 44,000 passengers during the 2026 season, representing an increase of about 10 per cent compared with 2025. About 85 per cent of ferry passengers are from the United States. A 2026 study showed that people arriving by the Yarmouth ferry tend to stay longer and spend more than average visitors.
Minister of Public Works Fred Tilley commented on the extension as a success under difficult circumstances. Mark Wilson, President and CEO of Bay Ferries Ltd., stated the company is pleased with the delivery of the provincial ferry service.
A recent economic impact study confirmed the ferry service delivers strong returns, including new revenue streams for rural communities and increased economic activity for local businesses. The broader impacts of the service include continued operation for people and businesses relying on it, employment and financial benefits across Nova Scotia, and support for buy-local objectives.
The Province has budgeted about $21 million for the ferry service in 2026. Alongside the extension, the province plans to explore options for a sustainable long-term future for the route.