CAT ferry service returns Thursday, with increased reservations for 2026

Bay Ferries Limited says bookings between Nova Scotia and Maine are up 30 per cent.

Ferry service between Nova Scotia and Maine begins Thursday and Bay Ferries Limited (BFL), the locally-owned operator of the CAT ferry, says there is increased passenger interest this year.

On Tuesday there were 17,771 passenger reservations for the CAT’s 2026 season, compared with 13,727 at the same time in 2025 -- an increase of more than 29 per cent, according to a news release from the company.

As was the case last year, BFL says most of the bookings are from Americans.

“Traditionally we have seen utilization of the service by Americans in the 75-80% ranges and we continue to see that trend rising in the 80-85% range,” said Kelly Williams, director of corporate services, in an email to CTV News Atlantic.

“We are not concerned or as focused on Maritime Canadians using the service as the driver of the service is all about bringing tourism into Nova Scotia.”

The CAT ferry returned to Yarmouth, N.S., on May 2 following winter maintenance, said the release.

“The entire team focused on training, safety and readiness ahead of the start of the 2026 season,” said Mark Wilson, CEO of BFL. He said the company looks forward to delivering memorable travel experiences for their customers and supporting tourism and hospitality in the Maritimes.

The ferry was scheduled to depart from Yarmouth at 9:30 a.m. local time Thursday and Bar Harbour, Maine at 3 p.m.

The schedule for the 2026 season is:

• May 14 to June 17: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• June 18 to Sept. 21: Daily (no service on July 17 and 21, Aug. 4 and 18 and Sept. 1 and 15 for scheduled maintenance).
• Sept. 22 to Oct. 12 – Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Oct. 13 and 14 – final sailings

“Nova Scotia needs every possible option available to bring visitors to our province and we need predictability and stability of the transportation network,” said Darlene Grant Fiander, president of the Tourism Industry of Nova Scotia.

She said the importance of marine access is important to Nova Scotia’s tourism strategy.

“With global uncertainty at an all-time high, having a direct marine link into the lucrative US market is key for our economic goals for the industry, building on the $3.7 billion tourism results from 2025,” Fiander said.

BFL will release monthly traffic reports during the operating season.

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