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October 16, 2026

Nova Scotia-Maine Ferry Service Grows Ten Percent Over Last Year

The Nova Scotia-Maine ferry service recorded the second highest passenger numbers of the last five years.

When the 2026 season concluded on October 14, a total of 44,032 passengers and 18,124 vehicles used The CAT ferry between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine. This year’s performance compared to the following last four years:

  • 2025 39,745 passengers 16,233 vehicles
  • 2024 49,299 passengers 19,935 vehicles
  • 2023 38,399 passengers 15,348 vehicles
  • 2022 36,003 passengers 14,972 vehicles

“We had a significant bounce back year despite many issues beyond our control as a company,” said Mark Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bay Ferries Limited (BFL), the operator of the Maine-Nova Scotia ferry service. “The vessel and our teams performed well on all accounts and we were able to grow the service bringing tens of thousands of high value visitors into Nova Scotia."

“Approximately 85% of the total passengers using the service were Americans with Canadians making up the remaining 15%,” added Wilson. “Americans using the service grew year over year making up the majority of the growth.”

Darlene Grant Fiander, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS), noted that The CAT continues to be a very important asset to bringing visitors to the province.

“It is great to see growth over last year which is very positive considering the geo-political climate,” said Grant Fiander. “This continues to be one of several very important tourist conduits into our province and our tourism operators depend on predictability and stability as they work hard to attract visitors to Nova Scotia.”

The vessel completed 120 round trips, with 12 round trips cancelled, all due to weather.

Within the next two weeks, the 2027 season schedule for The CAT will be available and open for the ability to book for travel next year. Marketing efforts for the 2027 season are already underway. Updates on the schedule and the ability to make reservations for next season will be available at www.ferries.ca/thecat.

“We are excited to welcome passengers on The CAT next year and look forward to continuing to grow this important service to the maximum benefit of Nova Scotians,” concluded Wilson.