Nova Scotia - Maine Ferry Service Recorded Second Highest Numbers in Last Four Years

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

When the 2025 season concluded on October 15, a total of 39,745 passengers and 16,233 vehicles had used The CAT ferry between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine. This year’s performance compared to the following last three years: 

2024 49,299 passengers 19,935 vehicles 
2023 38,399 passengers 15,348 vehicles 
2022 36,003 passengers 14,972 vehicles 

“The vessel and crew had a strong operating season in terms of safety, reliability and customer service,” said Mark Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bay Ferries Limited (BFL), the operator of the Maine-Nova Scotia ferry service. “It is a testament to the hard work of the team at BFL and all our key contractors that 2025 was a solid year, despite many issues beyond our control as a company.” 

A significant drop in Canadians using the service was the number one factor in the overall year-to-year decline in passenger bookings. 

“We held very close to our prior years’ US bookings to Nova Scotia,” added Wilson. “While Canadians are travelling less and less to the United States, The CAT is still bringing in tens of thousands of American visitors into Nova Scotia.” 

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

“Given everything that has happened this past year with the geo-political climate, this service was able to continue to bring large numbers of high value tourists to all of Nova Scotia,” said Grant Fiander. “This is a 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 119 round trips, with 13 round trips cancelled – 12 weather related and 1 due to a technical issue. 

Within the next two weeks, the 2026 season schedule for The CAT will be available and open for the ability to book for travel next year. Marketing efforts for the 2026 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,” concluded Wilson.