A Guide to Motorcycle Travel with The CAT

Few things rival the feeling of riding your motorcycle with the warm summer breeze in your face and the coastline leading the way. Nova Scotia and Maine offer some of the most scenic coastal routes out there with warm, salty air, open roads and endless ocean views to take in while you ride. And with The CAT high-speed car ferry, bringing your bike along is easy, so that you can experience the best of both coasts in one unforgettable trip.

Motorcycle spaces on the ferry are limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. We highly recommend making a reservation in advance to secure your spot.

Motorcycle fares are booked separately from passenger fares, so be sure to include both when planning your trip. To bring your motorcycle aboard, you'll need a valid motorcycle license, up-to-date registration and a passport (as you’ll be crossing the border). It's also a good idea to bring gear to secure your bike, such as tie-down straps or bungee cords.

Motorcycles are typically the first to board, so we recommend arriving 60 to 90 minutes before your departure time to check-in and secure your bike. Keep in mind, once parked, you won’t be able to access your motorcycle during the 3.5-hour voyage, as all passengers are required to remain on the passenger deck throughout the crossing.

Here are some additional motorcycle memos to know before you go:

• Motorcycle passengers must walk on/off the ferry. This allows the driver to maneuver at slow speeds.
• Helmets must be worn whenever the motorcycle is moving.
• Steel loading ramps and decks are often wet and slippery. Use caution when boarding.
• Be aware of oil spills from vehicles and raised lashing points.
• Use kickstands for maximum stability. Never use the centre stand.
• Leave motorcycles in gear. If possible, tie back the front brake lever with a small strap.
• Tie-down straps must be used, and are available from the crew if you don’t have your own. Owners are fully responsible for their motorcycles.

Our website offers information on additional general resources and FAQ’s that may be handy to have when booking your trip with us.

We aim to make travelling on The CAT with your motorcycle as easy as possible. The voyage at sea is a quick, scenic way to link two incredible coastal rides and saves time without cutting back on the adventure.

During boarding, our friendly crew is around to lend a hand and help secure your motorcycle. Once it’s parked and safe, you’ll head up to the passenger deck and enjoy the views as you cross the Gulf of Maine. Grab a bite to eat at Forchu Lounge, a coffee from Sip@Sea or relax and enjoy the onboard entertainment. The voyage at sea is a simple and fast way to enjoy cruising two coasts without taking the long way and spending many extra hours on the highway. 

The CAT connects Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, with Bar Harbor, Maine, two laid-back coastal towns just waiting to be explored.

Nova Scotia boasts over 13,000 kilometres of coastline to ride along. From Yarmouth, you can take the Lighthouse Route along the South Shore, passing through picturesque towns, or ride the North Shore through the Annapolis Valley. If you’re up for a longer adventure, make your way to Cape Breton and experience the Cabot Trail, it’s one of the most scenic routes in Nova Scotia. And finally, if you’re visiting in late August, the annual Wharf Rat Rally in Digby is just about an hour from Yarmouth and attracts thousands of motorcyclists each year.

In Bar Harbor, Maine, there are more beautiful routes to explore on two wheels. Acadia National Park is mere minutes away from the terminal, which is where you’ll find Park Loop Road, a 27 km scenic ride full of ocean and mountain views. Another popular road for bikers is Coastal Route 1, a picturesque way to travel with lots of quaint towns to pop in and out of as you ride. 

Whether you want to experience coastal views, cut down on highway travel time or are looking for a unique and fun summer experience, The CAT high-speed car ferry can get you and your motorcycle from coast to coast in just 3.5 hours.

With easy boarding, secure transportation and abundant access to some of the East Coast's most scenic roadways, taking The CAT is part of the adventure. It’s time to start planning! Map out your routes and must-sees, and book your trip aboard The CAT.