The CAT: Travel Made Accessible

Are you gearing up for an East Coast escape this summer? Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Bar Harbor, Maine, are two perfect picks. Think salty air, stunning coastlines and all the seafood you could ask for. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, it never gets old. Travel on board The CAT high-speed car ferry and you’ll be across the Gulf of Maine and at your destination in just 3.5 hours.

And best of all, everyone is welcome aboard The CAT! We’re committed to making our sailing experience inclusive, accessible and comfortable. Here’s a look at how we make it happen, from accessible features to helpful crew members.

We want your trip to be as seamless and stress-free as possible, so you can sit back and relax during the journey. The ocean views will be waiting, so make sure you’re ready to enjoy them.

If you require any of our support services, let us know 48 hours in advance. For a full list of the services we provide on board, please visit our Assistance Services Page. Once your request is confirmed, we’ll update your booking and let our crew know, so they’re ready to assist you.

When checking in to board the ferry, please arrive at least 1 hour before departure. This ensures someone can assist you and helps everything run smoothly. Plus, it gives you a few extra minutes to settle in and enjoy the excitement of setting sail.

Getting on board with ease is a top priority for everyone. The CAT offers several assistance services and ways to help make the process easy.

If you use a wheelchair, scooter or mobility aid, let our staff know at check-in so they can make sure you’re parked near the elevator for easy access. Speaking of wheelchairs, advance notice isn’t required to bring your own. And while we do have wheelchairs available at the terminals, it’s recommended that you travel with your own. Rest assured, all elevators are designed to accommodate mobility aids, making the boarding process and journey comfortable.

If you use oxygen or use medical devices, be sure to notify the crew during boarding. They’ll be happy to assist, but keep in mind they can’t administer medication or manage medical devices.

We’re proud to offer many services on board to make your voyage enjoyable.

Throughout the ferry, you’ll find accessible tables with plenty of space for mobility aids. Accessible bathrooms are also conveniently located throughout the ferry. Navigating around is made a little easier with braille and large print signage used when applicable.

And there’s so much more! You can learn about all the assistance services you can access when you travel aboard The CAT. 

We happily allow service animals on board at no extra charge (including emotional support dogs, assistance dogs and psychiatric service dogs). Need a quick break before the journey? There are designated pet relief areas available at the terminals. On the ferry, fully trained and certified service dogs will be permitted on the cabin deck, but all other dogs (non-service animals) must remain in your vehicle or the kennels provided on the vehicle deck.

To find somewhere comfortable to sit with your service animal, just ask a crew member during boarding and they’ll help locate the perfect place.

Before travelling, we recommend checking the entrance and import regulations from Canada or the United States to make sure you have everything ready to go and all the correct information needed.

You can find all the detailed information you need on accessibility on our website. We encourage all travellers requiring any type of assistance to review this page. We know travel planning comes with lots of questions, and our team is happy to help. Just give them a call at 1.877.762.7245 and they’ll be ready to support you.

Providing a comfortable and accessible experience isn’t just about having a checklist. We genuinely want you to enjoy your time on board with us. This might mean a quiet corner while enjoying a coffee from Sip@Sea, or sitting back and listening to the live music—there are plenty of ways to enjoy the ride. We’re committed to making The CAT a great way to travel for all.

Book your journey today and experience how accessible travelling can be.