Yarmouth & Acadian Shore Itinerary

Have you been tasked with planning a getaway for you and your friends but need help figuring out where to start? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Take your travel companions on a two-nation vacation aboard The CAT high-speed car ferry between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Recently, content creator Alaina Pinto and her two friends joined us on an exciting journey and shared everything they did along the way with us. Now, we want to share their itinerary — filled with adventure, fun and a little bit of luxury — with you.

Start your journey by boarding The CAT high-speed car ferry, a 3.5-hour adventure between the US and Canada. Take your car, RV, motorcycle, bike, or walk on. All there is to do next is sit back and enjoy onboard amenities and entertainment. With awe-inspiring coastal views on both sides, it is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of Maine, Nova Scotia and the Gulf of Maine.

Picture this: A remote town tucked away on the tip of Nova Scotia, surrounded by vast expanses of green and the deep blue sea. Yarmouth is a charming gem of a place that is definitely off the beaten path. Where Main Street is still, well, the main street, folks are friendly, the fish are plentiful and having a good time is always on the menu. You will find all of this and so much more, in Yarmouth & Acadian Shores.

Modern and refreshing, The Tru is the perfect place to rest your head at night. Just a short drive from downtown Yarmouth, you will find everything you need and more nearby. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the pool (and slide), free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor playground. Possibly one of the best highlights is that the hotel is within walking distance of Frenchy’s, a Nova Scotia staple for thrifters.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Galley South! This local favourite breakfast spot is a hidden gem found inside the Yarmouth Links Golf and Curling Club. Enjoy lobster eggs benedict and a fresh cup of coffee before embarking on a full day of activities.

Drive the winding, scenic roads to Cape Forchu Lighthouse. Explore the grounds and take their famous “Climb the Light” tour, giving you the best view of Yarmouth’s shores. If you arrive early enough, you might even be able to wave goodbye to The CAT as it makes its way to Bar Harbor!

There is never enough lobster when you are on the East Coast. We recommend checking out Rudder’s Seafood Restaurant & Brewery and trying their delicious lobster dinner! Get a taste of some of Nova Scotia’s freshest seafood and a pint of local craft beer.

With full bellies, it is time to explore the Yarmouth Waterfront. Stroll along the water, taking in all the nautical sights. You are bound to stumble upon entertainment, local public art scenes or even a cozy spot to sit and view the waves before calling it a night.

It’s time to explore the Acadian Shores! Check out of the Tru hotel, and drive to Lower Wedgeport and enjoy a breakfast “You can’t find anywhere else.”

Located in the quaint Acadian community of Wedgeport, J’s Amazing Breakfast offers traditional favourite breakfast dishes, along with Dutch pancakes, crepes and more. Apparently, Alaina and her crew left with cotton candy to go! You never know what surprises await at J’s.

After your group is fuelled for the day on pancakes, hit the high seas and get an authentic taste of East Coast living. Travel on a modern fishing boat for an adventure through the Tusket Islands with Tusket Island Tours. Get a small taste of what it is like to be a lobster fisherman and learn how to haul in a real lobster trap. Enjoy homemade seafood chowder cooked by the captain from a family recipe. Finally, stop at Big Tusket Island and visit workshops and a private fishing shanty.

From boats to Boatskeg, nothing is better than a drink with friends after a day on the water. Boatskeg Distilling Co. is a distillery located in Southwest Nova Scotia that focuses on premium spirits and craft cocktails. Enjoy a signature cocktail while taking in the fantastic views of Pubnico Harbour.

Celebrate the final night of your getaway with a night at the Argyler Lodge. Once checked in, make your way to a dinner at their ocean-to-table restaurant. Open seasonally, the Argyler Lodge offers award-winning cuisine made with only the freshest local ingredients. Try their incredible menu made with produce from the backyard of the restaurant, and seafood caught in the front yard (the ocean). Enjoy a delectable meal with a glass of wine to top off an incredible vacation.

Your adventure continues when you board The CAT for Bar Harbor. On select sailings you will experience live music from local artists and games (such as trivia and bingo) in Forchu Lounge. Grab a meal of fresh pan-fried scallops and stock up on any souvenirs you have left to get the loved ones at home at the Scotia Market Gift Shop. Don’t worry, when your friends talk about how great your trip planning was, you can take all the credit!

Get your trip out of the group chat and book your voyage on The CAT today.

Hero Image: Location: Cape Forchu / Photographer: @daveyandsky