You're standing on the rugged, salt-sprayed coast of Bar Harbor, looking northeast. Somewhere across that vast, churning grey expanse of the North Atlantic lies Nova Scotia. It looks close on a map. It isn't. People usually underestimate the sheer scale of the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy. They think they can just "pop over" for lunch.
Actually, the journey from Maine to Nova Scotia is a logistical puzzle that involves high-speed catamarans, massive tidal shifts, and some of the most frustratingly beautiful coastal fog you’ll ever encounter. It’s a trip defined by the "Cat," the legendary ferry that bridges the gap between Portland (and formerly Bar Harbor) and Yarmouth. If you miss the boat, you’re looking at a 10-hour drive through New Brunswick that’ll make your eyes bleed.
The High-Speed Reality of "The Cat"
Most people searching for a way to get from Maine to Nova Scotia are looking for the ferry. Specifically, the high-speed ferry operated by Bay Ferries Limited. It’s called "The Cat." It’s a massive, sleek catamaran that cuts the travel time down to about 3.5 hours.
Here is the thing nobody tells you: it is expensive. Honestly, by the time you factor in a car, two adults, and maybe a couple of kids, you might be looking at $600 to $800 for a round trip. Is it worth it? If you value your sanity and don't want to spend two days driving around the "elbow" of the coast, then yes. The ferry departs from Bar Harbor, Maine, and docks in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Wait, check the schedule.
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Seasonality is everything here. The Cat doesn't run in the winter. Usually, the service starts in late May and shuts down in early October. If you show up in November expecting a boat, you’re going to find a very quiet pier and a lot of closed lobster shacks.
Why Everyone Forgets the Land Route
Driving is the alternative. You head north on I-95, cross at Calais (pronounced "Callous" by the locals, don't say "Cal-lay" or they'll know you're from away), and wind through Saint John and Moncton.
It’s a haul.
You’re looking at roughly 600 miles if you start in Portland and head to Halifax. That’s a lot of pine trees. The drive through New Brunswick is beautiful in a quiet, sprawling way, but it lacks the immediate drama of the coast. However, the land route is free—aside from the soul-crushing cost of gas and the inevitable stop for poutine once you hit the border.
If you have the time, the drive allows you to see the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, which you’d miss entirely on the ferry. These are the "Flowerpot Rocks" carved by the highest tides in the world. It's a surreal experience to walk on the ocean floor and then see that same spot covered in 50 feet of water six hours later.
Customs, Passports, and the "Don't Bring This" List
This isn't a domestic trip. You are crossing an international border.
- You need a passport. Or an EDL (Enhanced Driver's License) if you're from certain states.
- Don't bring firewood. Seriously. Invasive bugs like the Emerald Ash Borer are a massive concern. Border agents will seize your wood and probably give you a lecture.
- Check the rules on pet vaccinations. Bringing your golden retriever is fine, but you need proof of rabies shots.
The border crossing at Calais/St. Stephen can get backed up during peak summer weekends. Most travelers from Maine to Nova Scotia forget that they are entering a different country with different rules about everything from radar detectors (illegal in some Canadian provinces) to handguns (very illegal to just "have" in your car).
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The Hidden Gem: The Digby Ferry
Maybe you want a middle ground. You can drive halfway up the Maine coast, cross into New Brunswick, drive to Saint John, and take a different ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia.
This is the MV Fundy Rose.
It’s slower than The Cat. It’s a traditional displacement hull, meaning it feels like a "real" ship. It’s often cheaper, and it puts you right in the heart of Nova Scotia’s scallop country. Digby scallops are world-famous for a reason. They are succulent, massive, and usually pulled out of the water about twenty minutes before they hit your plate.
Taking the Saint John to Digby route is the "insider" move. It breaks up the drive, gives you a break from the steering wheel, and allows you to experience the Bay of Fundy at a slower pace. You might even see a Right Whale if you’re lucky. They frequent these waters, though their numbers are tragically low—only about 360 left in existence.
Logistics You’ll Actually Care About
Nova Scotia is in the Atlantic Time Zone. That means when you cross the border or get off the ferry, you lose an hour.
It catches people off guard.
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You’ll be starving for dinner at 6:00 PM Maine time, but it’s already 7:00 PM in Yarmouth, and in small-town Nova Scotia, many kitchens start closing up early.
Also, currency. While almost everywhere takes credit cards, your bank might hit you with foreign transaction fees. Switch to a card that doesn't have them before you head out. And yes, the "loonie" (the $1 coin) and the "toonie" (the $2 coin) are real. Don't laugh when the cashier hands them to you.
The Weather Factor: Fog is a Character
The weather between Maine to Nova Scotia is moody. It’s not just "rainy" or "sunny." It’s "soup."
The cold water of the Labrador Current hits the warmer air, creating a thick, blinding fog. The Cat is equipped with high-tech radar, so it usually sails, but the views you paid for might just be a wall of white. If you're driving, the fog on Route 1 in Maine or the 100-series highways in Nova Scotia can be terrifying. Moose are a genuine hazard in these parts. A 1,000-pound animal appearing out of a fog bank is a quick way to ruin a vacation.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Stop overthinking it and just pick a direction. But do these three things first:
- Book The Cat at least two months out. It fills up, especially for RVs and trailers. If you wait until July for an August trip, you’re driving the long way around.
- Check your cell plan. Roaming in Canada used to be a nightmare of $10-per-megabyte charges. Most US plans now include Canada for free, but you usually have to "activate" it in your settings or call your provider.
- Download offline maps. There are huge stretches of the drive through Washington County, Maine, and rural Nova Scotia where cell service simply disappears. Google Maps won't help you if it can't ping a tower.
- Visit the Annapolis Valley. Once you arrive in Nova Scotia, don't just stay in Yarmouth. Head to the Valley. It’s the "Garden of Nova Scotia," full of vineyards and cideries that rival anything in the Northeast.
The trip from Maine to Nova Scotia is a transition from one type of rugged beauty to another. Maine is granite and spruce; Nova Scotia is red soil, dramatic cliffs, and a Celtic soul that feels distinct from the rest of North America. Whether you take the ferry or the long road, just make sure you’re looking out the window when the sun finally breaks through the mist.