You're standing in Bar Harbor or maybe driving through the pine-scented stretch of Route 1, and you realize you’re actually pretty close to Canada. Specifically, Nova Scotia. It looks like it's right there on the map, just a quick hop across the water. But honestly, figuring out how to get to Nova Scotia from Maine can be a bit of a puzzle if you don't know the schedule of the ferries or the reality of the long way around.
Most people assume there's just one way to do it. They’re wrong. You’ve basically got two main vibes: the "I want to sit on a boat and eat poutine while a cat jet cruises the Atlantic" vibe, and the "I’m going to drive through New Brunswick and see every roadside blueberry stand in existence" vibe. Both are great. Both take vastly different amounts of time and money.
The CAT Ferry: Speed vs. Wallet
If you want the fastest route, you’re looking at The CAT. This is the high-speed catamaran service operated by Bay Ferries Limited. It runs between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
It’s fast. Sorta. The actual crossing takes about 3.5 hours. But when you factor in the requirement to be at the terminal early for customs and loading, you’re looking at a half-day commitment. The ship itself is a beast—a massive, high-speed vessel that can handle cars, RVs, and motorcycles.
Here’s the thing people miss: it isn't cheap. For a couple with a standard SUV, you might be looking at $500 to $600 USD for a round trip. Is it worth it? If you value your sanity and want to avoid 8+ hours of driving through the woods of New Brunswick, absolutely. The views of the Maine coastline receding and the rugged Yarmouth lighthouse appearing are pretty spectacular.
One thing to keep in mind is the season. The CAT doesn't run year-round. It usually kicks off in late May and wraps up in October. If you're trying to figure out how to get to Nova Scotia from Maine in the dead of January, the ferry is a no-go. You’ll be driving. Also, the Atlantic is moody. Fog can delay departures, and if the swells are too high, that high-speed "cat" feel can get a little bumpy for those without sea legs.
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The Long Way Around: Driving Through New Brunswick
Maybe you like driving. Maybe you have a playlist that needs ten hours of airtime.
To drive from Maine to Nova Scotia, you’re going to head north to one of the border crossings. The big one is Calais, Maine, crossing into St. Stephen, New Brunswick. There’s also the Houlton/Woodstock crossing further north if you’re coming from the Bangor area and want to stick to the I-95.
Once you hit New Brunswick, you’ve got a long stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway ahead of you. You’ll pass through Moncton—stop and see the Magnetic Hill if you want a weird tourist thrill—and then head toward the Chignecto Isthmus. That’s the tiny strip of land that actually connects Nova Scotia to the rest of North America. Without that little piece of dirt, Nova Scotia would be an island.
Why the drive is actually underrated
- The Bay of Fundy: If you drive, you can stop at Hopewell Rocks. These are the "flowerpot" rocks where the highest tides in the world happen. You can’t see that from the ferry.
- Cost: Even with gas prices being what they are, driving is almost always cheaper than the ferry, especially for families.
- Flexibility: You aren't tied to a ferry manifest. If you see a cool diner in Saint John, you stop.
The drive from Portland, Maine, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, is roughly 600 miles. You’re looking at about 9 to 10 hours of seat time, not counting the border wait. Speaking of the border, bring your passport. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people get to Calais and realize their ID is expired or sitting on a nightstand in Boston.
The Middle Option: The Saint John to Digby Ferry
There is a "secret" third option that people often overlook when researching how to get to Nova Scotia from Maine. It’s the MV Fundy Rose.
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This ferry doesn't leave from Maine. It leaves from Saint John, New Brunswick.
So, you drive about two hours from the Maine border into Canada, then hop the ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia. This cuts out the long drive around the "elbow" of the Bay of Fundy. Digby is famous for its scallops—seriously, eat them—and it puts you right on the Annapolis Valley side of Nova Scotia. It’s a slower, more traditional ferry than the high-speed CAT, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s a great compromise if you want some time off the road but don't want to pay the Bar Harbor premium.
Border Realities and Customs
Crossings can be a breeze or a nightmare.
If you’re crossing at Calais/St. Stephen, remember there are actually three different bridges. The "International Avenue" crossing is usually the best for cars and moves the fastest.
Since 2024 and 2025, border tech has improved, but the questions remain the same. They’ll ask if you have firearms, large amounts of cash, or commercial goods. Be honest. Canadians are polite, but the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officers don't play around. Also, check the current rules on bringing across things like firewood or certain produce—pests like the Emerald Ash Borer have made border agents very jumpy about those items lately.
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Which Route Should You Actually Take?
It depends on your destination within Nova Scotia.
- Going to the South Shore or Halifax? Take the CAT from Bar Harbor. It drops you in Yarmouth, and you’re a scenic drive away from Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove.
- Going to Cape Breton or the North Shore? Drive the whole way. Taking the ferry to the southern tip of the province just to drive all the way back up north is a waste of time.
- On a budget? Drive. The Trans-Canada is well-maintained and easy.
- Traveling with a pet? The ferry has specific kennel rules. Some dogs hate it. If your pup is a nervous wreck, the car is better.
Essential Checklist for the Trip
- Passport or NEXUS card: Required. No exceptions for adults.
- ArriveCAN App: While the strict mandates of the early 2020s have loosened, sometimes the app is still the fastest way to submit customs declarations. Check the current status before you leave.
- Vehicle Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers driving in Canada (most US policies do, but it's worth a quick call).
- Roaming Data: Turn on your international plan. Maine’s coast is notorious for dead zones, and once you cross the border, your phone might try to ping Canadian towers at $10 a megabyte if you aren't careful.
Logistics You Can't Ignore
The Bar Harbor ferry terminal moved a few years back. It’s no longer at the old pier downtown; it’s located at 121 Eden Street. Don't go to the wrong spot. Also, the town of Bar Harbor has been very strict about traffic and parking lately, so give yourself an extra 45 minutes just to navigate the tourists and the bus traffic before you even get to the terminal.
If you choose to drive, watch out for moose. This isn't a joke or a Canadian stereotype. In northern Maine and New Brunswick, especially at dusk and dawn, moose are a genuine road hazard. They are huge, they are dark, and they do not move for your Honda Civic.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the Bay Ferries website immediately to see if your dates are even available; the CAT fills up weeks in advance during July and August. If the ferry is booked, map out your drive via Route 9 (The Whalesback) in Maine—it's the shortcut from Bangor to the border, but be warned, gas stations are few and far between on that stretch. Download an offline map of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Google Maps, because once you hit those coastal roads, your 5G will likely disappear into the Atlantic mist. Bookmark the CBSA "Border Wait Times" website to see which Calais crossing is currently moving the fastest.
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