Cat Ferry to Nova Scotia?
 

Has anyone taken the high speed CAT ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia? Looking for opinions. Thanks!

Hi there- just stopped in to say I am also looking for opinions on the CAT ferry. I was somewhat surprised by the high cost and wondered if you had decided to book. Thanks!

I have never taken the ferry, <b>but</b> I keep wondering what path people envision for their trips that makes the ferry and its destination <I>better</i> than the alternative drive.


I mean, if you're going to visit family in southern NS, or even going for a week-long getaway to Annapolis Royal or Digby and surrounds, then <b>sure</b>!


But the best of the area is up north, and it takes 6 1/2 hours to drive from Yarmouth to Hopewell Cape, NB, for starters, along with 7 hours to Baddeck.

Among the better aspects of NS is that it <u>isn't on the way to anywhere</u>, so the areas aren't overrun by people trying to get to other places. Thus the driving has a moderate tempo, and what may seem like a convenience (albeit an expensive one) just puts most people well out of the way from what they really want/need to see of the area.

But perhaps your interests are such that Yarmouth as a jumping-in point works for you?

Thanks for the response! Yes, you hit the nail on the head. Our destination is cape Breton and PEI - so I am thinking why not just drive if we still have several hours driving in front of us after docking in Yarmouth. If the ferry docked in Halifax, perhaps I'd feel differently. Also, $410 is quite steep for one way, especially since we would also need a hotel room in Yarmouth for the evening (9pm arrival).

Right now our itinerary is this

Either drive or take the ferry to Cape Breton (either option will require an overnight stop)
Three nights in Cape Breton
Drive to PEI
Two night in PEI
Drive back to Maine (perhaps an overnight in NB).

What do you have planned?

At any rate, tie together the bridge to PEI and a visit to <b>Hopewell Cape, NB</b> to <I>(necessitate) your being in/near Moncton at some point</i>, and that makes Yarmouth appear more out-of-the-way and the <I>drive around</i> seem more doable.

The first time I went, I drove up and around and took highway #114 from <I>Penobsquis</i> down to Alma through Fundy NP, and for that it made sense to be even further <I>west</i> (than Moncton) at some point (better justifying the drive around).

Since you're near Moncton, you might as well try to catch the <b>Tidal Bore</b> there too. Maybe even target Moncton for your overnight... thus availing yourself of a low tide at Hopewell Cape AND the tidal bore at some point.


I DO understand the appeal to taking two different paths... but for that you might just opt for the freeway on the way back TO Maine, and the little highway, crossing at Calais, toward St. John, on the way in...

The crazy expense you report further emphasizes the high probability that to drive around is the right move.

Thank you for your thoughts - think we'll drive!

Thanks for the great information!