What is the story on a ferry from the Olgunquit area to Nova Scotia? Coming from Santa Barbara in 3rd week in June. Is this a day trip? How much? How many hours on N.S.? How long is the trip one way? Boy it's nice getting opinions in this manner. Sincerely Nick

I believe you'd have to leave from either Portland or Bar Harbor. There are at least three ferry companies: Blue Nose (Bar Harbor only), Prince of Fundy (Portland and Bar Harbor) and Northumberland (not familiar with this one). All have websites.

Nick, the closest port of departure from Ogunquit, Maine to Nova Scotia is Portland. The Prince of Fundy line leaves every evening about 8pm for an overnight trip, which returns every morning to Portland. There are package deals which let you go RT with a cabin on the overnight portion, and include your car. The Yarmouth is very boring and unless you're looking for two long rides, I would not recommend just going over and returning without taking a few days to explore Nova Scotia. The ride over from Bar Harbor is shorter, and they use a high speed catamaran, but it still goes to Yarmouth, so if you go, plan on a longer visit than just over/back. Check the web sites for price info:
http://www.princeoffundy.com/
http://www.nfl-bay.com/
Have a great visit.

Nick, If you are making your homebase Oqunquit, I would take the 11 hour ferry ride to Yarmouth. If you plan to go, spend some time in Nova Scotia. You should do the Cabot Trail which is a distance from Yarmouth but a lovely ride. You could do the whole thing and be back in Yarmouth in about 3 days. The boat leaves Portland, Me in the evenings and Yarmouth in the mid-morning. You could take the "Cat" out of Bar Harbor which would take less than 4 hours to Nova Scotia but you will drive 4 hours from Oqunquit to Bar Harbor and the "Cat" leaves at 7:30am so that would mean an overnight stay in BH. Bar Harbor is a lovely area and you can also stop in Boothbay on the way up or back for another nice day.

Any other questions, let us know.

Thank you Donna, Ann and Keiths Nan for some ideas on the ferry to Nova Scotia. Come on out to Solvang/Santa Barbar Ca. some time. Sincerely Nick.