NS-USA Ferry Service

I have always traveled to the eastern states from my home in Truro, NS, to show my horses. I recently moved a horse to Maine for training. I have to drive over 8 hours whenever I want to go ride him. If there was a ferry, I would be saved over 4 hours of travel time, let alone help with the driving time. I have also talked to many people in Maine who say they have stopped vacationing in Nova Scotia since the cessation of the ferry.

We've been going to SW Nova Scotia every summer for the past 10 years. My wife is now pretty much refusing to make the trip because of the length of the drive to St. John, NB and the difficulty of driving that far with our now 3 year old child. A Portland ferry would change the equation for us, though the details are important. Trolling the internet for news about the ferry is frustrating; there is minimal information--no sense about where things are headed, and the conditions under which a new ferry service might run. How much would it cost? How long would it take? If traveling overnight, what would be the availability of cabins? It seems to me that the provincial government should be more forthcomming with the details regarding the requirements for bidders, and the state of affairs with respect to infrastructure improvements at the terminal in Yarmouth. More transparency would make it easier for both individuals and businesses to plan for the future, and would reveal to everyone just how feasible a new service is.

Hi I attended university in Halifax in the late 1970s, worked in Bar Harbor Me, am a dual citizen (canadian and american) and so purchasing over 25 acres of oceanfront property was a dream of mine. I did that with a business partner several years back. We sold a few acres so that we could eventually build ocean front dream homes for others. Unfortunately, your inability to continue the ferry service has put us in a serious financial position. I can't sell some of my property but continue to pay my property taxes. Which ironically continue to go up. I am a realtor in Lexington KY and am very aware of the market trends. I worry about Yarmouth. I worry that this lack of investment in your beautiful province will create a problem for everyone. Tourists, residents, etc. Please invest in our future. Karen

I was born in Nova Scotia and have family in Digby. I am a dual american and canadian citizen . I have wanted to move back to Digby for a long time . If there were a ferry going back and forth to Portland that surely would make my decision to move back so much more desirable. I can assure you the tourist travel would add so much to Yarmouth and Nova Scotias economy. .I read in a portland newspaper in February almost as if the ferrry were a done deal. However when talking to my brother in Digby no one seems to know whats going on. Please advise whats happening and if letters of interest from US and Europe expressing interest would help in anyway. Thankyou and I am excited at the prospect of having the ferry service to the US close by.. When its a go I will make the journey back to Nova scotia . :) Margaret

I've been trying to get to Nova Scotia for surfing for years. I would have made at least three runs in the last two years if the ferry service had still be operational. I know others like me who would have done the same. Bo Allen USA Citizen, Rhode Island

As an avid golfer, I am dying to get to Cabot Links, the new links course in Nova Scotia...I'm so disappointed there isn't a ferry to take me from Boston or Portland. Please get this partnership/business back up and running, The links will definitely lose a tremendous amount of money...

My husband and I purchased a summer home near Annapolis Royal in 2003. Our winter home is in Massachusetts. Although we have not yet done so, for the past several years, we have considered putting the summer home on the market and selling it. It has become too much of a burden to make the trip up without the ferry service. I'm afraid that the beautiful little towns in the area are being seriously hurt by lack of tourism between the lack of accessible transportation and the falling American dollar - I can see it already. American tourists are NOT going to be visiting SW Nova Scotia via car when other parts of the province are closer and more easily accessible. The Portland-Yarmouth ferry does not need to be a "luxury liner" - it needs to be a practical mode of transportation similar to the ferry from St John-Digby.

We used the ferries from Yarmouth for years, but the drive is so long to get there it is prohibitive, as is the air fare. Unfortunately we have stopped visiting NS for that reason. Yes, it takes a subsidy to float a ferry service as fares alone will never pay the whole cost. However, roads and bridges are also subsidized, one way or the other. Terminating the subsidy was extremely short-sighted, as the indirect costs to the people of NS are actually higher than the annual subsidy. What a shame.

I just reccomended to a colleage a vacation in Nova Scotia. I told her how easy it was to do from New Jersey. A 6 Hour car ride to Portland. Catch the ferry which is like getting a hotel room, and the next morning you wake up and you are in Nova Scotia. Now I find out there is no Ferry. It really does make a week vacation in Nova Scotia prohibitive, and therefore she and her family will not be visiting Canada. The other part is that I am sure the southern part of Nova Scotia has lost immense amount of tourist due to the lack of a ferry which sort of forced you to see that part of the province. It really is a costly shame for the Province and those of us who have used the ferry in the past with great delight.

We have a summer home near Digby, NS. Given that we live in Chicago, getting there has not been easy since the ferry stopped service from Portland to Yarmouth. It's because of this that we no longer travel to NS every year. Once ferry service starts up, we will be yearly travelers once again!

We have had a campground business on hold for years in Shelburne County due to the lack of accessibility to southwest Nova Scotia without a ferry in place. We are waiting for a guarantee of service before we proceed. Our family would love nothing more than to be part of the solution to the economic woes in this area, but we cannot invest another dollar until service is a go.

Our family first visited Nova Scotia when my oldest son entered the Naval Academy prep school in Newport, Rhode Island. It became a tradition to continue our trek North whenever we returned him to Annapolis every summer. We loved the old ferry and that wonderfully unpredictable cruise to Yarmouth. For a girl who grew up on North Carolina's Down East shore, Nova Scotia's lonely beach scape and friendly folk reminded me of the North Carolina of my youth. Please bring back the ferry and we will come to Nova Scotia again. Our kids still tease about how Mom's going to move to Nova Scotia when she retires. Truly though, this old school principal would dearly love to see Nova Scotia again. Best wishes to a lovely province, Elaine Justice

I reside in Gettysburg, Pa. and have been a grand visitor to Canada and 6 of the Provinces. When the Cessation of Ferry travel from Maine to Nova Scotia occurred it seriously hampered our travel plans. Like most other travelers, the thought and costs involved to drive those 750 or more miles each way was of nightmarish proportion that almost sent me int PTSD from the horrors of the 1960's when the road was tar and cinder. I've been informed that it is still about the same.. I have had the pleasure of twice being aboard the CN Ferry with autos from Maine It was the most pleasant travel I ever experienced. These....the words of a 15 year veteran Rail Road Police Officer who traveled the eastern seaboard as part of my duties--now shaken into retirement. Whoever thought up that scheme to end the prior Ferry services must have been a Gasoline /Petrol Magnet from OPEC. .The cost of all that wasted fuel and tires simply to travel about in the desolate forests of New Brunswick and beyond. I also enjoyed the Ferr from N.S. to New Foundland,, many years ago. Both offered a great period of rest and relaxation, great food and the luxury of almost an Ocean Cruise. PLEASE--reconvene this cherished mode of travel. I do enjoy my time of relaxation--not spent driving 1,600 miles round trip ...It's not fun in today's automobiles.. that ride worse then the Overland Stage coach.. Thank you.

I have not sent in a testimony before , my story is like most of the others , I own property and have business interests in Nova Scotia . I am an Americian , I have used the Scotia Prince , the Cat and now the Digby ferry. I respect the government findings that the two bids received did not meet the qualificatins set forth . I must admit though, I got excited as I read about the bid from Quest Navigation and that shinny new ferry they had in mind . It sounds perfect , the concept of the Scotia Prince was correct , but the boat had become tired and smelled a bit . There is an old quote , it's not only the destination , the journey is part of the experience also . What better way to begin a Nova Scotia experience than on a new vessel , with nice resturants , probably a casino ? and other amenities . It might sound shallow and not the most practical logic, , but if I am reading the studies correctly , the tourist dollar is what will carry this venture . I'm sure there are other ships out there in the world , this one sounded like the answer to Nova Scotia's prayers .

Local residents and businessmen are expressing doubt that there will ever be another ferry to New England. With all due respect for the time and effort of Neal LeBlanc and Keith Condon, neither individual has ever been in a business that depended on a ferry to New England and , therefore, their sense of urgency is suspect! The Federal Government has supposedly committed to the renovation of the Yarmouth Ferry Terminal and dredging of the harbour, so what are they waiting for? Is it "the chicken or egg approach" or is it just political BS ? Getting the renovations started would put some preasure on the Provincial Government, lift the spirits of those tourist dependent businesses hanging on, and remove some uncertainty as to when a vessel, if acquired, could begin to service our port. Will $21 million over seven (7) years be enough. The figure seems unrealistic (too small), just like the the Gardiner Pinfold study which only attributes $16.3 million to tourist spending by our ferry passengers. A recent newspaper article attributed $700 of spending per three (3) day visit and $1500 per seven (7) day visit. If the 320,000 visitors in 2002 only contributed $16.3 million, then something is wrong because that's only $51 per visitor?? A recent request by a member of the SW Nova Scotia Economic Council for tourist data from the Province was refused on the basis that there was a select committee reviewing the data and preparing a report . That data has never been made public. What are they hiding? There are 315 million potential tourists in our neighbor to the South. Visitors come from every State, not just a days drive from Portland. We want them all, so don't limit your sight or our asperations. Get your numbers right and bring both Federal and Provincial governments to the table and see who can put up first. Then go after those across the Bay. Nova Scotia needs a boat now!

It is vital for my future trips from florida to nova scotia to have a ferry that operates from yarmouth to portland, maine, the cat ferry did not work is because it did not accommodate the large transport trucks. Makes sense so lets get the transport trucks on the ferry and make it work financially for everyone. I am a property owner in nova scotia, we need an easier way to get across to the states, the tourism that we need as nova scotia is a beautiful province, with so much to offer.

My family has been spending our summers on the South Shore of Nova Scotia since my grandfather built our cottage in 1930. Our family has been in the area since the first settlers. In my youth I remember the Bluenose in Bar Harbor, and then, as an adult with my own family, the Prince of Fundy & Cat in Portland. It made the trip from Maryland do-able. Since service has been discontinued, I've driven several times, and even took the Digby ferry once, but without a ferry from Portland, I don't see how I'll be able continue in the coming years. Flying and renting a car is cost prohibitive for me, though I've done it the last 2 years. To rent a car for 2 weeks is around $1000. Driving the entire way, leaves me with less vacation time and I'm exhausted for days before and after. I can't believe some kind of option can't be agreed upon. Even seasonally. My Canadian neighbors in business are floundering. I'm looking at my options for my annual trip right now, and am actually devestated to even THINK that I might not be able to swing it. Either I go into debt to fly and rent a car, or I exhaust myself and drive. And gas prices to drive? I'm between a rock and a hard place. But I just don't think I will LIVE if I don't get to my Nova Scotia beach for my peace and rejuvination this summer. Or any summer. I am at a loss.

I had the pleasure about 6 or 7 yrs ago to come to Nova Scotia via "The Cat" I came over from Portland ,Maine , It was just after the height of the highest security. The trip was wonderful and all personnel were very caring and very alert to what was going on,, I stayed in Yarmouth for a day then onto Halifax for 5 more days then back to Yarmouth for another day and met up with a Wonderful friend I had met on line and to this day we are still great friends and I love Nova Scotia. Then took the CAT back to Portland again. I hope that you will please bring back the-water way of transportation from the States .. Thank you

My husband, daughter and granddaughter had the privilege of taking the Cat from Yarmouth to Bar Harbour, the summer of 2010 - it was the best vacation seeing the east coast and spectacular ending to the trip to travel from Canada to the US. As I sit with my best friend, sharing the details - trying to find a ferry for them to do the same, we realized no longer. The ferry service needs to return - it was a great trip and one we had planned on doing again.

My wife and I met on the Scotia Prince from Portland to Yarmouth. It was a magical overnight cruise which turned into a wonderful 30 year marriage. We started our honeymoon on the same cruise as well as our 5th and 10th anniversaries. We were saddened to hear when the ferry stopped operating, and the past couple of times we have traveled to Nova Scotia or P.E.I. , we have ridden the Harley through New Brunswick, which is scenic, but nothing compared to looking out into the Bay of Fundy during the moonlit cruise. We really miss the ferry, Yarmouth and the beautiful drive up the coast to Halifax. Hopefully, service will resume soon.

Since the loss of the Yarmouth ferry, I have watched my hometown in Southwest Nova Scotia suffer innumerable losses. Each time I visit, it is to more shuttered businesses that used to thrive when the ferry was running. Inns, hotels, restaurants and gift shops were the first to feel the pinch but now, as more and more of these businesses close and fewer people can pay their debts or find steady work, we are seeing the suffering spread to many small, local businesses. Please help our beautiful villages in Southwest Nova Scotia by bringing back our beloved (and dearly missed) ferry.

My father was born in Sluice Point, Yarmouth County and I visited once as a child. I now go every summer to visit my cousins and do Acadian research. I used to fly to Portland, Me rent a car and take the ferry to Yarmouth. Now, I fly to Halifax and drive my rental car to my father's homeland. I have witnessed the town of Yarmouth, many of its charming shops and restraunts shuttered or struggling with the loss of the visitors, not to mention the loss of ferry service josbs, from the US and other parts of Canada even, who visited the town as they went on their way after landing from the ferry. Once reinstated, I will take the ferry and repeat my visits the way I used to.

My family has been visiting SW Nova Scotia for over 100 years. The irony is that Nova Scotia was easier to visit 100 years ago than it is now. While the rest of the world has become a "Global Village," the province has slipped back into the shadows, it's charm largely hidden from the outside world by its inaccessibility. The CAT got ahead of itself, delivering speed that exceeded the customer demand while failing to meet the needs of commercial shippers. We need to go back to a more traditional ferry, more economical, more practical, with a brand new business plan. We need the province to kick in while the route gets re-rstablished. And sooner rather than later.

I am from Austria and have buy a place for me and my family in yarmouth county. So my friend, my family and I spend our holidays in Yarmouth. If the ferry start this year we want to have 4 tickets in August to travel to Portland. It is also good for the business in Yarmouth County, because more people are visit this district. This is good for the canadian people in the future. More jobs. we love Canada and make advertising for Canada by our friends.

I am a small business owner in the South Shore of Nova Scotia. We are very much impacted by seasonal residents and tourists form both Canada and the US. I can't see any good reason not to have this ferry service which has such a positive effect on the lives of so many people. I am waiting with excitement to hear the outcome of the recent activity relating to a new boat and the re establishment of service from Yarmouth to Maine and back. I will make sure to book a passage as soon as the opportunity arises!

We have been spending part of the summer in the LaHave Islands for 25 years, and about 8 years ago bought a small house where we now spend two or three months a year. Staying that long makes it worth the long drive. But we have children who can only come for a week or so. Two of them have dogs, so flying is not an option. And 36 hours of driving takes too a large chunk out of a week's vacation. Having a ferry back would make all the difference to them and to other friends who would love to visit.

My family has summered on an island south of Shelburne since 1973. We missed the summer my father died; we have missed every summer since the ferry was discontinued. We didn't contribute enormously to the economy of Nova Scotia but groceries, hardware, tools, books, the laundromat, fruits and vegetables, gasoline, sometimes a car rental, repairs on the outboard motor, purchases at Frenchies, have added up over the years. We hope to see Nova Scotia and our friends again soon.

I am currently a student who attends Saint Mary's University in Halifax NS. I live part time in Halifax and Part time in Portland ME. Without the ferry running my only options are to fly from Boston to Halifax or to drive. Given the extremely high costs of flying I am pushed into driving the ten hour road trip multiple times a year in almost ever weather condition, alone. Although it is cheaper than flying it still leaves me with an extremely large bill to get from one home to another. The discontinuation of the ferry costs me ridiculous amounts of time energy and money. I knows many other students just at Saint Mary's alone that are in the same situation and would fluently use the Yarmouth to Portland Cat if it where available. I would just like to speak on behalf of all us struggling students that the discontinuation of the Cat has not just affected tourism but also has extremely affected our lives.

Planning to visit my family in NS this summer and cheapest way for our family of seven was to fly from Dublin to Boston with the hope of taking the ferry out to NS. Gutted to hear the ferry no longer operates. This complicates our travel plans.

I spent several days in beautiful Nova Scotia with my parents, having taken the Scotia Prince over from Maine. This was in the late 1990s. It was a great taste of "cruising." I have an old friend who will be going to Maine later this year and will have time to travel a bit. My intention was to tell her about taking the ferry to Nova Scotia but I learned it no longer runs when I googled it. How sad! My parents were especially impressed with the clean, fresh air, the friendly people, and the beauty of the place. The ferry was a great way to travel. Too bad it's no longer in operation.