Nova Scotia is a peninsula with 13,000kms of coastline and is home to over 3,800 islands of all sizes. With so many islands and such a large coastal area getting around by boat is a common means of transportation in certain parts of the province. In Nova Scotia you will find seven provincially operated ferries, two city operated ferries, four interprovincial ferries and one international ferry. Some of Nova Scotia’s ferries are free, some are really cheap and others can be quite pricey depending one where you are going.
Ferries in Nova Scotia are used to connect islands to the mainland, or to quicken a route where a bridge isn’t able to cross. Whether its a 15minute cruise with gorgeous city views, a unique 14 car cable ferry or a seven hour journey from Newfoundland you will enjoy your ferry travel in and to Nova Scotia. This guide to ferries in Nova Scotia you will help you navigate your next ocean going adventure.
Table of Contents
The Halifax Ferry to Dartmouth
The Halifax ferry to Dartmouth is operated by Halifax Transit who also runs the city’s buses. There is one ferry terminal on the Halifax side of the Halifax Harbour located on the waterfront at the bottom of George St. . The ferry travels directly to one of two Dartmouth ferry terminals. One is the Alderney Landing ferry terminal which will bring you right into downtown Dartmouth at the bottom of Portland St. This is a great ferry to take if you want to explore downtown Dartmouth by foot. Do some shopping, grab a bite to eat or visit one of the great breweries, cideries or beer bars located nearby.
The second Dartmouth ferry terminal is located in Woodside. There are a couple good places to eat near this ferry terminal or you can jump on a bus for a quick 20min drive to Fisherman’s Wharf. Here you will find a few more places for seafood, cute souvenir and art shops and a small provincial park. The Woodside ferry terminal is most commonly used by locals commuting for work or to school at the NSCC Ivany Campus.
Halifax to Dartmouth Ferry Fares: 0-12 free, Youth 13-17 and seniors $2.00, adults $2.75. Cash only or pre-purchased tickets from a store. Get a transfer when you board and use it for your return ferry trip if it’s within 90minutes. Click HERE for the schedules.
Other Halifax Harbour Ferry Services
There have been talks about a Halifax to Bedford ferry being started but that has yet to happen. You can also take boat tours from the Halifax waterfront including one that will take you to George’s Island. In the summer months there is also a Harbour Water Taxi available.
Small Community Ferries in Nova Scotia
There are seven provincially run community ferries in Nova Scotia. Four of the ferries are cable ferries and the others are self propelled. As of June 2021 all of these ferries have been made FREE to use.
There are two ferries on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. The Tancook Ferry is a walk on only ferry that departs from Chester, Nova Scotia to the Big and Little Tancook Islands, home to 200 residents. In summer 2022 the ferry departure point will be moving to Blandford, Nova Scotia and will have a new boat that can carry vehicles. The new Tancook Ferry will also be a shorter trip from the mainland. The other ferry on the south shore is the LaHave Cable Ferry. This ferry crosses the LaHave River which saves you a 35 minute drive through Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
Along the Fundy Shore there are two ferries that connect Digby Neck with Long Island and Brier Island. This area of the province is home to fishing communities that fish in the Bay of Fundy and it is also the perfect location to go whale watching. The Petit Passage Ferry and Grand Passage Ferry operate on a 1hour schedule. However if the ferry is full (about 24 cars) the boat will return for you quicker than the schedule allows. If you are taking the ferry to get to a whale watching tour make sure you arrive early.
Located on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is the Country Harbour cable ferry connecting smaller communities and allowing quicker access for emergency vehicles. Taking this ferry can save you at least an hour in travel time. This ferry isn’t always operating so check before you go and pay attention to the road signs to see if it is running.
Pets are allowed.
Cape Breton Ferries
The other two provincially operated ferries are located in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Little Narrows Ferry in Cape Breton is one of the shortest ferry routes in Nova Scotia. Although short, it helps connect the Baddeck and Sydney areas of Cape Breton decreasing driving times for locals and tourists. The Englishtown Ferry is also very short and connects the Cabot Trail to the Baddeck area. The ferry helps create the loop of the Cabot Trail and is used quite frequently.
Cape Breton Provincial ferry fares: FREE
Pets are allowed.
Ferries to Nova Scotia
Ferries from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and Labrador
There are four other ferries in Cape Breton, but these ones are much larger and travel a lot farther. Marine Atlantic operates the MV Atlantic Vision, MV Blue Puttees, MV Highlanders and the MV Leif Ericson from North Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to two points in Newfoundland. The MV Atlantic Vision travels from North Sydney to Argentia, Newfoundland seasonally from June to September. This is a 16.5 hour journey and rates start at $117 for adults to walk on one way. Add on $235 for a car $177 for a two bed cabin per one way trip. If you want to sleep and have privacy on the voyage definitely book a cabin in advance. The Argentia route only operates three times a week but does get you only a 1.5hour drive away from St. John’s.
The MV Blue Puttees, MV Highlanders and MV Leif Ericson travel year round from North Sydney to Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland. The trip from North Sydney to Port Aux Basques takes 7hours and brings you to the west coast of Newfoundland. Port Aux Basques is 2hrs and 20mins from Corner Brook, NL, or 3hours 10min to the Gros Morne National Park of Canada. It would take you about 10hours to drive to St. John’s from there. Rates start at $44 for adults to walk on one way. Add on $115 for a car and another $54 for a two bed cabin per one way trip.
Pets are allowed onboard both of the Nova Scotia to Newfoundland ferries. However rules apply and they are not allowed in cabins. If you must travel with your pet it is advised to take the shorter Port Aux Basque ferry. Learn more HERE.
PEI Ferry to Nova Scotia
Traveling between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia you can take the confederation bridge via New Brunswick or the ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, PEI. The PEI ferry to Nova Scotia operates seasonally and takes 75minutes. There are two ships that travel this route the MVHoliday Islandand MVConfederation. Both ships offer the same amenities except MV Confederation also has a Cow’s Ice Cream on board. These ferries are operated by Northumberland Ferries Limited who also operate Bay Ferries Limited and the ferry to New Brunswick and the CAT ferry to Bar Harbour, Maine.
If you are planning on taking the PEI to Nova Scotia ferry make sure to book a reservation in advance. Then you have a confirmed time slot and are guaranteed boarding. If you arrive without a reservation you might be able to still get on but if it fills up you might have to wait for the next ferry.
Fares for the PEI to Nova Scotia Ferry: $22 for adults and $19 for seniors roundtrip. Plus car fares starting at $84 round trip.
Pets are allowed onboard the PEI Ferry to Nova Scotia. However they must remain in your vehicle or be leashed and stay on the exterior passenger decks.
Saint John, New Brunswick Ferry to Nova Scotia
The Saint John, New Brunswick Ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia sails straight across the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest ocean tides in the world. Operated by Bay Ferries Limited this journey takes you about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Passengers will ride aboard the Fundy Rose which makes crossings daily year round. The ferry departs Saint John, NB at 0900 and departs Digby, NS at 1600.
The Digby to Saint John Ferry is great to take if you are doing a Nova Scotia road trip and want to make a little detour through New Brunswick. Spend a couple days exploring Saint John, take a scenic drive through the Fundy Trail Parkway, stop at the Hopewell Rocks, then head back to Nova Scotia for more adventures. Or travel on the ferry from Saint John to Digby. Eat scallops in Digby, explore the Annapolis Valley or grab some delicious seafood in Yarmouth. Then make your way around the rest of the province.
Fares for the New Brunswick to Nova Scotia ferry start at $67 for adults round trip plus, $120 per car.
Pets are allowed onboard but the must remain in your car or in ferry provided kennels.
Ferry to Nova Scotia from Maine
The CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia is the only international ferry to the province. This ferry hasn’t operated since the end of the 2018 season. In May 2022 it will be first time in three years that you can take the CAT Ferry from Bar Harbour, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The boat is a high speed catamaran that takes only 3.5 hours to travel between Yarmouth and Bar Harbour, Maine. There is one sailing a day departing from each destination. The ferry departs daily at 9:30am from Yarmouth, NS and daily from Bar Harbour, Maine at 3pm.
To take the Maine ferry to Nova Scotia you must pass through customs at each ferry terminal. You also need to travel with your passport. Fares onboard the CAT Ferry start at $210 per person round trip plus $199 per vehicle.
Pets are allowed onboard and but must remain in your vehicle or in a kennel.
Hopefully this guide will help you plan your road trip to and around Nova Scotia via boat!
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FAQs
What is the best way to see Nova Scotia? ›
Bus – Taking the bus is the best way to get around Nova Scotia if you don't have a car. Maritime Bus connects most towns in the province. A two-hour trip from Halifax to Lunenburg is 26 CAD, while Halifax to Mahone Bay takes an hour and costs 20.25 CAD. Halifax to Sydney (Cape Breton) costs 72 CAD and takes 6 hours.
What time of year is best to go to Nova Scotia? ›Nova Scotia's summers are warm and make the perfect time to see and do everything on your list. Visit Nova Scotia between May and October for the best weather. If you want to avoid the peak season as much as possible, choose the very beginning and end of summer and visit in either May or October.
How long is the ferry from Bar Harbor Maine to Yarmouth Nova Scotia? ›The high-speed CAT ferry travels between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in just 3.5 hours.
How much does it cost to take the ferry from Portland Maine to Nova Scotia? ›Fares. One-way passenger fares are US$99 per adult (14 to 59 years old), US$ 95 per Senior (60+), US$60 per youth (6 to 13), free for kids 5 and younger.
What should I not miss in Nova Scotia? ›- Halifax Public Gardens. 4,081. ...
- Peggy's Cove Lighthouse. 3,069. ...
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. 3,804. ...
- Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. 2,178. ...
- Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk. 3,348. ...
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. 3,227. ...
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park. 1,556. ...
- Cabot Trail. 1,803.
You'll need at least a week to road trip Nova Scotia, but longer is better. You should set aside another few days (at least three or four) to explore Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail (click that link to see our epic guide to the Cabot Trail!).
When can I see Northern Lights in Nova Scotia? ›They could be seen better during the darker period from September through March. Since geomagnetic activity is usually on the rise during fall and spring equinoxes, the months of September, October as well as March are considered to be the best time to see the phenomenon.
What is the coldest month of the year in Nova Scotia? ›February is the coldest month in Nova Scotia with an average daily high of -6 C and a night time low of -15 C.
How many cars does the Strangford Ferry take? ›The Strangford Ferry has a gross tonnage of 186 tons, and can carry 260 passengers and 20 cars.
How long is the Strangford Ferry? ›With a journey time of around 10 minutes, the ferry crossing can save a 50 mile drive around the Lough and is an exciting experience for young and old as you take in the stunning scenery of this Marine Nature Reserve and try to spot seals, seabirds and jellyfish as the tide rushes past.
How long is the Cape Lookout ferry ride? ›
On this gorgeous 15-20 minute ferry ride to Cape Lookout, you may catch a glimpse of the Shackleford Banks horses, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and more! Enjoy the majestic Cape Lookout lighthouse, surf fishing, wide beaches, and the beach shuttle to get you to the best shelling on the eastern seaboard!
How long is the ferry ride from Portland Maine to Nova Scotia? ›The drive from Portland, ME is still three plus hours so we recommend taking your time and staying few nights in Bar Harbor. The ferry will take 3.5 hours to cross over to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
Do you need a passport to ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia? ›What information do I need to make a reservation? A valid passport and/or VISA is required for entry to Canada or United States; permanent resident card; enhanced driver's license (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA; ON, BC, MB); or passport card. Please note that NEXUS is not available in Yarmouth or Bar Harbor.
How much is the Elizabeth Quay ferry? ›How much is the FERRY (Elizabeth Quay Jetty) ferry fare? The Elizabeth Quay Jetty (Elizabeth Quay Jetty) ferry fare is about $2.07.
Why is Lunenburg famous? ›A former rum running and ship building port town, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, postcard-perfect Lunenburg is a fishing village of brightly painted British Colonial buildings built in the 1750s, about 60 kilometres from Halifax. Lunenburg is now a charming, walkable town, and a must-stop on any trip to Nova Scotia.
What is the nicest part of Nova Scotia? ›- Lunenburg. ...
- South Shore Beaches. ...
- Cliffs of Fundy Geopark. ...
- Brier Island. ...
- Shelburne and Birchtown. ...
- Cape Breton. ...
- Wolfville and the Annapolis Valley. ...
- Cabot Trail.
Everyone knows that Nova Scotia is world-famous for our lobster and that it is a must-try while visiting. From a traditional lobster dinner to a beach side lobster boil to lobster rolls, creamed lobster, lobster poutine and even lobster beer, Nova Scotia can quell your lobster cravings.
What should I wear in Nova Scotia? ›Jeans: You can't go wrong with jeans for walking around town or casual nights out. Hiking pants: If you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, a pair of water-resistant, quick-drying, lightweight hiking pants should be on your Nova Scotia packing list. T-shirts: You'll want a few short-sleeved tees for summer trips.
How long does it take to drive all the way around Nova Scotia? ›Although Nova Scotia is small (it would take roughly 8 hours to drive the entire length of the province,) this doesn't mean you should rush through. Instead, roll down the driver's side window and plan for relaxed, easy days exploring small friendly towns, beautiful white-sand beaches, and stunning coastal scenery.
Can you drive the Cabot Trail in one day? ›You can definitely drive the Cabot Trail in one day. And some people do end up driving the entire trail in one day, finishing the full 185 mile-loop (298 km). But, you'll likely miss out on some cool hikes and highlights.
How much is whale watching in Nova Scotia? ›
The average cost of a whale watching tour in Nova Scotia is: $50-70/adult and $25-35/child for a traditional boat tour. $55-85/adult and $35-60/child for a Zodiac tour.
What is the tourist season in Nova Scotia? ›High season: July and August
You won't be alone in selecting summer as the ideal season for a sojourn to Nova Scotia. July and August welcome around 750,000 visitors. This is also when 80% of the annual festivals and events are crammed into two hyperactive months.
There is no official season since the northern lights are almost always present, day and night. Caused by charged particles from the sun hitting atoms in Earth's atmosphere and releasing photons, it's a process that happens constantly.
How long do you wait for the northern lights? ›The Northern Lights most commonly appear between 17:00 and 02:00. They don't usually exhibit for long – they may only show for a few minutes, then glide away before returning.
What are the monthly temperatures in Nova Scotia? ›Spring from 1 °C (34 °F) to 17 °C (63 °F) Summer from 14 °C (57 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F) Autumn about 5 °C (41 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F) Winter about −9 °C (16 °F) to 0 °C (32 °F)
What is hurricane season in Nova Scotia? ›Hurricane season officially runs from June through November when the waters of the Atlantic Ocean are warm enough to form tropical cyclones.
What language is spoken in Nova Scotia? ›Dive in to some of Nova Scotia's warmest ocean beaches, right here on the Northumberland Shore. Waters can reach up to 22°C (72°F) during the summer months! Pack your swimsuit, snacks, sunblock and sand toys and head to the nearest sandy beach along this shoreline.
How long does it take to drive around Strangford Lough? ›It takes around an hour and a half to get from one end of the lough to the other. The Saint Patrick's Route is a linear driving route, the trail is well sign posted and takes in fifteen main Patrician or Christian Heritage sites, all having some relevance to his life, legacy or landscape.
How often is the Strangford Ferry? ›The ferry departs on the quarter past and quarter to the hour.
How long is the Fort Fisher ferry ride? ›
This "Drive On" Ferry leaves from the tip of Fort Fisher at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and docks two miles from the historic town of Southport. The enjoyable 30 minute one-way trip is filled with unique, beautiful views along the Cape Fear River.
How long is the Cape Wrath ferry? ›The ferry crossing time is about 10 mins.
How long is the Herron Island ferry? ›...
Herron Island.
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Official website | www.herronisland.org |
Vehicle Ferry rate (roundtrip)
Passengers: $14.00-$16.00 per person; Vehicles: $75.00-$80.00 per standard size (18 1/2 ft and under) vehicle. Larger vehicles cost more. Vehicles are carried by concession operators.
There is no charge for coming to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The Harkers Island Visitor Center and the Beaufort Visitor Information Center can be reached by car.
Do you have to take a ferry to Cape Lookout Lighthouse? ›A little planning can make your visit to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore more enjoyable. Unlike neighboring beaches, no bridges cross from the mainland to the islands. A boat ride is a must for reaching the area - either your own boat or a ferry.
Can I use US dollars in Nova Scotia? ›Like the rest of Canada, Nova Scotia uses the Canadian dollar (C$) as its official currency, with C$1 divided into 100 cents. Other currencies are not normally accepted for purchases within the province. Currency can be exchanged at banks, airports and some hotels.
Is the Cat ferry worth it? ›If you are considering taking this trip, I would highly recommend it! The CAT ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia was so easy and stress-free to use, plus they have plenty of options available for the whole family! I endorse products I've personally used or come highly recommended by my trusted peers.
Can you get around Nova Scotia without a car? ›Getting around Halifax and Sydney using public transit is easy and an affordable way to explore. Community transit is also offered in communities throughout NS.
Are Nova Scotia ferries free? ›There are seven provincially run community ferries in Nova Scotia. Four of the ferries are cable ferries and the others are self propelled. As of June 2021 all of these ferries have been made FREE to use.
How long is ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia? ›
The high-speed CAT ferry travels between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in just 3.5 hours.
How much does the Dartmouth ferry cost? ›| Single Journey Price | Return Journey Price (same day) | |
|---|---|---|
| Foot passengers or bicycle with rider | Adults £1.50 | Adults £3.00 |
| Children (5-16yrs) £1.00 | Children (5-16 yrs) £2.00 | |
| Under 5s travel for free | Under 5s travel for free | |
| Car / Van (Less than 2000 kg) | £6.50 | £11.00 |
But flight-free travel isn't just greener – it's often cheaper, too. For mid-distance journeys, a trip by car (and, if needs be, ferry) tends to cost a lot less per passenger than even the budget-est of budget flights.
Is Dartmouth ferry free? ›Riding the Ferry
Two ferries will get you from Dartmouth to Halifax, and vice versa. Often described as the best and most inexpensive tour of Halifax Harbour, the fare is modestly priced (one-way fare is $2.50).
It's significantly cheaper to fly on this trip, unless you made adjustments to the numbers above to alter the calculation. These results are based on the actual driving distance from Ontario to Nova Scotia, which is 1,373 miles or 2 210 kilometers. You can also check the cost of driving from Ontario to Nova Scotia.
How do you get around in Nova Scotia? ›- Rental Cars. If you're flying to Nova Scotia and plan to travel outside of Halifax or Sydney, a rental car is your best bet for getting around. ...
- Public Transit. ...
- EV Car Charging Stations. ...
- Car Share and Ride Share Apps. ...
- Taxi Service. ...
- Shuttle & Limo Service. ...
- Bus. ...
- Rail.
Although Nova Scotia is small (it would take roughly 8 hours to drive the entire length of the province,) this doesn't mean you should rush through. Instead, roll down the driver's side window and plan for relaxed, easy days exploring small friendly towns, beautiful white-sand beaches, and stunning coastal scenery.
Is Nova Scotia walkable? ›...
Follow the links for city maps, photos, and all neighborhoods.
| City | Halifax (the largest city in Nova Scotia) |
|---|---|
| Walk Score | 63 |
| Transit Score | 60 |
| Bike Score | 59 |
Downtown Halifax is a very walkable city, and while there are many hills, it's very compact, making it easy to get around. We recommended walking the length of the Halifax waterfront boardwalk, one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world, coming in at more than 4km.
Do I need anything to enter Nova Scotia? ›You must also follow all the public health measures in Nova Scotia. You need to complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in. You will receive an email with an ID number that you must present at the border.
What is the famous drive in Nova Scotia? ›
The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, is one of the most famous drives in Canada.
How to spend 3 days in Nova Scotia? ›- Peggy's Cove Lighthouse. ...
- Sailboats float in calm waters off the shores of Chester. ...
- Mahone Bay and the famous three churches viewpoint. ...
- Kemkujik National Park Seaside. ...
- The Half Shell in Lunenburg. ...
- Enjoy a made-for-you picnic lunch at Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool. ...
- Shelburne Waterfront.
ID & Travel Requirements
All guests traveling on The CAT Ferry operating between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, must have one of the following travel documents completed BEFORE arrival and ready to show our agents as part of the check-in process: A Passport (required for air travel) Passport Card.