sydney nova scotia cruise port schedule

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Port schedule.

Sydney, Nova Scotia cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 03 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 09 Jul 2024 - 09:30
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 16 Jul 2024 - 12:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 17 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 17 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 17 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 23 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 24 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 24 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 29 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 31 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 13 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 27 Aug 2024 - 11:00
• Carnival Pride 2.549 passengers 29 Aug 2024 - 08:00
• Celebrity Eclipse 3.420 passengers 31 Aug 2024 - 09:00
• Norwegian Jade 2.882 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 29 Jun 2024 - 14:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 03 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 16:00
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 09 Jul 2024 - 17:30
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 16 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 17 Jul 2024 - 16:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 17 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 17 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 23 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 24 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 24 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• ms Volendam 1.718 passengers 29 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 31 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• Emerald Princess 3.679 passengers 13 Aug 2024 - 17:00
• ms Zuiderdam 2.364 passengers 27 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• Carnival Pride 2.549 passengers 29 Aug 2024 - 16:00
• Celebrity Eclipse 3.420 passengers 31 Aug 2024 - 17:00
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 17:00

Sydney cruise port

Australia - new zealand - pacific ocean islands.

• Coordinates -33.858, 151.211
• LOCODE AUSYD
• Local Time 2024-06-28 22:32

Sydney cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

Sydney, Nova Scotia – Cruise Port Guide

Looking to explore the vibrant Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port but unsure where to start? Nestled on Cape Breton Island , Sydney boasts a rich history and thriving urban center ready for you to discover.

Read on for insider tips that promise an unforgettable cruise experience in Sydney, Nova Scotia!

About the Port

The Port of Sydney , also known as Canada’s Ocean Gateway, stands as a magnetic maritime hub in the heart of Cape Breton Island. This vibrant port perfectly combines natural beauty and modern facilities, providing an unforgettable experience for any cruise ship traveler.

With its downtown location, Sydney Harbour offers easy access to the city’s lively waterfront district, teeming with local flavors and cultural wonders.

Many prominent cruise lines choose this port as their preferred destination due to its unparalleled capacity and navigational ease. Vessels dock at a well-equipped wharf, which ensures efficient handling of ships arriving from all corners of the globe.

Cruise Terminal Information

Sydney, Nova Scotia’s cruise terminal is in the heart of downtown. This ideal location offers immediate access to numerous attractions and amenities as soon as your ship docks.

You’ll see the World’s Largest Fiddle , a popular photo spot, right at the dockside!

Due to its welcoming atmosphere and walkable town layout, many top-rated cruise lines make Sydney a preferred stop. From the ship, it’s only about a 10-minute stroll into the charming town, where shopping options abound for travelers eager to bring home souvenirs.

The cruise terminal ensures an effortless exploration of this delightful port city with tourist maps on offer. These printable maps guide visitors around Sydney’s most interesting sites, ensuring first-time guests can navigate like seasoned explorers!

How To Get Around

Navigating Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a breeze for visitors arriving by cruise ship. The main attractions and the town itself are a short distance from the port.

You’ll find historic sites like Jost House and Cossit House while enjoying a stroll.

Public transit near the Sydney NS cruise terminal also effectively connects you to nearby points of interest. For those who prefer hassle-free sightseeing, hop-on, hop-off walking tours have proven to be an excellent choice in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Booking in advance ensures you won’t miss any exciting adventures during your visit.

Things To Do

Explore the vibrant downtown area of Sydney, Nova Scotia, just a short walk from the cruise port. Stroll along the main street and discover charming coffee shops, local stores selling unique souvenirs, and various restaurants and bars to satisfy your culinary cravings.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting art galleries and artisan shops, where you can find beautiful artwork and handmade crafts to take home as souvenirs. For history buffs, historical sites are waiting to be explored, showcasing the rich heritage of Sydney.

Enjoy an unforgettable experience filled with tourism delights while discovering all that Sydney, Nova Scotia, offers during your cruise stopover!

Beach Pass Information

The beaches near the Sydney cruise port are known for their beauty and offer a relaxing escape during your visit as the ocean gateway to scenic Cape Breton Island . The Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port attracts many cruise ship itineraries that pass through Canada and New England.

Remember that port clearance procedures may vary depending on which beaches you visit. So, checking with your cruise line for specific instructions or restrictions is best before setting off on your seaside adventure.

Remember: Beach passes give you access to some of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline while ensuring everyone’s safety during their visit. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to soak up some rays and enjoy all these picturesque beaches offer!

Local Cuisine & Best Places To Eat

Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a food lover’s paradise, especially if you’re a fan of seafood. This charming port city is known for its fresh and flavorful dishes that showcase the region’s bountiful ingredients.

When finding the best places to eat, look no further than Queen St. and Victoria St., where you’ll find various cozy restaurants serving local cuisine with a twist.

One highly recommended restaurant is The Olive Tree, which offers upscale dining with dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

If you’re in the mood for some traditional Irish fare, head to Governors Pub & Eatery or The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse . And if you want to try something different, Lebanese Flower serves tasty Middle Eastern dishes.

Shopping Opportunities

You’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The main street is lined with retail stores, offering everything from souvenirs to clothing.

If you’re looking for a larger selection of stores, there’s a shopping center where you can shop for fashion boutiques and more. Don’t forget to visit the craft market, where local vendors showcase handmade goods.

Local Currency

When visiting Sydney, Nova Scotia, on a cruise, it’s important to know about the local currency. The currency used in Sydney is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). While some businesses in the center of town and at the market in the ship’s terminal may accept US dollars, it’s best to have Canadian dollars on hand for your transactions.

Coins are commonly used for $2 and under denominations, while polymer plastic notes are for larger amounts.

Knowledge of the local currency will make shopping and dining experiences more convenient for you in Sydney. So remember to plan and be prepared with some Canadian cash to enjoy all these beautiful port city offers without any hassles or worries about payment methods.

Safety Tips

The Australian Government provides travel advice for Sydney, Nova Scotia, which includes important information on potential hazards and necessary precautions. Additionally, cruise ship passengers should be aware of the clearing procedures outlined by the Canada Border Services Agency upon arrival in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

• Stay vigilant at all times
• Be aware of local safety risks and laws
• Follow the Australian Government’s travel advice
• Familiarize yourself with clearing procedures for cruise ships arriving in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Sydney, Nova Scotia, for a cruise is during the spring and summer months of May to September. This is the optimal time to travel as the weather is more favorable, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius.

However, it’s important to note that the weather in Sydney, Nova Scotia, can be quite unpredictable during the cruise season. If you’re planning a Canada and New England cruise, late September and October are prime times to visit, especially for witnessing the spectacular fall foliage.

Plan your trip between these spring and summer months for the best experience during your cruise.

Popular Cruise Lines That Visit Sydney Nova Scotia Cruise Port

Popular cruise lines worldwide visit Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port, making it an exciting destination for cruise ship travelers. Celebrity Cruises is a prominent cruise line offering vacation itineraries and exciting shore excursions to Sydney, Nova Scotia.

With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, this port is a gateway to Cape Breton Island.

The Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port attracts multiple cruise ships on the same day, showing its popularity among tourists. It is an important part of Canada/New England cruise itineraries, providing access to scenic destinations in this region.

Whether you are interested in exploring local attractions or participating in thrilling outdoor activities, plenty of options are available when you dock at the Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port.

From experiencing breathtaking landscapes to indulging in delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone here. So get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with popular cruise lines that stop at the vibrant and picturesque Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port.

Read on to get answers to FAQs and more!

What to do on a cruise stop in Sydney, Nova Scotia?

Sydney, Nova Scotia, offers a range of activities for cruise passengers. You can easily access the town’s amenities within walking distance from the port. Take a stroll to explore Sydney’s main street, where you’ll find shops and boutiques just a 10-minute walk away.

Is Sydney, Nova Scotia, a walkable city?

Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a compact and pedestrian-friendly city, making it easy to explore on foot. The coastal town is navigable and accessible, with several attractions within walking distance of the cruise port.

Is Sydney, Nova Scotia, a tender port?

When visiting Sydney on a cruise ship, you will likely need to use tender boats to reach the shore. The Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port does not have a dedicated cruise terminal, so ships anchor in the harbor, and passengers are transported to land via these smaller vessels.

This process allows convenient access to this charming port city on Cape Breton Island along Canada’s Atlantic coast. Enjoy exploring all Sydney offers once you step foot on dry land!

Booking Information

You have various options to book your cruise to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Many popular cruise lines visit the port of Sydney, including Celebrity Cruises and Ahoy Cruises . These cruise lines offer vacation itineraries and shore excursions that allow you to explore this beautiful destination.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or an adventure-filled excursion, there is something for everyone in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience all Sydney offers during your next cruise vacation.

Explore the vibrant city of Sydney, Nova Scotia, on your next cruise stop. With its beautiful waterfront, charming shops, and delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss out on visiting Cape Breton Island’s largest urban center. Plan your trip now and make unforgettable memories in Sydney, Nova Scotia, cruise port!

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Are you looking for a destination combining great culture, stunning scenery, and one of Canada’s most vibrant capital cities? Victoria, British Columbia cruise ports are an ideal choice. In this guide, learn all about the cruise ship terminal, things to do in Victoria, BC, and how you can get around with ease. So, no matter …

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Cruise Port Guide

Are you planning your cruise trip and unsure what to look forward to in Halifax? Known as a vibrant port town, Halifax is a prominent stopover on many Canada-New England cruises. This blog will be your comprehensive guide, detailing everything from terminal information to local attractions you must explore. Let’s dive into the essence of …

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The port of sydney is canada’s ocean gateway to beautiful cape breton island. we offer dockside and boardwalk amenities. for more information, click here ..

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Sydney (Nova Scotia) Canada

Sydney cruise port is located in northeastern Nova Scotia on Cape Breton Island. The scenic route around this island is very popular and offers spectacular views. Historic houses and churches dating back to the 1700s and 1800s are open to visitors. The fortress of Louisbourg testifying to the French reign over this territory and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, the inventor of the telephone, are two popular attractions of the region.

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Useful Information

A 15% tip will be appreciated in restaurants and taxis.

CAD Canadian Dollar

Time difference

from New York: +1h

from San Francisco: +3h

from London: -4h

Where is located the Port of Sydney Cruise Terminal

Activities in sydney (nova scotia), historical sites.

The Fortress of Louisbourg is a reconstruction of an 18th century French colonial city. It recreates the life of the time when this city was a fishing port, a military base and a center of commerce.

Alexander Graham Bell Museum

This museum, located in Baddeck, presents an exhibition including artifacts and documents from the period when Alexander-Graham-Bell, the inventor of the telephone was carrying out experiments in Baddeck.

Cossit House Museum

Built in 1787, Cossit House is one of the oldest surviving houses in Sydney. It depicts what life was like for one family during the early days of settlement in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Jost House Museum

This house, bought in 1836 by Thomas Jost, a Halifax merchant, is one of the oldest wooden structures in Sydney’s historic North End. The different rooms display artifacts donated by the Jost family and other local contributors.

Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Island !

The famous 298 km long Cabot Trail runs through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering travellers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Be careful, to plan your visit well in order to return to the ship in time.

Wentworth Park

A small park in the center of the city where you can take a walk on the path arrange around the pond.

Bras d’Or Lakes

The lake was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve in 2011 by UNESCO. It is not really a lake since it communicates with the ocean. This promotes the abundance of marine life.

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Useful References

• Tourism Board - Canada
• Sydney (Nova Scotia) on Wikipedia
• Canada on Wikipedia
• Port Website

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

Alternative:

https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Sydney_Nova_Scotia/d50647-ttd?pid=P00045706&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=morebutton

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Cruises from/to Sydney, Nova Scotia

Sydney, nova scotia cruise port.

Sydney, Nova Scotia is located on the east coast of Canada along the scenic Cape Breton Island. Cape Breton Island is known for its unique Celtic music and culture, as well as the great views! Whether it’s driving around the Cabot Trail, taking a stroll through the year 1744 at the Fortress of Louisbourg, sailing the Bras d’Or Lakes or visiting the home of Alexander Graham Bell, the Port of Sydney is an opportunity to see many unique sites and enjoy several memorable experiences. Below are some of the highlights you might enjoy while cruising to Sydney, Nova Scotia:  

• Join a guided walking tour of historic Sydney through the colonial town of Old Sydney, founded during the American Revolution.  
• Walk through Alexander Graham Bell’s home, located in the quaint town of Baddeck, where you will hear stories about the man who invented the telephone.  
• Witness the fully animated reconstruction of the coastal Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic site to relive 1744.  
• Drive along the world-renowned Cabot Trail that holds some of the most breathtaking and scenic trails lined with mountains and plateaus.  
• Sail on the Bras D’or Lakes, a massive inland sea offering some of the best boating in North America.  

Top 10 Cruises to Sydney, Nova Scotia

• Emerald Princess 16 NIGHT CANADA / NEW ENGLAND TOUR E416 Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Jun 2024)
• Zuiderdam 21-day Viking Passage Departing From Ijmuiden, Netherlands (Jun 2024)
• Emerald Princess 11 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Jul 2024)
• Insignia 14 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024)
• Insignia 24 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024)
• Insignia 51 NIGHT World CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jul 2024)
• Emerald Princess 7 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Zuiderdam 17-day Voyage Of The Vikings Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jul 2024 - Jul 2025)
• Zuiderdam 35-day Voyage Of The Vikings Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jul 2024 - Jul 2025)
• Volendam 7-day Historic Coasts Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jul 2024)

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Sydney, Nova Scotia

All information about sydney cruise port. timetable for the arrival of ships, the time of their stay and the number of passengers. sydney port news. weather forecast and historical weather, as well as water temperatures around sydney..

Sydney: tourist information

Sydney is a harbour town on Cape Breton Island, in Nova Scotia, Canada. By the water, the Big Fiddle is a huge violin statue honouring local music. Wooden 18th-century buildings include the Cossit and Jost houses, now museums with period furniture. St. Patrick’s Church Museum showcases local history in an 1828 church. East, at Glace Bay, the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum explores the area’s coal-mining heritage.

• Country: Canada
• Capital: Ottawa
• Government: Canada
• State/Region: Nova Scotia
• Time Zone: -4 GMT
• Language: English, French
• Latitude: 46.1500000
• Longitude: -60.1666667
• Est. Population: 26083
• Currency: Canadian Dollar
• Fire: Sydney River Fire Department- Address: P.O. Box 795, Sydney , NS, B1P 6J1; Phone: (902) 564-9989
• Hospital: Cape Breton Regional Hospital- Address: Sydney, NS B1L1A5; Phone: 902-567-8000
• General: Emergency Phone:911

Sydney Cruise Port Schedule

Sydney in the News

• May 24, 2024 NCL rolls out new Asia-Pacific and Australia cruises for 2024-2026 season NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line is set to launch 30+ new port-intensive cruises across the Asia Pacific...
• May 19, 2024 Family blames P&O cruise casino policies for passenger's fatal overboard incident A passenger on the P&O Australia's cruise ship Pacific Adventure, Shane Dixon, 45, tragically...
• May 16, 2024 HAL-Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage 2026 (ship MS Volendam) opens for bookings HAL-Holland America Line has announced the opening of bookings for its 2026 Grand World Voyage. T...
• May 9, 2024 Princess Cruises offers Southern Caribbean itineraries from San Juan Puerto Rico in 2025-2026 Princess Cruises has announced its return to San Juan Puerto Rico, offering Southern Caribbean vo...
• May 7, 2024 Body found in Sydney waters after P&O Pacific Adventure cruise passenger reported missing In a significant search operation off the coast of Sydney (NSW Australia), a body has been discov...
• May 4, 2024 Princess Cruises unveils unprecedented 2026 World Cruise with 52 destinations Princess Cruises has revealed details of its forthcoming 2026 World Cruise aboard the Coral Princ...
• May 1, 2024 Princess Cruises alters routes for World Cruises, avoiding Middle East and Asia Princess Cruises has adjusted the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, opting to exclude v...
• Apr 17, 2024 New amenities on P&O Australia's ship Pacific Adventure following drydock P&O Australia's ship Pacific Adventure emerged from recent drydock with onboard enhancements....
• Apr 13, 2024 RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 Australian ships and homeports RCI-Royal Caribbean International unveiled its upcoming 2025-2026 itinerary from Australia....
• Mar 31, 2024 Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles join forces for family holiday adventures Down Under RCI-Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles, two renowned family brands, are collaborating to offer an ex...
• Mar 28, 2024 Seabourn reveals segments for 2026 World Cruise aboard Seabourn Sojourn Seabourn has unveiled 9 individual segments for sale for its 2026 World Cruise - Ring of Fire: Hi...
• Mar 25, 2024 RCI-Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas voyage cut short due to propulsion problem RCI-Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas is facing an unexpected setback during her current S...
• Mar 10, 2024 Regent Seven Seas Cruises extends partnership with David Jones for second year Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the extension of its partnership with Australian luxury r...
• Mar 6, 2024 Bookings on Crystal Serenity ship's World Cruise 2026 open on March 19th Crystal has announced the opening of bookings for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cruise aboard...
• Feb 23, 2024 Cunard unveils 2025-2027 voyages, new Caribbean routes, simultaneous World Cruises Cunard announced the commencement of sales for sailings spanning from September 2025 to January 2...

Port rating and occupancy

Port of Sydney ranks 14th in the world in terms of the number of tourists visiting it.

Number of cruise ship calls in the coming year: 0 .

The total number of tourists (passengers) of cruise ships in the port of Sydney in the next 12 months is 0 .

According to the popularity rating among more than 1,000 cruise ports in the world , Sydney ranks 647.

Weather in Sydney

Current water temperature in Sydney now is 43°F (6.3°C)

Water temperature data provided by seatemperature.net .

Annual Weather

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Interactive world cruise map, home | cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips, sydney cape breton island canada cruise port guide.

The cruise terminal is downtown Sydney.

Make sure you take a picture of World’s Largest Fiddle on the dockside.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise Calendar .

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Sydney Cape Breton Island Canada

Sightseeing:

St. George's Anglican Church was the garrison church when Sydney was founded. Nearby is Cossit House. Built in 1787, Cossit House is probably the oldest house in Sydney. It was home to Cape Breton's first Anglican Minister and first rector of St. George's Church, the Rev. Rana Cossit. The period furnishings are based on a inventory of Cossit's estate in 1815.

On the Esplanade, a street which parallels the waterfront, there are monuments and plaques which commemorate some of the city's famous people and events.

Also, on the Esplanade, across from the Government Wharf, is the old stone St. Patrick's Church Museum. This is the oldest standing Roman Catholic Church on the island (1828) and it now houses a collection of early Sydney artifacts. It is the starting point for guided walking tours of the historic north end.

The Cape Breton center for Science and Heritage, is a museum which features changing exhibits. There is a museum shop with books of local interest, souvenirs and jewelry. Jost House is a 200 year old building which illustrates the evolution of a wooden dwelling house in Sydney. There is an authentic cooking fireplace and bake-oven and special displays on local marine artifacts and an apothecary shop.

The Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church is the only one of its kind east of Montreal and is richly decorated with Byzantine-style holy pictures, icons and scrollwork. St. Mary's Parish Church has a white gothic pulpit decorated with Poland's national symbol - the eagle. St. Phillips is the only African Orthodox Church in Canada and was originally founded by West Indians who settled in Cape Breton. The three churches are open for regular services and all found in Whitney Pier.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Sydney is very small and walkable. You will need to rent a car, take a taxi or tour to visit sites further out.

As soon as you cross the Seal Island Bridge over to Boularderie Island on the Trans-Canada Highway, you are on the 'Northside' as it is called in Cape Breton. The community of Bras d'Or has many campgrounds, picnic sites and swimming areas. From here, Route 223 will take you along the shoreline of St. Andrew's Channel to Georges River and Barachois harbor, where there are several service stations, restaurants and stores.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Louisbourg is located beside the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Besides this interesting historic treasure, beautiful island and magnificent seascapes and beaches also await you in Louisbourg. Taxis can be is short supply when you dock, either take the ship's tour or reserve a taxi in advance, especially if you travel with a larger group.

Shopping and Food

It's considered normal to tip 10-15% of a restaurant bill. Tips are also usually given to bell hops, concierges, room cleaners, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel attendants and, by savvy drinkers, bar staff.

Canadian dollar

You will find ATMs in many grocery stores, malls, airports and so on, and most are linked to the international networks, the most common being Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. You can also grab cash from an ATM if you use a major credit card although this method tends to be more expensive because, in addition to a service fee, you'll be charged interest immediately.

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Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton Island, which is linked by causeway to the rest of Nova Scotia. Sydney’s attractions start at the harbor, where visitors can shop for locally made crafts and see the world’s largest fiddle, which towers beside the port’s cruise pavilion. Some of the city’s historic houses and churches date back to the 1700s and 1800s and are open for tours. Restaurants often provide live music (expect fiddles and sea chanteys) along with meals of seafood fresh-caught in nearby waters. Sydney’s galleries give visitors a chance to meet local artists and purchase their work.  

Cape Breton's natural wonders include the spectacular scenic drive known as the Cabot Trail. Hikers in Cape Breton Highlands National Park will find stunning vistas around every turn, while a boat ride on massive Bras d’Or Lake, which is ringed by wild hills, offers a different perspective on the province. Explore the region’s past with a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, and learn about the area’s First Nations communities at Membertou Heritage Park. If you decide to go deep underground at the Cape Breton Miners Museum, your tour guide is likely to be a man who toiled for years in the island's coal mines and has many stories to tell. Another must-see: the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where the famous inventor made his summer home.

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Waterfront mixed-use project will transform Sydney’s downtown harbour

An up to $250 million high-end development that would transform the Sydney, N.S. waterfront and the city’s downtown could see construction of its first phase beginning this year.

Edgewater is the brainchild of Cape Breton native Doug Doucet, now owner of Halifax-based Doucet developments, a vertically integrated development, construction, marketing and building management company with projects throughout Atlantic Canada.

Doucet was the successful bidder on a tender put out by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to develop 8.5 acres of largely publicly-owned land in an open gap along the harbour between the Holiday Inn and the Sydney tourist ferry terminal on land once partly occupied by a yacht club.

The first phase would see a combined hotel and apartment complex of different heights horizontally facing the harbour. The second, which still could be a few years away, would be two buildings perpendicularly constructed to the water containing more residences and ground floor commercial spaces.

Amenities would include a public gathering and event plaza and seamless access from downtown through to the city’s waterfront boardwalk.

Plans are for a six-storey hotel and 130 guest rooms and a 10-storey apartment building that could include condos. But Doucet told a recent Sydney Ports Day event that “nothing is finalized until a shovel goes into the ground.”

Doucet Developments declined an interview request, but during a recent podcast hosted by Invest Cape Breton, the region’s economic development agency, Doucet spoke about his vision and some of the challenges of constructing a high-end building in a remote part of the country.

“This has been the riskiest project that Doucet developments or I have ever been involved in,” he said.

That’s because of the high building cost, expected lower return and difficulty of finding skilled labour.

“We’re going to have to beat it seven ways from Sunday,” he said. “We’re going to have to be innovative to get the number where it needs to be and still achieve the goal of what we want — premium waterfront living.”

But, Doucet said, the property itself is magnificent.

“It is one of the best properties that I know of outside of Halifax. It’s a gorgeous waterfront property that deserves what we’re going to do there.”

Some design changes have already been made.

Concrete formwork was a challenge because of a lack of contractors, so most of the complex will be made of structural steel. Many materials can be shipped over water such as precast concrete panels from St. John, N.B. rather than trucked from Toronto.

As well, to reduce the cost per square foot, the apartments themselves will be “considerably smaller units than Sydney’s used to.”

The challenge, Doucet said, is “it’s hard to be innovative when you’re trying to deliver a premium product. It’s hard to give people waterfront living at a luxury level when you’re trying to save money.”

Esthetically, Doucet described the complex’s layout as having a “very appealing entryway from the actual boardwalk up to” the first level of retail, restaurants and cafes.

Doucet emphasized his team has been “really engaging the community” and has had more than 200 meetings with local political officials, businesspeople and the public.

“We will continue to have focus groups,” he said. “I know it’s incredibly important. We’ve got to get this right.”

Doucet said unlike larger municipalities like Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax, a developer in Sydney doesn’t have “the luxury (of) you can build it and they will come. But we’re trying to do something new in a city of 30,000 people on an island which hasn’t seen prosperity in a long time.”

In a region historically dependent on government investment, Edgewater marks a major departure.

“As we know Sydney is a place that hasn’t seen a lot of big money private investment in the last 50 years,” Tyler Cole, an Invest Cape Breton economic development officer, told the Daily Commercial News.

“It’s been a place in decline in a lot of ways — population-wise and economically — and to see big private money put up to revitalize a waterfront I think is really exciting for us.”

But it’s not as if the downtown hasn’t seen some major changes of late. A massive new Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) waterfront campus will open to students this fall.

Lorna Campbell, CEO of the Port of Sydney, said the tourist ferry terminal is one “bookend” and the NSCC campus the other.

The Edgewater, located in between, will add “density into our downtown core and get more activity on the waterfront.”

She said the port has a “responsibility of getting a lot of cruise passengers off our site and into the downtown core and to destinations (around the island).”

This year the terminal will host 119 tourist ships with over 240,000 passengers.

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A proposed hotel and apartment project on the downtown waterfront in Sydney, N.S., is being delayed by six months.

Doucet Developments asked Cape Breton regional councillors for the pause, saying a massive snowstorm in February made geotechnical measurements impossible and that affected some design work.

On Tuesday, Douglas MacLennan, a manager with Tier Too Properties that is part of Doucet Developments, told CBRM council the company is still interested in the job, but simply needs an extension on the deadlines set in the agreement to purchase the property from the municipality.

"We're slightly behind schedule from where we anticipated being from an architectural and engineering perspective and ... we want to ensure the facilities are designed in both an efficient and beautiful way," MacLennan said.

"With all that said, our excitement and commitment has not wavered in any capacity. We envision this is only a minor speed bump in the overall development."

Last month, council was told the project was on track , with construction expected to start late this summer or early in the fall.

Council was also told the developers are switching plans for phases 1 and 2. They initially planned two apartment buildings in the first phase on land between the marina and the cruise ship terminal, to be followed by a hotel complex on land in front of the marina, where the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club used to be.

MacLennan said the first phase will now include one building containing a 10-storey apartment complex with 105 units and a six-storey hotel with 130 rooms.

He also released a new set of drawings showing what the building could look like and conceptual drawings of two proposed residential buildings that could be built in the next phase.

Coun. Steve Parsons said he supports the development, but expressed concerns about what delays in the design phase could mean when construction starts.

Parsons, who works for Eskasoni First Nation and has managed large projects, said delays can normally be expected with material supply and access to labour, but not in architectural and design work.

"To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement," he said.

"Knowing that we have delays now in the design and then anticipating that we're going to have delays in construction, especially with the amount of work that's going on around Cape Breton, I'm disappointed we didn't get to where we said we were going to get in terms of breaking ground this summer."

Coun. Eldon MacDonald, whose district includes downtown Sydney, said delays are to be expected in big developments.

"There's always bumps in the road when you're doing such a large project, so I'm not surprised by what you're asking for and fully support it."

Council voted in favour of extending the company's deadline for permit applications to Dec. 31, 2024, and the deadline for getting shovels in the ground to April 30, 2025.

Parsons was the only one to vote against the delay.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Reporter/Editor

Tom Ayers has been a reporter and editor for 38 years. He has spent the last 20 covering Cape Breton and Nova Scotia stories. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Frugal Traveler

Affordable Island-Hopping in Croatia? What Could Go Wrong?

A 30-percent-off Black Friday sale on a cruise aboard a yacht meant off-season sailing and being prepared for the unexpected.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

As Croatians tell the story , the Greek hero Odysseus was shipwrecked and held captive on the Croatian island of Mljet. Visiting in May, I and six other sailors embraced the myth when the motor on our 54-foot yacht failed.

“Remember, Odysseus spent seven years on Mljet,” said Ivan Ljubovic, our captain. “We can do two nights.”

In the scheme of things, the clogged fuel filter that impeded our progress on a seven-night, island-hopping cruise from Split to Dubrovnik on a yacht — which the passengers helped sail — was minor. Though an engine, even on a sailboat, is vital for docking and sticking to schedules on becalmed days, most of my shipmates agreed that getting waylaid in a village with Roman ruins on a turquoise bay was an acceptable fate.

I had been resigned to what were, in my mind, worse inconveniences when I had signed up for the trip last November. Then, the tour operator G Adventures had put several trips on sale over the Black Friday weekend. Its best deals were in the off-season, which meant potentially chilly weather and closed restaurants and attractions. But leaving in late April for seven nights of island hopping at roughly $1,300 — after a 30 percent discount — was too tempting to pass up.

My cousin Kim agreed and we made plans to pack rain gear and meet in Split to test the budget waters.

‘Everything between is an adventure’

Little about the itinerary was published pre-departure and none of it was firm.

“Split and Dubrovnik are fixed,” said the captain, who would pilot the ship solo and double as our guide, on our first day. “Everything between is an adventure.”

It started with the Sauturnes, a handsome Kufner yacht with four snug guest cabins, four economical bathrooms where the retractable faucet doubled as a shower spigot, and a spacious galley. Our “crew,” a mix of Australians and Americans ranging from 18 to 75 — all of whom had also jumped on the promotional pricing — spent most of the time atop the boat, where foam mattresses invited sunbathing and a cockpit awning provided shade.

The weather, which turned out to be sunny and comfortably cool, was not our greatest concern. The G Adventures website had mentioned well-known islands, including beachy Brac and Vis , which played a convincing Greek idyll in the movie “Mamma Mia 2.” But since many places would be closed in the shoulder season, we would proceed, according to the captain, based on the dictates of the weather and conditions on shore.

Meals were not included, which meant finding open restaurants was critical. For shipboard breakfasts and lunches, we each chipped in 50 euros (about $54) for communal groceries, which we shopped for at local markets. At night, we would dine at restaurants; G Adventures advised budgeting $250 to $325 for the week, which was accurate, though we often splurged on Croatian wine (a carafe of house red averaged $15).

Small ports

After the frenzy of grocery shopping and moving into the bunk-bedded cabin Kim and I shared, we experienced the Zen of sailing as the ship set off on a sunny morning for 43-mile-long Hvar , the longest and purportedly sunniest island in Croatia.

Neighboring islands drifted past as the wind patterned the sea in shifting ripples and ruffles. A flock of shearwaters soared by at eye level.

Within a few hours, the ridgelines of steep Hvar appeared, revealing terraced lavender fields and olive orchards. Motoring down a long, narrow inlet, we arrived in Stari Grad , a village of stone homes with terra cotta roof tiles, as travelers had since 384 B.C., when Greek sailors from the island of Paros settled here.

Our mooring provided a front-row view of fishing boats and cafes animating the waterfront. Stari Grad’s attractions, including the Greek ruins of Faros and a 17th-century Venetian cathedral, had yet to open for the season, but we relished exploring the old quarter’s narrow lanes and deserted plazas.

From the waterfront, an aerobic 20-minute hike up a steep hill crowned by a giant white cross offered views over Stari Grad and the plains beyond, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of fourth-century agricultural fields, with stone walls circumscribing grapevines and olive orchards.

That evening, we visited them to reach Konoba Kokot , a farm restaurant that specializes in “peka,” a kind of barbecue in which meat cooks under an iron lid piled with hot coals. The family that runs it opened in the preseason, welcoming us with bracing shots of rakija, a local herbal liquor. At a long table under an arbor, we gorged on homemade goat cheese, wild boar pate and, from the hearth, roast lamb, veal and octopus with limitless jugs of red and white wine for 35 euros a person.

Starry nights

Small ships are unmatched at getting into small ports, but a yacht trip is also a little like camping, starting most mornings with D.I.Y. instant coffee. Marinas offered free bathhouses with showers.

Cool temperatures apparently deterred the celebrity-filled mega yachts, which are known to anchor in the town of Hvar on the south shore of Hvar island. Our captain declared it the “Mykonos of Croatia” as we motored by the port bustling with visitors carrying shopping bags and cones of gelato.

With clear weather in the forecast, we moored in an undeveloped cove east of town. The mooring belonged to the owners of Moli Onte restaurant, who ferried us to land on a motorized dingy, allowing us enough time before dinner to visit the fortress above Hvar and have an Ozujsko beer on St. Stephens Square, the largest in the region of Dalmatia.

Back on board, with no artificial light to wash out the night sky, we hit the upper deck for stargazing. As my shipmates peeled off to bed, I grabbed a blanket and beanie and bedded down under the stars for the evolving show, periodically waking to catch the drama of the moon rising, reflected in the still water.

Little Dubrovnik

Fingers of gray rock reached down to meet sloping vineyards along Hvar’s south coast as we departed for its neighbor, Korcula. On our longest day of sailing, five hours, I welcomed the chance to play first mate, manning the lines on the jib sail.

To break up the trip, Captain Ljubovic navigated to a quiet cove off the Peljesac Peninsula where the Caribbean-blue waters, cloudless sky and sandy bottom convinced us to jump in despite numbing sea temperatures.

Fifteenth-century walls ring the historic center of Korcula, earning it the nickname “Little Dubrovnik.” Past the stone gates carved with a winged lion representing the empire of Venice, which controlled much of the Adriatic after the 13th century, narrow alleys led to ornate churches and mansions. There was no better history trip than getting lost in the web of pedestrian lanes. Or so we told ourselves as we passed the purported home of Marco Polo, still closed preseason.

Along the seafront walls, restaurants served pizza and seafood under lights strung in the pines and we caught sunset from a former turret, now converted into Massimo Cocktail Bar , which requires patrons to climb a ladder to the rooftop, a caution against second rounds.

The most romantic port of the trip was also the rowdiest, at least in the marina, which was hosting a Polish sailing regatta. When I headed for the showers at 6 a.m. the next morning, I found a group still cheerfully dancing atop a yacht littered in empty booze bottles and crushed potato chips.

Marooned on Mljet

We left Korcula on strong 20-knot “jugo” or south winds and Captain Ljubovic unleashed the sails, saying “You paid for a sailing vacation, not a motorboat.”

As we tacked back and forth toward Mljet , the boat heeled at a queasy angle and we took face shots of ocean spray.

On Mljet, where the western end of the island is home to Mljet National Park , we rented bikes (10 euros) to ride a lung-busting route over the park’s mountain spine. On the other side, we cycled around a pair of inland lakes and took a boat trip to a 12th-century monastery built on an island in one of them (park admission, 15 euros).

Docked in the still sleepy town of Polace, we heard tales of high season, when up to 100 yachts anchor in the bay and members of the band U2 were once seen biking in the park. After a brief shower, the town glimmered at sunset and the restaurant Stella Maris welcomed us with grilled sea bass (25 euros) and prawns (20 euros).

“I’m so glad I chose this time, because I don’t do crowds,” said my shipmate Nova Hey, 46, of Sydney, who was traveling with her 18-year-old daughter.

In the morning, I had the trail to the peak of Montokuc to myself. The roughly three-mile round-trip hike reached one of the highest points on the island, a rocky knob with stunning panoramas shared by a family of feral goats.

Not long thereafter, the Sauternes’ engine refused to turn over, stranding us in a national park on a remote island with no mechanics.

Teeming Dubrovnik

The next morning, Captain Ljubovic jimmied a fix but it didn’t last long and the engine died again, this time just opposite a cave on Mljet that we joked had to be the refuge of Odysseus.

After a morning of light sailing, a mechanic from the mainland arrived by speedboat and within an hour we were motoring toward the Franjo Tudman Bridge that spans the inlet to the Dubrovnik marina where hot showers awaited.

“Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia,” said Captain Ljubovic as we spent the last of our pooled money, 70 euros, hiring a taxi van to get us to and from the walled heart of the ancient city about 15 minutes away.

With two large cruise ships in port, Dubrovnik was teeming with visitors and the price to climb the stone walls that encircle the city was a sticker-shocking 35 euros. (In the ensuing two days Kim and I would spend post-cruise in the city, we bought the more comprehensive Dubrovnik Pass for 35 euros that included admission to the walls as well as several museums and public bus transportation.)

On our final evening, we measured the lack of crowds versus closed museums; perfect hiking weather versus swim-inviting water; ample dock space versus more restaurant choices — and felt we’d come out ahead sailing in the bargain season.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .

Bar Harbor, Maine To Nova Scotia: Drive Or Take The Ferry?

P lanning to take a vacation to both Maine and Nova Scotia, and not sure the best way to travel between the two is? You're in luck because I have plenty of suggestions for you! Having made the journey myself a few times, I’m excited to share all my insight on the best ways to travel from Maine to Nova Scotia.

In this post, I’ll be sharing my experiences driving between the two destinations, as well as taking the ferry between Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia, and sharing the advantages and disadvantages with each option so you can make the best decision for your own travel plans.

Ready to get started? Let’s get into it! We’re going to start with a recap of the ferry service …

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

Is There A Ferry Between Bar Harbor, Maine & Nova Scotia?

Yes! The  CAT Ferry  sails between Bar Harbor in Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and is a wonderful option to explore Nova Scotia during your trip to New England and Maine.

The ferry service takes about 3.5 hours in cruising time, plus extra time to check-in and board the ferry. In comparison, the drive takes  at least  8 hours, depending on where in Nova Scotia you drive to, but usually tends to be longer.

Pros & Cons Of The CAT Ferry

Pros Of The CAT Ferry :

→ It saves you a lot of time. As mentioned, the CAT ferry makes your journey from Maine to Nova Scotia a lot shorter, as the drive can takes upwards of 8 hours, but probably more because the best places to see in Nova Scotia are further away from the New Brunswick border (where you cross into Nova Scotia).

→ It’s an easy option! If you want to completely relax during the trip to Nova Scotia, the CAT ferry provides all the amenities, so you can just sit back and enjoy the cruise over. The seats are spacious, and you can completely turn off your brain to soak it all in rather than navigating a longer drive.

→ You’re surrounded by beautiful ocean views the entire trip. Of course, the drive also has scenic moments, but many parts of the drive are also just highway, whereas the ferry always has that ocean view!

Cons Of The CAT Ferry :

→ It’s expensive. If you’re traveling with a vehicle, the cost will go up even more. For a family with kids, all that can really add up.

→ You are asked to arrive at the ferry 60-90 minutes before departure time if bringing a vehicle with you, which does make the journey a bit longer than the 3.5-hour cruising time.

→ The ferry only runs seasonally, and in the spring and fall, it only runs on certain days of the week. In the summer (July and August), it will run every day. However, it only sails over to Nova Scotia in the afternoon once per day. So, you  are  limited with how you can work it into your schedule.

→ The ferry gets into Nova Scotia in the evening (usually around 7:30p local time (the time zone is one hour ahead of Bar Harbor). Once you get through passport control, you don’t really have a lot of time to do anything except head to a hotel in Yarmouth for the night, so the ferry really takes up the entire second half of your day.

→ If you’re prone to seasickness, you should know that the ride is a tad on the rocky side. You’ll definitely feel some tilting back and forth, and many people were unsteady on their feet while walking around. I’m very prone to seasickness, and I was fine on the ride with Dramamine. But this is something to consider.

My Recap Of The CAT Ferry Experience

I really loved the ferry ride from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia on the ferry! The entire process, from purchasing my tickets, to checking in, to boarding, and the actual cruise, was seamless and easy.

The ferry website is comprehensive, and answers a lot of questions you may have about the experience. They also have menus for the ferry’s dining options online to plan ahead, and explain how the vessel is laid out, so everything felt very easy once I arrived.

One of the nice things about the boarding process is that you can check in the day before your sailing, which is what I chose to do to save time the day of departure. The day before, I drove over to the ferry terminal, and there was no one there, and I was able to hand over my passport, and check in, all within the span of maybe 5 minutes tops. The next day, I was able to drive right up to the boarding area and drive onto the ferry without any additional wait time.

We also left 25 minutes early during my ferry experience! I traveled in early June, so the vessel wasn’t full, and everyone arrived within plenty of time, so getting an early start was a nice surprise.

The entire cruise was wonderful. The seats were comfortable, and there were a lot of different options to choose form, including regular rows of seats, table configurations, and conversations areas. There were lots of windows to enjoy the views from (although, sadly, the day I sailed was very foggy and overcast). But I’ve been told that you may get lucky and even spot dolphins or whales during the cruise.

One space on the ferry shows a movie during the sailing (however, the TVs were a bit outdated, and it was hard to hear it sometimes). But, it was a newer movie, which was nice. They usually have live music in another area, too, which is really cool (but I could not hear it from other parts of the ferry, which is nice if you wanted a more quiet experience).

The food on the ferry was also much better than I expected. I didn’t get a lot, but I did order a latte and a grilled cheese sandwich, and both were very good!

Finally, there was also a gift shop on board, and while the prices were rather high (which makes sense, since it was a ferry), they have some fun things and souvenirs to check out, as well as a small section of snacks and candy.

Overall, the experience was enjoyable, exciting, easy, and stress-free!

Maine To Nova Scotia Ferry FAQ

Is bar harbor the only departure point in maine for the nova scotia ferry.

Yes, there is currently no other ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia. The only other option would be to drive an additional 3.5 hours from Bar Harbor to Saint John, New Brunswick (which includes a border crossing and passport control), and then take the ferry from Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia. This ferry option sails along the Bay of Fundy, offering really amazing views along the way.

When Does The Ferry Run?

The CAT ferry from Bar Harbor only runs seasonally, typically from mid May through mid October. The website has a schedule that lists their first and last sailings of the year, so you can easily plan accordingly.  Click here to find their sailing schedule .

However, the ferry from Saint John to Digby runs year-round.

Do You Need A Passport To Take The Maine To Nova Scotia Ferry?

Yes! Since you’ll be crossing an international line, a passport is required to take the ferry, and you’ll need to present it at check-in before boarding the ferry, and once you get off the ferry in Nova Scotia.

When you sail from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia, you’ll drive off the ferry, and immediately be guided into a lane at border control.

This is one of the few downsides of the ferry –  since everyone is de-boarding at the same time, the line gets pretty backed up ,  and   passport control  may  take longer than a typical land border crossing . I was very unlucky in that I was the very last car to drive off the ferry, and it took me about 1 hour total to wait in line at passport control. However, if you’re one of the first ones off the ferry, it could be very quick! It really just depends.

Can You Bring Your Car On The Ferry?

Yes, you absolutely can, and it’s easy to do! The only downside is that it’s expensive to bring your car on the ferry, and the price is different based on the season (it can run anywhere from $149-$274USD for a ONE way vehicle fare).*

However, price aside, the process of bringing your car on the ferry is stress-free, and it seemed like this was how most people were making the crossing over.

If you don’t want to bring your car with you, you can also rent a car in Yarmouth when you arrive. Just be aware that there is no car rental agency at the ferry terminal, and you’ll need to take a 5-minute taxi ride to the car rental agencies in town. There could be a hassle with timing it right with passport control, since you won’t exactly know what time you’ll clear customs. However, it may be worth comparing the prices of the fee to bring your car on the ferry, versus renting once you arrive.

* Prices as of 2024.

Is There Still A Ferry That Runs From Portland, Maine To Nova Scotia?

No, this ferry is no longer running as of 2018, and the new point of departure in Maine is Bar Harbor.

Is The CAT Ferry From Bar Harbor To Nova Scotia Expensive?

Yes, it unfortunately is expensive, which is the biggest downside. I think you get a lot in return for the cost, including the time savings, amenities on board, and a stress-free trip. However, I can see how it could be too far of a stretch if you have a bigger group.

Prices (in USD as of 2024) for passenger-only ONE WAY fares as of 2024 are:

→ $86 for adults

→ $83 for seniors

→ $53 kids 7-13

→ Children 6 and under are free

If you need to take the ferry round-trip, you’ll have to pay more.

Is The Ferry Ride Scenic?

Yep! While you’re pretty much just out on the open ocean most of the time, that alone is a very scenic cruise. And as mentioned, I’ve heard of people saying that you could get lucky and even spot whales and dolphins during the cruise on a nice day.

But, it’s also possible you could have some bad luck, like me, and have a very overcast and foggy ride.

However, I think it’s generally more scenic than the drive.

Things To Bring With You On The Ferry:

→ Seasickness medication if needed. I took Dramamine, and was okay, but the boat is a bit rocky.

→ A jacket or sweater for going out to the outdoor decks to enjoy the views (weather-permitting).

→ Any entertainment you’d like, such as books, magazines, etc.

→ Snacks and drinks if you don’t want to buy any food while on board (but the food was pretty good on the ferry!).

→ You don’t need your passport once you’re on the ferry, but I’d make sure you have it handy in your car (if you brought it with you), or have it ready to go once you get off the ferry for passport control.

More Ferry Options To Nova Scotia

If you’d like to keep your options open, you can also consider driving from Bar Harbor, Maine to Saint John, New Brunswick, and then taking the ferry from Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia – as mentioned.

The sailing time 2.5 hours long (so, one hour less than the Bar Harbor to Yarmouth crossing), and the drive from Bar Harbor to Saint John is about 3.5 hours. This will still save you  some  time, but it might actually be about the same amount of time once you factor in the boarding time, check-in time, and time at passport control.

Is The Maine Or New Brunswick Ferry To Nova Scotia Better?

This is really personal preference based on your plans, but there are a few pointers I can provide to help you decide which is best for you.

First, as mentioned, the ferry from Saint John, NB to Nova Scotia might not save you that much time, so this is something you’ll need to consider for your itinerary (and subsequently, how important it is for your plans to save as much driving time as possible).

Second, the  Saint John ferry runs year-round , not just seasonally. So, if you’re traveling in the off-season, this may be a good option for you.

Next,  the stops you can make between Maine to Saint John are really wonderful . Having done it myself, I really enjoyed making stops at gorgeous places in Northeastern Maine, which are usually too out of the way for most folks only visiting Maine, but convenient to stop at when making this particular road trip. Skip down below for more information on driving from Maine to Saint John or Nova Scotia!

Lastly,  these two ferry routes dock at two different locations on Nova Scotia . The Bar Harbor route docks in Yarmouth, NS, and the Saint John route docks in Digby, NS. Both of these docking locations are relatively the same distance to the popular sightseeing towns in Nova Scotia like Lunenburg, Halifax, and Peggy’s Cove.

Both Digby and Yarmouth are very charming with lovely scenery, so one really isn’t better than the other as far as your arrival to Nova Scotia. It will moreso depend on where in Nova Scotoa you want to see, and drive to next.

Overall, the Bar Harbor route is the most efficient way to get to Nova Scotia, but if you’re looking for a good mix of a road trip and utilizing the ferries, this option is a nice one to consider.

I’ve also heard that the views along the Saint John ferry are more scenic, as you’re cruising along the Bay of Fundy.

Driving From Maine To Nova Scotia & Best Stops To Make

Okay, let’s talk about making the drive!

As mentioned, depending on where you decide to go in Nova Scotia, you’ll want to expect the drive to take anywhere from 8-10 hours without long stops, plus extra time for the land border crossings. However, there are some really fun places to stop along the way, and rather than tire yourself out to make the drive in one day, it might be best to break up the drive, and allow at least two days to enjoy it.

I will say, I’ve made the drive in one day before from Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, and I really don’t recommend it. It was a very long day that started at around 5-6a, and I ended up being too tired and sick of being in the car by the end of the day 😂 The drive is also not the most scenic, as it’s more about the beautiful stops you can make, so it can get quite boring unless you plan it correctly.

These are the best places I’ve found that are worth stopping for on the drive:

→  Lubec, Maine  – It’s the easternmost part of the U.S., and is home to old-world fishing village charm, incredible hiking, a beautiful red-and-white-striped lighthouse called West Quoddy, and opportunities for whale watching cruises. I have an entire post all about  visiting Lubec, Maine , if you need some ideas 😉

Downtown St. Andrews.

→  St. Andrews-By-The-Sea, New Brunswick  – Very close to the Maine border is this charming little town that’s such a gem. It’s got a great downtown with shopping and dining, a lovely lighthouse, beautiful botanical gardens, and overall, feels like a movie set that you may never want to leave.

→  Musquash Head Lighthouse  – This is a wonderful lighthouse you’ll have to walk about a mile to and back, but it offers beautiful scenery, and is a great way to stretch your legs. There’s a really cool black sand beach nearby, too! This is a bit out of the way, but a lovely detour to make to break up the drive.

→  Saint John  – This destination in New Brunswick is a fun one to explore if you’re more of a city person. Lots of great scenery, shops, restaurants, breweries and more.

The sea caves in Saint Martins.

→  Saint Martins, New Brunswick  – Just before you hop on the Fundy Trail Parkway (if you decide to take this slightly longer route), you’ll drive through the small town of Saint Martins. And the reason this is a noteworthy stop is because you’ll find some really cool sea caves here that you can actually explore at low tide. So, you’ll need to time your visit just right, but if you can, this is such a cool stop to make that not many tourists know about! There’s also a great restaurant there called Caves Family Restaurant that overlooks the caves.

→  Fundy Trail Parkway  – This will add about an hour to the drive, but man, the coastal scenery along the way is worth it! This parkway offers quite a few overlooks to enjoy that are easy to spot and pull into, and you can even plan to get some take-out food and enjoy a picnic here on one of the picnic tables with a pretty epic view. There are also some hiking trails along the drive. Note that there is a charge to enter the parkway, and you can  click here  for more information.

→  Hopewell Rocks  – If you don’t plan to experience the tides along the Bay of Fundy when you’re in Nova Scotia, I highly recommend checking out Hopewell Rocks on your drive. The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world, and depending on when you arrive, you’ll either see low tide, which is when you can walk out onto the ocean floor, or high tide, when you’ll be amazed that the water actually completely disappears in a few hours. There is a fee to enter, but admission is good for two days to really take advantage of it.

Note : If you can work it into your itinerary, I did  slightly  prefer Burntcoat Head Park in Nova Scotia along the Bay of Fundy over Hopewell Rocks, and Burntcoat is free! If you’re heading to the Lunenburg/Peggys Cove area, you can stop here instead, but it will add about an hour of extra driving time.

→  Nova Scotia Welcome Sign  – I know, I know, this is beyond touristy, but honestly, this is such a fun little stop to make to commemorate arriving on Nova Scotia! This will come right up on Google Maps, and there’s also a visitor’s center with good bathrooms, water fountains, and a gift shop, so it’s an easy stop to make on the drive for a bathroom break.

→ As mentioned  Burntcoat Head Park  is another fantastic place to experience the tides along the Bay of Fundy, and if this area is your preference over Hopewell Rocks, now is when you’d want to make that stop if you’re heading to the Lunenburg/Peggys Cove area 😊

Driving From Maine To Nova Scotia – FAQ

A pretty road in New Brunswick just after the Fundy Trail Parkway, heading to Nova Scotia.

How Long Is The Drive?

This depends on where in Nova Scotia you want to go, but generally, expect the drive to take at least 8 hours, plus extra time for the border crossing.

I suggest most first timers visit two general regions of Nova Scotia: Lunenburg/Peggys Cove/Halifax,  or  Cape Breton. Generally, it will likely take 8 hours or so if you want to drive to Lunenburg to also see Peggy’s Cove and Halifax. Expect the drive to take at least 9.5 hours if you want to head directly up to the Cape Breton area.

Is The Drive From Bar Harbor, Maine To Nova Scotia Scenic?

Yes and no. Parts of the drive, especially along the Fundy Trail Parkway, are incredibly scenic. There are also some nice stretches in more rural areas with nice farmland views. But most of the drive is along highways and such that aren’t quite as scenic. I don’t think it’s an especially unpleasant drive, but I think many folks assume that the entire drive is super scenic, and it’s sadly just not.

However, it  is  a really fun drive to make if you have time to make some of the stops I’ve recommended – those are all scenic and absolutely worth it.

How Many Days Do You Need To Make The Drive?

This depends entirely on your schedule. You can easily take the most direct route and arrive in Nova Scotia in about 8-8.5 hours, and only take one full day.

You can also make the drive in one day if you wanted to make 1-2 stops along the way, but end in Nova Scotia that same night. You’ll just want to plan an early start, and a late night.

However, I’d recommend 2 days to really enjoy everything this drive has to offer because there are some really cool things to see and experience. I especially love Lubec, St. Andrews, Fundy Trail Parkway, and the caves in Saint Martins.

So, Is The Ferry Or The Drive From Maine To Nova Scotia Better?

I hate to sound like a broken record, but … it really depends! Mostly, it depends on how tight or relaxed your schedule is, since the ferry can save you quite a bit of time, and the drive is, well … almost twice as long.

My overall opinion is actually to do both! On my most recent trip, I took the CAT Ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia, and then drove back through New Brunswick and Maine on my way home, and it kind of gives you the best of both worlds. However, I budgeted two days in my itinerary to make that portion of the drive, so I was able to take my time, and enjoy everything it had to offer.

However, if you’re short on time, I would highly suggest that you take the CAT ferry both ways (if your budget allows) to maximize your time while in Nova Scotia, since there are so many incredibly beautiful towns and things to see while there.

More posts you may find helpful:

• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
• My Perfect Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
• The BEST Acadia National Park Itinerary
• Best Time Of Year To Visit New England
• Best Time Of Year To Visit Acadia National Park
• Must-See Towns On The New England Coast

That’s A Wrap On Traveling Between Bar Harbor, Maine & Nova Scotia

And there you have it – my recap of both the drive and ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia! Both are great options, and you can’t really go wrong with either decision. It’ll come down to personal preference, and the kind of trip you want to have. The CAT Ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia is such a great option for those who want an easy, relaxing ride over. If you’re looking for more adventure, you’ll want to drive. Better yet, take the ferry there, and drive back to Maine to get a taste for both 😉 Happy planning!

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