YARMOUTH, N.S. — As seaside inns pack up seasonal chairs and souvenir shops prepare to winterize, a much larger winter decision remains unresolved: there is still no signed contract to guarantee the Yarmouth–Bar Harbor ferry — commonly known as “The Cat” — will sail next year.
Local tourism sector seeks clarity
Business owners and tourism officials here say they need confirmation from government and operators now so travellers can plan and companies can protect jobs that depend on the seasonal link with Maine.
Neil MacKenzie, chief executive of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association, told reporters the industry requires "real signals" that a deal will be in place so people can confidently book travel. The ferry’s final scheduled crossing for the year is Oct. 14.
"I think it’s important that there are real signals to operators and the tourism industry at large, that the government, our province and the officials will have a deal in place," said Neil MacKenzie.
Ridership rose sharply this season
The uncertainty comes despite a strong uptick in passengers this year. Through July, ridership was reported to be up by nearly 30 per cent compared with 2025 — a statistic tourism operators argue underlines the service’s importance to the region.
The vessel is run by Bay Ferries Ltd., a Maritime-owned and operated company headquartered in Charlottetown. The company operates the route under a contract with the U.S. Navy. In a brief statement, Bay Ferries said it continues to work closely with the provincial government and remains committed to delivering value to Nova Scotians and visitors.
Public Works Minister Fred Tilley recently told reporters he is hopeful a new long-term agreement could be reached soon, but provided no specifics about ongoing negotiations.
Why the contract matters
The ferry connects southwestern Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, Maine, bringing tourists, seasonal workers and commerce that many businesses rely on for a substantial portion of annual revenue. Operators, hoteliers and restaurants use the ferry’s schedule to plan staffing, inventory and marketing. Without an early commitment, they say, many travellers will choose more certain options, and businesses may hesitate to hire or to invest in seasonal offerings.
- Final seasonal crossing: Oct. 14
- Reported ridership increase through July: nearly 30%
- Operator: Bay Ferries Ltd. (contract with U.S. Navy)
Questions remain about negotiations and timeline
Details of discussions between Bay Ferries and provincial officials have not been disclosed publicly. CTV News sought comment from the U.S. Navy but did not receive a response. Bay Ferries corporate services director Kelly Williams reiterated the company’s ongoing cooperation with the province in an email.
Local observers note that the timing for a contract decision is tight: the winter months are used for maintenance and scheduling, and potential passengers tend to book travel months in advance. Without a confirmed agreement, travel agents and accommodation providers say they will face difficult messaging to customers.
Economic ripple effects across the region
The Yarmouth–Maine connection is more than a transportation link — it is a seasonal economic artery for southwestern Nova Scotia. When the ferry sails, it channels American tourists who spend on lodging, dining, attractions and fuel. A lapse in service could reverberate through local employment and municipal revenues.
Industry voices point to the year’s strong ridership gain as evidence that the route remains commercially viable and strategically useful for the province’s tourism profile. But until a contract is signed, they say, planning remains hostage to uncertainty.
What happens next
Provincial officials have expressed hope a long-term contract will be reached, and Bay Ferries has said it remains engaged. For operators and travellers alike, the practical timeline for clarity is measured in weeks: contracts, maintenance schedules and marketing plans must be finalised before a winter lull becomes a permanent absence.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | Bay Ferries Ltd. |
| Contracting partner | U.S. Navy (route operated under contract) |
| Final crossing (season) | Oct. 14 |
| Ridership change (through July) | Nearly 30% increase vs. 2025 |
For now, businesses in Yarmouth and along the Acadian Shores continue to hope negotiators will prioritise continuity. The region’s economy, they say, is built on predictability during the tourist season — and that predictability is what is at stake as contract talks proceed behind closed doors.
Liam Fitzgerald, reporting from Yarmouth.
