Is there a ferry from Boston to Nova Scotia?
To the northeast of Boston in the US you'll find Nova Scotia - a remarkable province in Canada that's well worth a visit. There are multiple ways that you can complete this journey from Boston to Nova Scotia, with most people opting for the indirect ferry because of how easy and affordable it is.
There is no direct ferry from Boston to Nova Scotia, but you can drive to Bar Harbor and catch the ferry there. If traveling by ferry isn't for you, you can complete the whole journey by car - but there are some things to consider with this option.
If you think you'd enjoy the road trip from Boston to Nova Scotia - and let's face it, why wouldn't you? - then continue reading this handy guide to find out the best way to plan for this journey.
So, is there a ferry from Boston to Nova Scotia?
Those hoping to catch a direct ferry from Boston to Nova Scotia will be disappointed to discover that a direct route isn't available. Instead, you'll need to make a simple and scenic journey from Boston to Bar Harbor in the US state of Maine.
In Bar Harbor, you can jump aboard a ferry and ride as a walk-on passenger or with your vehicle. The ferry will take you to Yarmouth in Nova Scotia.
There's only one ferry per day between May and October, which departs at 3pm. The returning ferry sets sail from Yarmouth at 9:30am every morning. While this limited service might concern you, don't let it because with the right amount of planning, you'll make it in plenty of time.
If you're traveling outside the May to October window or simply fancy a different route, drive to Saint John in New Brunswick and ride the vehicle ferry to Digby. This ferry runs year-round aside from cancellations due to weather conditions or maintenance.
Reaching Nova Scotia from Boston
The drive from Boston to Bar Harbor will take 4 hours and 40 minutes, which covers 280 miles on Interstate 95 (I-95). Once you reach Bar Harbor, you can hop on the Nova Scotia ferry, the CAT.
If you get seasick or want to keep driving the whole way, you can opt to just drive between Boston and Nova Scotia. Be aware that with this choice, you might come across traffic jams, roadworks, and bad weather, which can slow you down.
The CAT vehicle ferry is the best choice, but if you don't want to take this route then you just need to factor the potential driving delays into your plans.
You can drive to Bar Harbor from Boston and take the ferry to Nova Scotia
Driving from Boston to Bar Harbor you'll see beautiful coastlines and shouldn't encounter many obstacles. You'll leave Boston on the I-95 and travel along the coast before switching to I-295 for a short period past Portland in Maine.
Eventually, you will get back on I-95 near Augusta and follow the interstate to Bangor. From here, take the I-395 for a short distance before taking the US-1A. Then, on the ME-3 you'll drive until you reach Bar Harbor. This is where you'll join the ferry to Nova Scotia.
Alternatively, you can drive from Boston to Saint John and take the MV Fundy Rose ferry from there, but note that this will be more expensive and a longer drive which could reduce how much time you have to explore beautiful Nova Scotia.
You can drive all the way from Boston to Nova Scotia
If you'd prefer to stay in your vehicle for the whole route, you'll be pleased to learn that you can because the roads between Boston and Nova Scotia are usually well-maintained.
From Boston to Portland, Maine, and then from Portland to Brunswick, you'll finish the US part of your travels at the border with Canada in Calais. It'll take you 5 hours and 35 minutes to make this part of the journey.
At Calais, you will hop n NB-1 and head through Saint John. Here you can take the ferry but seeing that you have made it all the way here in your car, you might as well drive the entire way to Nova Scotia.
You will enter Nova Scotia from New Brunswick on the Trans-Canada Highway (NB-2 E). This is an additional 3 hours and 15 minutes, bringing the total to 8 hours and 50 minutes - assuming you don't come up across any delays.
It's 535 miles in total to reach the border of Nova Scotia, making it a more laborious journey than the ferry. But don't let that put you off. If you've got the time to travel at your own pace and are willing to stop over somewhere for the night if you need to, this is the route for you.
How long is the journey from Boston to Nova Scotia via ferry
How you choose to travel to Nova Scotia, and where you depart from, will determine the length of time it'll take to complete your journey. With ferry timings being similar, it's the drive time you want to pay the most attention to when picking a route.
The quickest route is the Bar Harbor to Yarmouth ferry option, with the drive from Boston to Bar Harbor taking 4 hours and 40 minutes and the ferry crossing taking 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The below table illustrates some different options for traveling from Boston to Nova Scotia and how long you can expect it to take you.
| Route | Mode | Drive Time | Ferry Duration | Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor-Yarmouth | Ferry | 4 hours 40 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes | 8 hours 10 minutes |
| Saint John-Digby | Ferry | 6 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours | 8 hours 30 minutes |
| Boston to Halifax | Driving | 10 hours 50 minutes | No ferry | 10 hours 50 minutes |
Where to arrive in Nova Scotia when traveling from Boston
Most people traveling from Boston to Nova Scotia opt for the Bar Harbor to Yarmouth ferry. It's a smoother sea journey, and with the ferry route running only during warmer months between May and October, it's less likely to be canceled than the Saint John to Digby route.
Ferry prices to Nova Scotia
Don't forget that boarding a ferry will cost you, and prices vary substantially between the two options. The handy table below contains all the information you need.
| Departure Point | Arrival Point | Adult Fare | Car Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor | Yarmouth | $115 | $200 |
| Saint John | Digby | $43 | $121 |
* Calculated at the time of writing in CAD. All prices are based on a single journey for 1 adult, the Sant John-Digby route prices shown for off-season.
Best time to visit Nova Scotia from Boston
Resulting from Nova Scotia's hot summers, the best time to visit is between May and October. Fortunately, this is also the period during which the Bar Harbour to Yarmouth ferry operates. The hottest summer months of July and August are the most popular with tourists.
The winter months aren't popular times to visit because temperatures can drop to below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There will also be a lot of snowfall at this time of the year, which can affect your travel into and out of the province.
Events in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia hosts multiple major festivals, including the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Halifax Comedy Fest, and The Celtic Colours International Festival which celebrates local traditions and showcases some of the best musicians in all of Canada.
We highly recommend planning your trip around one of these events to make the most of your time in beautiful Nova Scotia.
Things to keep in mind while taking a ferry to Nova Scotia
It can feel daunting planning a ferry journey to Nova Scotia, but it doesn't need to be. Just bear in mind the following points.
Check the ferry operator's website for details about when to arrive and insight into potential closures or disruptions. Whether you receive your boarding pass by post or on your mobile can vary between operators, and so make sure you know which it'll be ahead of setting off on your road trip.
Things to see in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia boasts glorious mountain ranges, gorgeous rivers, and an extraordinary range of wildlife including raccoons, humpback whales and black bears.
Here, you'll also find Peggy's Cove - a picturesque village with an iconic lighthouse in the center and the Halifax Public Gardens, which invite you to explore 16 acres of green space.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg has been branded as one of the most beautiful towns in Canada and is definitely worth visiting during your stay.
The Canadian Museum of Immigration offers a unique insight into migration into the country, while The Big Fiddle monument is the world's largest fiddle and bow. It has to be seen to be believed.
There is no direct ferry from Boston to Nova Scotia
From Boston in the United States, you can reach the beautiful province of Nova Scotia, Canada, by indirect ferry options or car. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, there is no direct ferry from Boston to Nova Scotia, but don't let that deter you, as there are plenty of other options to reach there.
You can easily drive to Bar Harbor and take the ferry from there or even complete the entire journey from Boston to Nova Scotia with your car.
The journey isn't too complicated but remember that if you do the whole journey in your vehicle without using one of the ferry options you may experience some delays.
This isn't a problem for those looking to enjoy the trip at their own pace.
