Ferry Travel: Maine To New Brunswick

There are several ferry routes that connect Maine and New Brunswick. Private and state-run ferry services provide a vital link to Maine's many island communities, as well as international ferries to Canada from ports in Bar Harbor, Eastport, and Portland. East Coast Ferries Ltd., for example, offers a ferry service between Deer Island, New Brunswick, and Maine. The Quoddy Loop, a two-nation vacation loop between points in Maine and New Brunswick, Canada, also relies on a series of ferries to transport travellers and vehicles among five islands and Blacks Harbour on the New Brunswick mainland.

Ferry routes between Maine and New Brunswick

There are several ferry routes connecting Maine and New Brunswick, offering a convenient way to travel between the two regions. These ferry services provide stunning views of the coastline and a unique travel experience. Here is a detailed overview of the ferry routes:

The CAT Ferry Service

The CAT Ferry service operates between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. This route offers a quick and convenient way to travel between the two locations, with a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. The ferry service is provided by Bay Ferries, a reputable company known for its comfortable and efficient transportation.

Bay Ferries MV Fundy Rose

Bay Ferries also operates the MV Fundy Rose, which sails across the breathtaking Bay of Fundy. This ferry route connects Digby, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick, in just over two hours. Passengers can enjoy the stunning scenery and comfortable amenities on board while taking in the beauty of the Bay of Fundy.

East Coast Ferries Ltd.

East Coast Ferries Ltd. offers a unique "Road of the Isles" experience between Deer Island, New Brunswick, and Maine. This ferry service provides a convenient and scenic route, saving travellers nearly 100 driving miles. The company offers competitive rates for various types of vehicles and passengers, making it an affordable and enjoyable option.

Quoddy Loop Ferry

The Quoddy Loop Ferry is a "two-nation vacation" loop that connects Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. This ferry service transports travellers and vehicles among five islands and Blacks Harbour on the New Brunswick mainland. It offers a unique opportunity to explore both countries and discover the beauty of the coastal regions.

Additional Ferry Options

In addition to the routes mentioned above, there are other ferry services connecting Maine and New Brunswick indirectly. These include the Northumberland Ferries, which sail between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, and Caribou, Nova Scotia, and the East Coast Ferries Ltd. "Island Hopper," which connects Campobello, New Brunswick, to the mainland. These options offer further connectivity and flexibility for travellers in the region.

Ferry costs

Yes, it is possible to travel by ferry from Maine to New Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy separates the two places, and the ferry ride across it is breathtaking.

The cost of the ferry from Maine to New Brunswick is not publicly available. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering the cost. Firstly, ferry prices can vary depending on the company and the specific route. It is always best to check with the ferry operator directly to get an accurate quote for your desired route.

In addition, some factors may affect the price of your ticket. For example, the time of year you travel, whether you are travelling with a vehicle, and how many people are in your group can all impact the cost.

• Bay Ferries operates a ferry service between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours, and you can bring your car.
• Northumberland Ferries offers a service between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, and Caribou, Nova Scotia. This journey usually takes 75 minutes.
• The Quoddy Loop is a "two-nation vacation" loop that connects Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. This route includes a series of ferries that transport travellers and vehicles among five islands and Blacks Harbour on the New Brunswick mainland.
• To get from Maine to Grand Manan in New Brunswick, you must take a ferry from Black's Harbour. There is no direct ferry from Maine, but you can drive to the harbour in about 40 minutes from the Calais, Maine border crossing.
• To get to Campobello Island, drive to Lubec, Maine, and cross the FDR Bridge. From there, you can take a ferry to Deer Island (for a charge) and then a free government ferry from Deer Island to Le'Tete, NB.
• East Coast Ferries Ltd. offers a service from Eastport, Maine, to the New Brunswick mainland. The M.V. "Island Hopper" saves travellers nearly 100 driving miles compared to driving directly from Eastport to New Brunswick.
• Northumberland Bay Ferries and Quoddy Loop Ferry also provide ferry services between New Brunswick and Maine.

Ferry schedules

There are several ferry services operating between Maine and New Brunswick. Here is a list of some of the ferry schedules:

MV Fundy Rose

Operated by Bay Ferries, the MV Fundy Rose sails across the Bay of Fundy between Digby, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick, in just over two hours.

Northumberland Ferries

Northumberland Ferries offers a 75-minute sail across the Northumberland Strait between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, and Caribou, Nova Scotia.

The CAT

Also operated by Bay Ferries, The CAT is a high-speed car ferry that travels between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, in 3.5 hours.

East Coast Ferries Ltd.

East Coast Ferries Ltd. provides ferry services between Deer Island and Campobello, connecting travellers to the New Brunswick mainland. The M.V. "Island Hopper" offers a more direct route to New Brunswick, saving travellers nearly 100 driving miles. Alternatively, the M.V. "Fundy Trail" provides a route from Eastport to New Brunswick, reducing driving mileage by 50 miles.

Quoddy Loop

The Quoddy Loop is a "two-nation vacation" loop that relies on a series of ferries to transport travellers and vehicles among five islands and Blacks Harbour on the New Brunswick mainland.

Ferry operators

There are several ferry operators providing services between Maine and New Brunswick. Here is a list of some of the operators:

Bay Ferries

Bay Ferries operates the MV Fundy Rose, which sails across the Bay of Fundy between Digby, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick, in just over two hours. They also operate a high-speed car ferry called The CAT, which travels between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, in 3.5 hours.

East Coast Ferries Ltd.

East Coast Ferries Ltd. is a privately-owned company that offers ferry services between Deer Island and Campobello, connecting New Brunswick and Maine. Their website provides information on fares and schedules for the upcoming summer season.

Northumberland Ferries

Northumberland Ferries operates a ferry service across the Northumberland Strait, connecting Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, and Caribou, Nova Scotia, in 75 minutes. They also provide accessible travel options for guests with physical, cognitive, behavioural, and psychological disabilities.

Casco Bay Lines

Casco Bay Lines is a public ferry service that operates seven days a week, year-round. They provide fixed-route ferry services from Portland, Maine, to six islands in Casco Bay.

Miss Lizzie

Miss Lizzie offers seasonal ferry services between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor in Maine, connecting to the Acadia National Park Island Explorer Shuttle Bus. The ferry typically operates from Memorial Day weekend to the second weekend in October.

These ferry operators provide vital links between Maine and New Brunswick, as well as other destinations along the East Coast, making travel convenient and offering a range of onboard services and experiences.

Customs requirements

The Bay of Fundy separates the Canadian province of New Brunswick from the U.S. state of Maine. Ferries do cross this bay, connecting the two jurisdictions. The MV Fundy Rose, operated by Bay Ferries, sails between Digby, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick, in just over two hours. Another Bay Ferries vessel, The CAT, is a high-speed car ferry that takes passengers between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, in 3.5 hours.

When travelling between Maine and New Brunswick, passengers must comply with customs requirements. The specific obligations will depend on the mode of transportation and point of entry.

Private Boats

Those arriving in Canada by private boat must report to customs immediately upon arrival. If no customs officer is present, travellers must remain on their vessel and contact the nearest customs office to await an officer. They should not visit or contact anyone until the customs official arrives. Upon arrival at a designated marina or dock, travellers should contact the appropriate customs office and provide passports for each person on board. All personal goods being imported, including firearms and weapons, must be declared, and duties and taxes must be paid if necessary.

Public Transport

When crossing the border using public transportation, such as a bus or ferry, passengers will be required to disembark while customs officials inspect the luggage compartment and passenger area. Travellers will need to present their passports before re-embarking.

Rental Cars

Driving a rental car across the border is usually not an issue, provided prior arrangements have been made with the rental company. It is essential to have a copy of the rental agreement explicitly stating permission to take the vehicle across the border.

Private Cars

If travelling in a private car that is not registered to someone in the vehicle, written proof of permission from the owner to take the car across the border is required.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Visitors to the U.S. and Canada have different allowances for bringing alcohol and tobacco products into each country. For the most up-to-date information, travellers should consult the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Tobacco Information or Alcohol Information websites, as well as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website.

Identification

All travellers are required to carry proof of identity and citizenship and have a valid passport. U.S. citizens entering Canada must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization certificate along with valid photo identification. Permanent residents of the U.S. must also carry their permanent resident cards.

Minors must have identification and be accompanied by an adult. If a parent is travelling with their child, they must carry the child's proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate. A letter of permission with contact information for the other parent or legal guardian is also required. For shared custody arrangements, an adult with legal or shared custody must have copies of the relevant legal documents. Non-parents or non-legal guardians travelling with a child will need a letter of permission or authorization of custody, as well as contact information for the child's parents or legal guardians.

Criminal History

Please note that persons crossing the border can be denied entry based on suspicion alone. A criminal conviction, regardless of how minor or how long ago it occurred, may be grounds for exclusion. Other reasons for denying entry include health and financial considerations, misrepresentation of identity, and having an inadmissible family member.

Frequently asked questions