Yarmouth tourism assoc. feeling good about ‘CAT’ ferry season

Days before the ‘CAT’ ferry season starts, the CEO of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association says they are feeling really good about this year.

Neil MacKenzie says they had a great season in 2025.

“The region was up about 3 to 4 per cent in room nights. We sold 3,000 more last year than in 2024,” says MacKenzie.

There are less Canadians traveling to the U.S. still, says MacKenzie, but that is consistent across the country and “out of our control”.

The Bay Ferries vessel travels between Yarmouth and Bar Harbour, Maine every year between May and October with crossings set to start, May 14.

However, a its future still remains uncertain without a long-term contract with Nova Scotia.

An economic impact study was released on the ferry earlier this year that reaffirmed passengers on the ‘CAT’, stay longer, spend more money with support for the service across the province.

MacKenzie says it clearly articulates the value to the province not just for Yarmouth and Acadian Shores.

“It’s critical for us, of course, in the region and southwest Nova Scotia but the ferry itself has clearly shown it has a 31-42 million annual GDP impact and supports 270 to 440 full-time jobs,” explains MacKenzie. “It’s a direct connection to the United States.”

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Fred Tilley says the province is “working very hard” on a new contract to get the “best solution”.

“We understand the urgency,” says Tilley.