Nova Scotia-Maine ferry sees ‘significant drop’ in Canadian bookings

Bay Ferries says there is a significant drop in Canadian bookings on the Yarmouth, N.S.-to-Maine ferry.

Bookings on the Nova Scotia-Maine ferry have increased so far this month, though not as many Canadians are on board.

Bay Ferries Limited (BFL) says 24,613 bookings for The CAT had been made as of Tuesday, compared to 19,308 on June 12.

However, Bay Ferries says there has a “significant drop” in Canadian passenger bookings, which is a major factor in its overall year-to year booking decline.

This time last year there were more than 30,000 booked for travel on The CAT.

“We are pleased to see this year’s bookings going up as the year progresses, despite significant headwinds as many Canadians are choosing not to travel to the United States,” said Mark Wilson, BFL’s chief executive officer, in a Friday news release.

“We remain committed to welcoming passengers from around the world on this unique transportation link between New England and the Maritimes.”

Wilson hosted Maine Gov. Janet Mills on the ferry from Yarmouth to Bar Harbor, Maine, last month. She went on to visit both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to encourage Maritimers to visit her state.

“Having received such strong support from the Government of Nova Scotia over the years, we are grateful that Governor Mills took the time to experience this ocean connection to her state,” Wilson added.

The CAT has completed 37 round trips so far this year. Seven round trips were cancelled due to poor weather conditions in May and June.

The sailing season started on May 15, with the service operating five days per week until June 18. Daily service began the next day and will last until Sept. 22.

The ferry will then operate five days a week from Sept. 25 to the end of the season on Oct. 15.

BFL says it will continue to release monthly traffic reports this season, with the next one expected no later than mid-August.

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