Canadians, eh? News on Portland-Yarmouth new ferry service?

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Back2PA

Back2PA

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One of the best trips I've ever taken in an RV was my old Bounder 40Z from PA to Portland, ME, ferry to Yarmouth (first overnight Fundy Trail Campground, Delaps Cove) then about 3 weeks in Nova Scotia. Took the red-eye ferry over then drove back. Beee-you-tiful and absolutely the nicest people. I've always wanted to go back.

I keep a working list of destinations and was checking on the ferry service thinking about retracing our steps. Lo and behold, as far as I can tell it seems the ferry service has been suspended and the new operator doesn't have a vessel yet. Is this still the case, you guys have any top secret info us Muricans don't know about yet?
 
    First order of business, while I do speak a little different from many of you, I for one do not end my sentences with eh.  So, when speaking about Maritime Canada, adding the eh, is like saying all northerners use "y'all".
    As for the ferry, the NS Government did not renew the contract with the ferry operator for cause. (They didn't elaborate)  They awarded the new contract to an experienced operator, but so far they have not been able to confirm a boat, but are actively looking.  The NS Provincial Minister responsible has gone on record within the past week to say that there will be a ferry running this summer.  However, as I know all of you are aware, a promise from a politician is not often reliable, so keep tuned.
      As alternatives, there is so much to see and do in New Brunswick and PEI on your way to Nova Scotia, you could drive.  Or there is a ferry from Saint John, NB to Digby, NS and Saint John is only an hours drive from Calais, Maine.  The drive from Portland to Calais along US1 is amongst the prettiest in the US.  If you search the forum you will find numerous strings of forum members' trips.

Ed
 
Hfx_Cdn said:
    First order of business, while I do speak a little different from many of you, I for one do not end my sentences with eh.  So, when speaking about Maritime Canada, adding the eh, is like saying all northerners use "y'all".
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Meant as an endearment. As one of your countrymen's signature line includes "Canada eh" I didn't think it would be inappropriate. No offense intended, my apologies.

Thanks for the info.
 
    Yes, but he's a flatlander from Alberta, where they use of eh is much more prevalent.  Besides, I was not offended just trying to re-enforce that there are regional differences in speech patterns in each of our countries.
    I read the the 2 Halifax papers on line every day, so if there is an update on the ferry, I'll post it, but give thought to the alternatives I mentioned, each of the Maritimes has differences to offer and are worth the trip.

Ed
 
The Digby ferry is either in the process of, or already has been replaced by a smaller ferry, so reservations are a must.

 
Ed


My Dad's Mom came from Fredericton, NB and i have to tell you I heard "eh?" Growing up in her home every time I Was there. She was born in 1902 which might have been part of the reason. ::)
 
    The new ferry called the Fundy rose is in service.  Although it is shorter, it holds almost double the number of cars than its predecessor, however, you are correct that due to its configuration, it will only take about 2/3's of the number of heavy trucks.  I am assuming that RVs would fall into that category since the article i was able to google was not specific.  Even though it never was difficult to get on board, I agree that it would be best to make reservations if you want specific crossing times.
    Jeff, both Donna and I grew up in New Brunswick, as did our parents, and in Donna's case ancestors going back to the 1780's.  None of either of our families ever added the "eh".  I'm not saying that some Maritimers use it, but the majority of those around me don't.

Ed
 
    As promised, here is the update on the ferry from Yarmouth NS and Portland ME.  The good news is that it is a catamaran, so it will be a fast crossing.  The operator is the same one that used to operate the Cat between both Portland & Bar Harbor to Yarmouth, but closed down when the previous Government refused to provide a $6M (CDN) subsidy, so they brought in a new operator and blew out $20M per year.  Maybe that's why there is a new government in power in NS.
    Bay Ferries runs several other routes, and has their own website, so keep your eyes open for more information on the site if you are interested.

Ed

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/yartmouth-ferry-announcement-mar24-1.3505585
 
Any idea how much a tow vehicle and 26' travel trailer would cost from Portland to NS? 
 
    That's why I said for you to keep checking their website for details.  I'm sure prices will be available within a few days.  Unlike the operator, these people know what what they are doing.  Here is their website.

http://www.ferries.ca/thecat/

Ed
 
Unlike the previous, this boat won't be carrying commercial truck traffic. However they will be carrying "motor coaches". Spoke with a customer service agent and while they presume they will be carrying motorhomes and other RVs, they don't have specific info one way or the other yet. They are hoping to start taking reservations April 15, with a first sailing of June 15.
 
I thought they were going to have to start a Ferry service a few months ago when the brand new Nipigon River Bridge collapsed.

The only highway between eastern and western Canada was closed for a while.
 
    Scott, as I read the press reports, the problem with commercial vehicles isn't with the ship's capacity, but with the city of Portland not wanting the return of the trucks travelling through downtown Portland.

Ed
 
      According to local press reports, the Rates and reservation lines will open sometime today and sailings to start mid June.  I've just checked their website and it isn't open yet, but likely will be soon.  However, there is a FAQ section that might be of interest, including one on "motor coaches", which I believe answers the question that RV's will be allowed, as I previously posted press articles indicate the ban on Commercial Trucks is a decision by the City of Portland since they do not want the return of truck traffic through their downtown.
      Here is the link:  http://www.ferries.ca/thecat/

Ed
 
Hfx_Cdn said:
      According to local press reports, the Rates and reservation lines will open sometime today, with sailings starting mid June.  I've just checked their website and it isn't open yet, but likely will be soon.  However, there is a FAQ section that might be of interest, including one on "motor coaches", which I believe answers the question that RV's will be allowed, as I previously posted press articles indicate the ban on Commercial Trucks is a decision by the City of Portland since they do not want the return of truck traffic through their downtown.
      Here is the link:  http://www.ferries.ca/thecat/

Ed
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Oops, I added when sailings start but hit quote so this is a double post.  Sorry
 
      Last update, read it and weep, as it isn't cheap.  Prices are in US Dollars and times are local:  http://www.ferries.ca/thecat/schedule-fares/

Ed
 
Hfx_Cdn said:
      Last update, read it and weep, as it isn't cheap.  Prices are in US Dollars and times are local:  http://www.ferries.ca/thecat/schedule-fares/

Ed
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WOW. That could put a coach & toad in the $7-800 range. I seem to remember when I went years ago after considering savings for time and fuel it didn't seem too expensive. Plus it was an overnight sailing so it effectively bought us two extra days vacation. And it was fun sailing into Yarmouth harbor watching the sun come up.

I figure fuel would be about $300; not sure saving a day is worth $500.

Guess I'll be driving next time.  I'm bummed :(

Side note: I sent an email quite some time ago to the folks at Fundy Trail in Delaps Cove and never heard back. I presume they haven't opened for the season yet. (Probably on holiday here in AZ! ;))
 
    Scott, here is their website: http://www.fundytrail.com/camping/  But they do mention a winter snail mail address, so they likely are not near the campground, but should soon be as I see they open May 15.
    When in that area, one of my favourite places if Habitation Port Royal, it is a rebuild of Samuel de Champlain's original fort/settlement, second only to St Augustine Florida in permanent settlement in North America.  It is a small place that only takes a short time to visit, but well worth effort.

Ed
 
Hfx_Cdn said:
When in that area, one of my favourite places if Habitation Port Royal, it is a rebuild of Samuel de Champlain's original fort/settlement, second only to St Augustine Florida in permanent settlement in North America.  It is a small place that only takes a short time to visit, but well worth effort.

Ed
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Thanks Ed will put it on the list. We of course visited Fortress Louisbourg, still remember the bread. Have the recipe, keep meaning to make it.
Hfx_Cdn said:
    Scott, here is their website: http://www.fundytrail.com/camping/  But they do mention a winter snail mail address, so they likely are not near the campground, but should soon be as I see they open May 15.
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I'll wait till they open and contact them again. Not urgent as unfortunately can't make it this summer, hopefully next.

We had the greatest time there and NS in general, can't wait to return.

(Lobster wasn't bad either  ;))
 
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