The ‘CAT’ ferry will leave Yarmouth for Bar Harbor, Maine this morning.
Bay Ferries says passenger bookings are up significantly compared to this time last year.
Senior Vice-President Mark Wilson says they’re hoping that trend continues.
“The first week of every month, we’ll release the operational numbers. Earlier in May, I know we had strong booking numbers for the season,” said Wilson.
He says the border traffic of Americans into Canada was down 40 percent across the country last year, but that should continue to grow as the tourism industry rebounds.
Last year, the vessel carried about 36,000 passengers, its first sailing season since 2018.
The ferry will leave at 9:30 this morning, and depart Maine at 3 p.m Eastern time.
The schedule can be found here.
Yarmouth Mayor excited to welcome tourists
The Mayor of Yarmouth says the return of the ‘CAT’ is huge for local businesses.
Pam Mood says she’s excited for the tourism season.
“We’re looking forward to having more visitors here. We’re hoping that shops and restaurants can stay open, and we have a great big welcome for everyone that wants to be in Yarmouth,” she said.
The ferry will arrive tonight with American passengers on board.
Mayor Mood says she hopes businesses can adjust their hours to accommodate the visitors.
“It’s important to be open as much as possible. We understand that there are some issues with finding people to work, but we have to do this and do it right. The more we’re open, the more people will come to our area.”
It’s the second season in a row the CAT has been in operation, after a number of years off due to the pandemic and terminal renovations.
