A tough – but expected – hit to Nova Scotia’s upcoming summer tourism season.
The province has announced that the ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, Maine will not operate due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement was echoed by Bay Ferries in a short message on their site.
A release flagged several reasons, including a border closure between the U.S. and Canada that isn’t expected to be lifted in the foreseeable future.
Executive Director of Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association Neil MacKenzie says they will continue to leverage regional markets until the pandemic is under control.
“We are not alone, this is not just a situation that is happening to Yarmouth & Acadian Shores,” he noted. “Basically all destinations around the world have lost access. The cruise industry has been devastated, and cruise ships aren’t going anywhere. There’s only three flights flying out of Halifax International Airport, flights have pulled out of Cape Breton.”
The Cat hasn’t sailed since summer of 2018.
The 2019 season was fraught with delays due to construction of the Bar Harbour ferry terminal, which is now complete according to the release.
The 2020 ferry season was shuttered due to the pandemic.
“It is absolutely the right decision,” said Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood in the press release. “The health and safety of our citizens is the most important thing as we continue to manoeuvre our way through the pandemic.”
The province has a contract for the ferry service through the 2025 operating season.
Normal vessel maintenance programs will reportedly continue.
