Getting Here & Around
Getting Here by Ferry
Begin your journey on the Atlantic: overnight sailings from Newfoundland dock in North Sydney, while ferries from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Maine land on mainland Nova Scotia — just a scenic drive across the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton.
From Newfoundland
The year-round Port aux Basques to North Sydney service sails twice daily and reaches Cape Breton in about 7 hours. Summer adds the longer yet laid-back Argentia to North Sydney run — 16 hours overnight with private cabins, live music and starry skies.
Check in 90 minutes early; summer vehicle bookings sell out weeks ahead.
Marine Atlantic
Reserve seats, vehicle space and optional cabins on Marine Atlantic’s Newfoundland to Cape Breton routes. Visit the site for current pricing and seasonal offers.
From New Brunswick
The MV Fundy Rose links Saint John, NB and Digby, NS in 2 h 15 m at peak times. Once ashore, the scenic Lighthouse Route leads 482 km (about 5 h) to the Cape Breton side of the causeway via Port Hawkesbury. Watch for porpoises playing in the tidal rip as you sail.
Bay of Fundy fog can delay sailings — build a buffer hour into your itinerary.
Bay Ferries Limited
View live schedules, check pet-friendly amenities and confirm up-to-date fares for the Saint John–Digby crossing.
From Prince Edward Island
Island-hopping is easy on the Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, NS ferry. The trip is a breezy 75 minutes across the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. Caribou is located 137 km (about 1 h 30 m) from Port Hawkesbury, your gateway to Cape Breton.
There is no toll when leaving Nova Scotia — fares are collected on the PEI-bound leg. Check the website for latest rates.
Northumberland Ferries Limited
Book sailings, explore onboard dining and see the real-time operating status for the PEI–Nova Scotia route.
From Maine, USA
Skip 3 hours of driving and cruise from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, NS in only 3.5 hours. From Yarmouth, it’s roughly 528 km (about 6 h 30 m) of coastal highway to the Cape Breton causeway — ideal for a two-day road-trip with lighthouse stops along the way.
Bring a valid passport and arrive two hours before departure for U.S. border processing.
The CAT
Find sailing dates, reserve vehicle space and review current ticket options for the Bar Harbor–Yarmouth run.
Final planning tips
- Book ferries as soon as travel dates are firm, especially July–September.
- Arriving late? North Sydney is only 95 km (about 1 h) from Baddeck.
- Electric-vehicle driver? Be sure to use our EV Charging resource to plan your travels.
- Winter sailings operate, but always check weather advisories before you leave.