Travel from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia

by Cathy
(St. George, UT)

What forms of transportation are there from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia? Can you rent a car in Portland, Maine and drive it across the border to Nova Scotia? Can you get a ferry from Portland, Maine to Halifax?

Liz's Reply...

Hi Cathy. You have asked popular questions! There are a few options for travel from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia.

As for crossing the Canadian border with a rental car...

According to the rental companies that I spoke with, there are no restrictions on driving a rental car from Maine to Canada. However, since each company (and sometimes each location) has their own policies, you will need to confirm this at the time of rental.

Also, at the border crossing you will most likely need to present a Canadian non-resident insurance card, which you will need to obtain from the car rental company.

If you drive from Maine to Canada, keep in mind that certain forms of identification will be required. I am reluctant to post that information here, as continual changes are made to border crossing regulations. I think it is wiser if I provide a website address and readers can find updates for themselves.

The Travel.State.gov website, a service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State, has specifics on border crossing requirements on the Canada - Country Specific Information page.

The Exit/Entry Requirements link provides details for entering Canada AND reentering the United States...

...for U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, visitors entering Canada from a third country, and children. That section also contains a link to the Canada Border Services Agency.

It certainly would be an ambitious drive. Google.com/maps estimates driving time from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia anywhere between 10 to 14 hours, depending on your destination in Nova Scotia. And of course this doesn't include the time you will spend on sightseeing while there!

A quicker way to travel from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia is to fly...

As of this writing Twin Cities Air Service provides 1 hour and 15 minute flights between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. They fly on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They are currently displaying round-trip rates of $466.23.

As for the CAT ferry from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia...

Due to the Canadian Government no longer being able to help subsidize the ferry, it has been discontinued - to the dismay of many Maine and Nova Scotia tourists (and residents!).

However, there is a ferry service between Saint John, New Brunswick and Digby, Nova Scotia. Year-round, the Princess of Acadia (Bay Ferries) makes a 3 hour excursion across the Bay of Fundy. Perhaps driving from Portland to Saint John and then taking a ferry to Digby would work for you?

At www.nfl-bay.com you can see route and schedule information, fares and prices, vacation packages, and make ferry reservations.

Regardless of how you travel form Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia I am sure you will have an exciting vacation!

Best regards,
Liz