Plan a quick summer getaway to Nova Scotia. Beginning May 1, Nova Star Cruises will operate daily sailings between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia aboard the 1,215-passenger ship Nova Star. Service runs through October 31 and offers comfortable overnight crossings with modern onboard amenities.
The Nova Star features three restaurants, multiple bars, a casino, a fitness center and a duty-free shop, making the crossing convenient and enjoyable for leisure travelers and families. Departures from Portland are scheduled at 9 p.m., with arrivals in Yarmouth at 8 a.m. the next morning. Return sailings leave Yarmouth at 10 a.m. and arrive in Portland at 7 p.m.
Yarmouth sits on the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia along the Bay of Fundy and serves as an ideal gateway for exploring the province. From Yarmouth you can access two of Nova Scotia’s most scenic touring routes. The Lighthouse Route follows the Southern Shore northeast toward Halifax and showcases classic coastal scenery, historic lighthouses and charming fishing villages. The Evangeline Trail runs along the Bay of Fundy and crosses the fertile Annapolis Valley before reaching the outskirts of Halifax.
The Annapolis Valley is emerging as one of Canada’s notable wine regions, home to a growing number of wineries producing cool-climate varietals such as Maréchal Foch and L’Acadie Blanc. Visitors to the valley can enjoy wine tastings, farm-to-table dining, and scenic vineyard drives combined with local food experiences.
Travelers arriving by ferry can easily plan multi-day drives or shorter day trips to explore coastal viewpoints, provincial parks, and cultural attractions. In addition to natural scenery, the region offers seafood dining, historic sites, and small towns with local artisan shops. Summer is an ideal time to visit due to longer daylight hours, outdoor festivals and active marine wildlife watching opportunities in the Bay of Fundy.
Whether you prefer a relaxed coastal tour along the Lighthouse Route or a wine-focused itinerary through the Annapolis Valley and the Evangeline Trail, Yarmouth provides convenient access and a relaxed starting point for discovering southwestern Nova Scotia. The overnight ferry schedule makes it easy to combine travel with a full day of exploration on arrival.
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