by
Travelin' Tony T (Editor @ Large)
A
local fishing boat in Yarmouth |
 |
There
are a couple of ways to get to Yarmouth (on Nova Scotia’s
southwestern tip) from Halifax (the most populace city in
the area, and my hometown). The lovely Annapolis
Valley route will be our road home on this trip, so
we cruised on down the scenic South Shore. It’s a 3.5
hour drive straight through, and though the highway is well
maintained, it is narrow and difficult to pass in many areas.
So don’t be impatient behind that motor home going well under
the speed limit, you’re on vacation (note to self). Highway
3, the Lighthouse Route, will take you through some
of Nova Scotia’s most well traveled coastline. The seaside
communities of Chester, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Liverpool,
Shelburne, etc. are worth a stop. This trip it's straight
through to Yarmouth, birthplace of my ancestors. |
Yarmouth
is a typical small maritime town. Rich in history and the once
booming fishing industry, it is drawing on its tourism more
and more each year. The ferry services to and from Maine are
a key ingredient in the development of this tourism base and
this year everyone’s talking about the new “Cat” ferry service
between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, Maine. Once a 6 and a half
hour journey on the old Bluenose ferry, you can now travel at
warp speed on this hi tech catamaran people mover in
just under 3 hours ! More on the ferry service in a moment.
First a little about Yarmouth.
A
key fishing village, Yarmouth is full of history
and scenery. The docks along water street still house a
busy fleet of local lobster and scallop fishermen.
If you’re in to lighthouses, the "Yarmouth Light"
is a must see. Golfing at the local municipal course is
a pleasant surprise and there are loads of other activities
that make Yarmouth a great stopover, no matter what
your destination. You can stay the night at one of many
local properties, two of which are operated by the well known Maritime
chain, Rodd Hotels. The Rodd Colony Harbour Inn is located right across the street from the ferry terminal and then there is our bed for the night this
trip, The Rodd Grand Hotel.
The
tallest building in town at a towering 7 floors, the Rodd
Grand Hotel was originally owned locally and was acquired
by the corporation several years back. It is the finest
Hotel property in the area and has all the amenities
you require. Clean, comfortable rooms, lounge, dining room,
pool, sauna and in the summer months, guided tours of the
area’s main attractions. |
The
Yarmouth Light |
View
From the Grand Hotel in downtown Yarmouth |
|
The
morning light from our 4th floor accommodations illuminated
the historic port of Yarmouth as the other ferry,
Prince of Fundy’s 12 hour cruise to Portland, Maine, leaves
the terminal. We are getting set to embark on the boat ride
of a life time. We’d heard about it, we’d read about it,
we’d been inundated by the clever advertising, now it was
time to experience the awesome ocean power of “THE CAT
!” Bay Ferries’ new catamaran ferry which transports
cars and passengers at near light speed from Yarmouth,
Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, Maine. Dwarfing the old crossing
time of 6 ½ hours into three quick hours of fabulous
ferry fun. |
Next:
The "Cat" Ferry from Yarmouth
to Bar Harbor
Also:
Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park
|
