"A great way to visit Eastport’s Pirate and Salmon Festivals or the Pirate Invasion of Lubec in September or a Magical Coastal Adventure Day Trip This Summer"

The oldest, fastest and most inexpensive ferry service between Maine/USA and The Canadian Maritimes is not the one that formerly departed from Bar Harbor and Portland. It is not the old Cat, Bluenose or Scotia Prince.

It is the East Coast Ferries Ltd. that runs daily in the summer season between Eastport and Deer Island, New Brunswick, Canada. Whether you're looking for a pleasant interlude from the routine of travel, or for a day's activity be prepared to savor the tranquility you'll experience on "The Road of the Isles."

If you have ever taken the Hovercraft from Dover, UK to Calais, France and experienced taking off and landing on the beach you’ll be reminded of that experience as these ferries embark and disembark on the beaches of Eastport, Deer Island and Campobello.

The cost is $13.00 for Car and driver and $3.00 per head for each additional passenger with a car maximum of $18.00. No charge for passengers 12 years and under. Motor Cycles are $8.00 and large trucks and trailers are $1.25 per foot. The Ferry Service operates from both Campobello Island, New Brunswick, (which you can drive to from Lubec, Maine) and from historic Eastport.

Visitors to the Campobello area who wish to continue on to the New Brunswick mainland can save nearly 100 driving miles by hopping on the M.V. "Island Hopper". Save nearly 50 driving miles from the Eastport area aboard the M.V. "Fundy Trail." Travelers returning to the U.S. can avoid long line-ups at the border crossings, and enjoy the ride on the free Government ferries to Deer Island from L'Etete (near St. George) then on over to Campobello or Eastport with us. The journey across on the ferries and the drive along the island shores of Deer Island, New Brunswick from one end to the other is absolute magic filled with the sights and sounds that are pure Maine and The Maritimes.

Or while staying in the Eastport area you can join them for a day trip adventure around the Quoddy Loop. The service offered by the vessels of East Coast Ferries Ltd. is the link that makes the Loop complete.

"This is a A great way to visit Eastport’s Pirate and Salmon Festivals in September if you live in Canada. The Salmon Festival is Labor Day Weekend, September 4&5. The Pirate Festival with it's International Lobster Boat Race is the following weekend September 10-12, with the Lobster Boat Races in the last day. The Pirate Invasion of Lubec is September 4 and the ferry service between Deer Island and Campobello is a great way to participate for New brunswick residents.

Just hopping on the ferry system for a fun and unique day trip this summer for visitors and residents of Maine and New Brunswick is guaranteed to provide lifelong memories," says Eastport City Councilor John Miller. "It is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. You get to see the very best of Maine and New Brunswick without spending a fortune. You could be looking at this pristine corner of the world through the eyes of President Franklin Roosevelt when you make the crossing. These are the sights and sounds that he and his family loved. This time of year our waters are filled with whales, porpoise, and seals - while the blue sky above is a great place to see our large population of eagles."

Step or drive on-board and you'll sail where French explorer Samuel de Champlain sailed, four centuries ago, and the summering Roosevelt's sailed three centuries later. Today YOU are the explorer; You are the summer visitor, creating your own memories of this special world.

Some of the many attractions in the area include the Roosevelt Memorial Park, fishing and whale watching excursions, sea kayaking, hiking, lighthouses, Raye's Mustard, beaches, great seafood restaurants at great prices and reasonable accommodations. This is the area of Maine and New Brunswick that will really stretch your vacation dollars and give you great value.

The "Old Sow", the largest tidal whirlpool in North America, can be seen from the deck of the ferry that runs from Eastport to Deer Island Point Park. The best time to really see the whirlpool in full action is one hour before high tide. Camping and picnic facilities are available at the ferry landing at Deer Island Point.

Stop by Bella's Country Store, located just one kilometer from the mainland/Deer Island ferry landing, for ferry information, gifts, snacks, cold drinks, a soft serve ice cream or a cup of Timothy's Gourmet coffee.

The ferries operate on a first come-first served basis. It is a good idea to arrive 15 - 20 minutes prior to departure time. Method of Payment is cash. The fare is collected by the deckhands during your crossing.

SECURITY INFORMATION

Deer Island - Eastport Maine, Route

The East Coast Ferries operate under the Transport Canada Marine Transportation Security Act. As part of this act, passengers may be asked for ID and vehicles may be screened prior to boarding. Have your passports or passport cards ready.

The Deer Island - Eastport run takes about 15-20 minutes.

The Campobello run is 30 minutes. Make sure you have your camera handy. This time of year you can see Whales, Porpoise, Eagles, Light Houses and the Old Sow Whirlpool "up-close and personal."

HOW TO GET THERE

From Maine:

Leave route 1 at Whiting, Maine and take 189 to Lubec and Campobello - or leave Rt. 1 in Perry, Maine and take Route 190 to Eastport (the most easterly city in the U.S.)

From New Brunswick:

Leave Route 1 at St.George, N.B. and take Route 172 to L'Etete, N.B. where free government ferries leave for Deer Island from 7:00 a.m. to 10p.m. daily (A.D.T.) The last trips weather permitting.

For more information and inquiries about crossings for the Eastport Pirate Festival September 11-13 you can contact: East Coast Ferries Ltd, PO Box 301, Lord’s Cove, New Brunswick, Canada E5V 1W2 or call 506-747-2159 or toll free at 1-877-747-2159.