Businesses in Yarmouth are ready for the return of the ‘CAT.’

The Nova Scotia-to-Maine ferry will start its season on Friday.

Kara Orr is a server at the Shanty Café in Yarmouth.

She says tourism plays a huge part in the business.

“We are steady year-round, but the tourism is amazing. The stories we hear, the people we meet, I think it’s great for Yarmouth,” said Orr.

Orr says she’s glad to see the service begin a week earlier this year.

She says people are surprised to see what Yarmouth has to offer.

“When people start off here, they’re looking for what they should see in our area. We have so much to offer, everything from Cape Forchu to the museums to the beautiful architecture around town.”

The CAT carried over 38,000 passengers last season.

In the first few weeks the ferry will not run Tuesday and Wednesday’s but will begin daily trips on June 20.

The last crossings will happen on October 15.