McNabs Island Fall Foliage Tours

Join the Friends of McNabs Island Society for the annual Fall Foliage Tours of McNabs Island Provincial Park. See the island in its autumn splendour and choose to participate in one of seven guided tour options including: Heritage Tours, Nature Tour, Adventure Tour, Coastal Shoreline Tour, or a Family Tour. A Hangman’s Beach tour based on the characters and setting from Thomas Raddall’s book Hangman’s Beach is also an option.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy round-trip transportation to McNabs Island with Ambassatours aboard the Harbour Queen
  • ​Depart from Cable Wharf on the Halifax Waterfront and travel to Garrison Pier. See iconic views of the Halifax harbour, waterfront, and marine life, like seals and shorebirds, during the 45-minute ride
• Participate in a special welcome to Mniku’j (McNabs Island) by representatives of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and discover how important the island was for the Mi’kmaq
• Learn about the role McNabs Island played during the world wars to protect the Port of Halifax from Fort McNab National Historic site
  • Military animators from Parks Canada and the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society will be at Fort McNab
• Hear the story of Bill Lynch, the “midway king” and how he got his start in the fairground business
• Learn the tragic story of the SS England that was quarantined off McNabs in 1866
• Discover the island’s coastal environment, plants and wildlife
• Learn from the Friends of McNabs Island horticulturalists how we are restoring the Victorian Gardens on the island
• Visit the Outdoor Education Centre which was the former abandoned Teahouse

How to Book: We offer a variety of tours to choose from during our McNabs Island Fall Foliage day. When purchasing your tickets, select your top THREE tour choices on the order form. The Friends of McNabs volunteers will try to accommodate your first choice, but cannot guarantee it. We will process requests on a “first ordered” basis. There is only enough time during the day to take part in ONE tour. We’d love to welcome you back next year to join another tour. Tickets must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite. Tour choices are:

• Heritage Tour to Fort Ives and the North End of McNabs Island
• Heritage Tour to Fort McNab National Historic Site and the South End of McNabs Island
• Nature Tour to see unspoiled beauty of island nature, shore birds and island wildlife with a biologist
• Adventure Tour to Thrumcap (suitable for hikers over 16 years of age)
• *New* Coastal Shoreline Tour
• Hangman’s Beach – McNab Family Homestead Tour
• Family Beach Discovery Tour (for parents/guardians with children 12 years and under)

Price: 

• Adults $40 +  booking fees
• Children and Youth under 16: $20 +  booking fees
• Babies and toddlers under four are free, but must be registered and have a ticket at time of booking.
• Members of the Friends of McNabs Island Society: $30 +  booking fees

Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024)

Please arrive to board the Harbour Queen at 9:15 am for a 9:30 am departure. We depart Garrison Pier on McNabs Island at 4:30 pm for the return to the Halifax waterfront by 5:30 pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Good to Know: Dress for the weather and island environment. Wear comfortable, sturdy waterproof sneakers or hiking boots. The island’s trails are rough in some places because storms have washed rocks up onto the trails. Visitors should expect to walk at least 5km on any of these guided tours. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent (even in the fall), plenty of drinking water, and a lunch. Dogs on a leash are permitted. Smoking tobacco or cannabis and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited in the provincial park.

Learn more about McNabs Island and highlights of each tour type on our website or Eventbrite. The Friends of McNabs Island Society is a volunteer-driven registered charity dedicated to preserving and protecting McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park and Fort McNab National Historic Site.