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This mysterious island just off the coast of NS has been attracting treasure hunters for decades.

Oak Island

Learn More About Oak Island

This unassuming dot of land was paid little attention until 1795, when a teenaged boy discovered a circular depression in the ground and started digging. As he and his friends dug, they discovered layers of logs and what were believed to be pick scrapings along the walls of a pit. Soon after, another group of treasure seekers took over, convinced that the so-called ‘Money Pit’ was the site of long-lost buried treasure, possibly belonging to Captain Kidd or Blackbeard. They even claimed to have found a flagstone etched with symbols that, according to an amateur cryptologist, translated into “forty feet below, two million pounds lie buried”.

Over the past 200 years, despite the difficulties and risks (six men have died while digging), there have been many determined efforts to find Oak Island’s treasure, even attracting the interest of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, The History Channel’s popular TV series, “The Curse of Oak Island”, is filmed on Oak Island as the Lagina brothers continue the search for treasure and likely won’t stop until the mystery of the money pit is solved.

Please note that Oak Island is privately owned and closed to the public.

If you’d like to connect with the Oak Island mystery, stories, and history of treasures in Nova Scotia, there are experiences available off-island to enjoy.

Don't Miss Activities

Salty Dog Sea Tours

  • Tour beautiful and mysterious Oak Island from the water in a comfortable, wheelchair accessible tritoon boat.
  • Owner, Tony Sampson has been both cast and crew on the popular TV show, The Curse of Oak Island.
  • View the island’s key sites, hear local stories, and get expert insights into the world’s longest running treasure hunt.
  • Tour leaves 3 times daily from the marina at Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre.
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Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre

  • Only 45 minutes from Halifax, wake up on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean with salty breezes and sensational views of the Mahone Bay Islands and legendary Oak Island.
  • Unwind in one of the nautically inspired guestrooms, cozy weathered chalets, or luxurious seaside villas.
  • Enjoy fresh regional cuisine, live music, water sports, complimentary recreation programs and activities, crackling bonfires, and ocean panoramas.
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Graves Island Provincial Park

  • This quiet oceanside picnic park and campground is popular with both locals and visitors, alike
  • Joined to the mainland by a short causeway, the park is typical of the many small islands found along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast.
  • The park offers a 3km coastal walking trail overlooking the picturesque Mahone Bay Islands, boat launch and spacious picnic area.
  • A great stop when exploring the nearby Rum Runners Trail—a 119-km multi-use trail, along former rail bed, connecting Halifax and Lunenburg.
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Lordly House Museum & Chester Train Station

  • Discover local history through the Chester Municipal Heritage Society’s two locations Lordly House Museum and the Chester Train Station
  • At the Chester Train Station, the Explore Oak Island display includes a collection of stories, artifacts, maps, art, and photos
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Trip Ideas in the Oak Island Area

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