Cape Breton Highlands by Air & Sea

Experience the Cape Breton Highlands like never before on a guided tour by helicopter & zodiac with Kattuk Expeditions, leaving from downtown Halifax. 

Embark on an exciting 9-hour adventure to the world-renowned Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands from your downtown Halifax hotel. Enjoy iconic coastal views and guided tours that normally take multiple days to experience, in just one day!

Your Kattuk Expeditions guide will take you to Halifax Airport for a one-of-a-kind adventure by helicopter to Cape Breton Island. Experience dramatic aerial views of Cape George, Mabou Highlands, hidden sandy coves, sweeping beaches, and the iconic Cape Breton Highlands, where the mountains meet the sea.

Landing in Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton, enjoy a guided tour of the Whale Interpretive Centre before taking a private whale-watching trip by zodiac to see whales, seals, sea caves, and towering mountainside cliffs up close. If conditions allow, your guide will stop for a picnic in a quiet cove, or you’ll dine in Pleasant Bay, overlooking the surrounding mountains before flying back to Halifax.

​Tour Package Includes:

• Return shuttle transportation with Kattuk Expeditions from Muir Hotel on the Halifax Waterfront. Pickup from other downtown Halifax hotels can be arranged.
• Guided helicopter tour of Cape George, Mabou Highlands, Cape Breton Highlands, the Highlands Plateau, Margaree Valley and Lake Ainslie. Fly from Halifax Airport aboard a Sikorsky S76 A++ helicopter or Bell 206 Jet Ranger.
• Admission & Guided tour at the Whale Interpretive Centre to learn more about the whale species and area’s marine ecology.
• Guided, private whale-watching tour by zodiac with Capt. Mark’s Whale and Seal Cruise: See whales, seals, seabirds, sea caves, hidden coves and beaches aboard a high-powered zodiac. Hear whales communicating via an onboard hydrophone. Lifejackets and waterproof jackets are provided.
• Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a locally-produced charcuterie, sandwiches, light dessert, and refreshments either in a quiet cove during the whale watching tour or in Pleasant Bay before reboarding the helicopter.

This unique experience is offered from June to October 2025, based on availability. Please contact Kattuk Expeditions online or at 1-844-6-KATTUK (528885) to book your tour.

Price: $3550 per person + HST

Suggested Items to Bring

It is always cooler on the water, so layering is ideal, even in the summer. Below are some suggested items to help keep you comfortable:

• Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater
• Light layers (long sleeve tops, soft shells)
• Rainproof/windproof jacket
• Sturdy walking shoes footwear that can potentially get wet
• Sunglasses and hat (toque/beanie in autumn)
• Sunscreen

Conditions:

Advance booking required. Minimum of 3 guests required to offer tour; maximum of 7.

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

A deposit of $750 CAN per person is due at time of booking. The remaining payment is due 90 days prior to the arrival date. For cancellations prior to 90 days, a full refund less a 5% admin fee will be returned. After 90 days prior to arrival, trips are non-refundable. Kattuk Expeditions recommends that all travellers purchase travel insurance that covers tour cancellations. If Kattuk Expeditions has to cancel the trip due to weather or any unforeseen circumstances, 100% of payments will be refunded.