Discover McNabs Island: Forest Bathing Tour

Join the Friends of McNabs Island and Wil Brunner, certified Nature and Forest Therapist, for a unique island Forest Bathing experience. Depart from Eastern Passage with A&M Sea Charters and connect your senses to the beautiful natural environment on McNabs Island through guided Forest Bathing and mindfulness activities.

Tour Highlights:

• Enjoy round-trip transportation to McNabs Island with A&M Sea Charters on the Captain’s Pride. Depart from Eastern Passage and travel to Garrison Pier on the Halifax Harbour side of McNabs Island. See iconic views of the Halifax Harbour, waterfront, and marine life, like harbour seals and shorebirds during the 30-minute ride
• Get to know your guide, Wil Brunner of Soft Pine Wellness. A certified guide through the  Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, Wil holds expertise in creating safe and empowering spaces that address climate change and related social issues.
• Discover Forest Bathing, Japanese Shinrin-Yoku. Research shows that mindful time in nature boosts immunity, energy levels and happiness.
• Take a slow paced, nature walk to historic points of interest on McNabs: Beginning at the English Victorian Gardens and the Teahouse Outdoor Education Centre, walk to the top of Jenkins Hill and through the ruins of the WWII Detention Barracks. Continue down to Garrison Road, McNabs Pond and Maughers Beach. Forest tea will be served at the end of the tour.
• After the tour, do some beachcombing along Maughers Beach or go for a relaxing swim.

Date: Sunday, July 27.
* Tour departs at 9:30 am sharp and arrives back to Eastern Passage by 4:30 pm.

Price: Tickets must be purchased in advance. Includes transportation & tour.

• Member of the Friends of McNabs Island Society: $40
• Non-member of the Friends of McNabs: $50
• Children/youth under 16: $30.
  • Please note, this tour is recommended for ages 16+. Babies and toddlers 3-years-old and younger are free, but still require registration/ticket for boat transportation.

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. Join the Friends of McNabs Island and receive a $10 discount on your tour ticket! Learn more about Friends of McNabs Island on our website, check out our interactive map, or download our brochure!

Tickets must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite.

Good to Know:

• This slow-paced Forest Bathing Tour is recommended for those 16 years of age and older.
• Dress for the weather and island environment. Wear sturdy 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 5-7km on this guided tour. Pack sunscreen, sunhats, insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, and a lunch. Dogs are not permitted. Smoking tobacco or cannabis and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited in the provincial park.
• Meet at A&M Sea Charters, 87 Government Wharf Rd, Fisherman’s Cove, Eastern Passage no later than 9:15 am for the 9:30 am trip to McNabs Island. The Captain’s Pride will leave the island at 4:00 pm, returning to Eastern Passage by 4:30 pm.

Conditions & Cancellations: There is no rain date and there are no refunds. However, in the event of heavy rain or gale force winds, or if the park is closed, the tour will be cancelled and tickets refunded.