Experience McNabs Island Tour

About This Tour:

Despite its wild and woolly past, McNab’s Island today is unspoiled, and getting better. Tall forests, windswept beaches, abandoned houses, green fields, peace and quiet have replaced the restaurants and dance venues. There’s still a fort at each end to explore but the soda-pop plant and steam-operated merry-go-round are gone. They have all been left behind, and the earth and its creatures are once again in charge. Only the trails, signs, maps, and restrooms remind you that you’re in a city. But you can still see lots of reminders of a long and interesting past. 

Hiking Options:

Walk to where the dock meets the island. While standing facing the island:

• Two long hiking options—Step off the wharf and turn left or turn right on the rocky road.

  • Left for Fort Ives, the houses, Ives Point

  • Right for the saltwater pond, wreck cove, cemetery, Fort McNab

• Three short hiking options:

  • Along the beach to your right

  • Up the hill by the information signs for ruins of pleasure grounds, farm and pop factory

  • Around the cove to your left at your 8 o’clock position and out to the bluff at Hugonin Point

If you visit either of the forts, be sure to climb up to where the cannons are for some spectacular views of the ocean, with Halifax on the right and the Caribbean on the left. (It’s further away)

The boat ride is a big part of the adventure: big, comfy seats—there are only 12—and historian and author Bob Chaulk to prep you for your visit.

What to Bring

The Essentials:

• What to take—footwear, jacket, rain gear, water, hat, sunscreen, bug repellant, cell phone

• Be at Garrison Pier 15 minutes prior to return departure

• Ambassatours phone number 902-420-1015

• There is no potable water and no washrooms on the island. There are however, composting toilets.

Tour Includes:

Round Trip Ferry Service to McNabs Island

Guided Commentary Pre and Post Trip

4 Hour Self Guided Island Exploration

Picnic Lunch Additional