McNabs Island Guided Nature Tour

Explore the unspoiled beauty of McNabs Island on this Guided Nature Tour with Friends of McNabs Island Society. Learn about endangered barn swallows that live at Fort McNab National Historic Site and watch osprey that nest near Wreck Cove. Visit the forgotten English Gardens and tour our newly restored Teahouse Outdoor Education Centre.

As you stroll the sandy beaches taking in incredible panoramic views – you’ll be amazed that you’re just minutes from downtown Halifax and Dartmouth!

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 Harbour, waterfront, and marine life like harbour seals and many shorebirds during the 30-minute ride.
• Explore the unspoiled beauty of island nature like Nova Scotia’s provincial bird, the osprey, as they fish the island’s coves and endangered barn swallows that glide through the air at Fort McNab.
• Discover the diversity of coastal plants and some of over 200 bird species, with our biologist at McNabs Pond. See this ecosystem transform as the tide rolls in!
• Admire panoramic views of Halifax Harbour from Fort McNab National Historic Site one of many ‘WOW’ moments and stunning views you’ll encounter on this tour. Be sure to bring your camera!
• Choose to swim at Maugers Beach or simply stroll along the sandy shores and watch the tide roll in.

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.

Tour Dates: July 9, 16, 23, and 30 and August 13, 20 and 27.

Times: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

Price:

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

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 brochure.

Tickets must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite.

Good to Know: 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 5km on this guided tour. Pack sunscreen, sunhats, insect repellent, 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.

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 or 10:15 am for the 10:30 am trip to McNabs Island. The Captain’s Pride will leave the island at 3:30 pm on the first trip and 4:30 pm for the second trip, returning to Eastern Passage by 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm respectively.