McNabs Island Heritage Tours

Join the Friends of McNabs Island Society for a guided tour to discover the rich history of McNabs Island Provincial Park. 

• Discover how important McNabs Island was for the Mi’kmaq First Nations.
• Learn about the role McNabs Island played during the world wars.
• Hear the story of Bill Lynch, the “midway king” and how he started his business on the island.
• Learn the tragic story of the SS England that was quarantined off McNabs Island in 1866.
• Discover the island’s coastal environment, plants and wildlife.
• Visit the 19th century Victorian Gardens and learn how the Society is working to restore them.
• Stop by the Teahouse, which is being converted into an off-grid Outdoor Education Centre.
• Stroll along Maugers Beach.

All McNabs Island Heritage Tours include return transportation from Eastern Passage with A&M Sea Charters (a 40′ Cape Islander boat). See tour overviews below.

2022 Dates:

• July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• August 7, 14, 21, 28

There are two trips each date with departure times of 9:30-3:30 and 10:30-4:30.

All tours must be booked in advance via Eventbrite. They sell out quickly, so don’t miss your chance to experience this historic island! 

Price: $35 (adults), $20 (children/youth under 16), $30 (Friends of McNabs Island members)

• Children 3 years old and younger are FREE, but still need a ticket.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/friends-of-mcnabs-island-society-10724104906

Tour Options:

North End Tour

• Visit historic Fort Ives where 800 soldiers stood guard protecting the Port of Halifax during WW1
• Tour the grounds of the historic Conrad and Lynch houses and discover where Bill Lynch, the Midway King, got his start in the fairground business
• Walk out to Hugonin Point for a spectacular view of Halifax Harbour 

South End Tour

• Visit Fort McNab National Historic Site, overlooking Halifax Harbour
• Watch the barn swallows and osprey in flight
• Visit the McNab Family Cemetery
• Explore McNabs Pond and watch the tide roll in along Maugers Beach

Hangman’s Beach Tour

• This slow-paced guided tour is based on the novel Hangman’s Beach, set in the early 1800s, by Nova Scotia author, Thomas H. Raddall
• Learn about Halifax during the Napoleonic Wars and find out the gruesome origin of the beach’s name
• Visit Fort McNab National Historic Site and the McNab Family Cemetery

Good to Know:

• Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and expect to walk at least 5 km.
• Bring lunch, drinking water, sunscreen, sunhat, and insect repellent. 
• Tours run rain or shine, so dress for the weather and bring layers.
• The boat departs promptly at 9:30 and 10:30. Please arrive at A&M Sea Charters’ wharf at 87 Government Wharf Road in Fisherman’s Cove Eastern Passage at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
• Alcohol consumption and smoking tobacco or cannabis are not permitted on McNabs Island Provincial Park.

For more information about these tours, please contact: info@mcnabsisland.ca or http://mcnabsisland.ca/contact.