McNabs Island North End Guided Heritage Tour

Join Friends of McNabs Island Society to explore Nova Scotia heritage and island nature on this guided tour of McNabs Island’s North End. Hear the stories of Bill Lynch, the Midway King, the island fairgrounds, and the cholera-stricken SS England. Visit the forgotten English Gardens, the ruins of the A.J. Davis Soda Pop Factory, and tour our newly restored Teahouse Outdoor Education Centre.

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 shorebirds during the 30-minute ride.
• Hear historical insights from your guide on the vast and diverse history of McNabs Island like the importance of the island to the Mi’kmaq, early French settlers, and the British who build several forts on the island to protect the Port of Halifax.
• Take in the unspoiled beauty of island nature walking along the shoreline and watch Nova Scotia’s provincial bird, the osprey as they fish the island’s coves.
• Explore the ruins of the A.J. Davis Soda Pop Factory, forgotten English Gardens, the grounds of century-old homes once belonging to the Davis and Lynch families, and learn about the fairgrounds with their steam-powered carousel that entertained thousands of island visitors!
• Admire panoramic views of Halifax Harbour from Fort Ives and Hugonin Point, 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 7, 28, and August 25

Times: 9:30 am to 3:30 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 download our 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 to McNabs Island. The Captain’s Pride will leave the island at 3:30 pm, returning to Eastern Passage by 4:00 pm.