McNabs Island South End Guided Heritage Tour

Join the Friends of McNabs Island for a guided hike through Canadian history in the South End of McNabs Island! Learn about the important role McNabs Island played for the Mi’kmaq First Nations, the early French settlers, and the British, who built several forts on the island to protect the Port of Halifax.

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.
• Discover the grounds of the McNab Family Homestead, the McNab Family Cemetery and Fort McNab National Historic Site.
• Visit the Teahouse Outdoor Education Centre located in the restored English Victorian Gardens.
• 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!
• Stroll along the Maugers Beach 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 13 and August 17, 2025

Times: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Price:

• Member of the Friends of McNabs: $30
• Non-member of the Friends of McNabs: $40
• Children and Youth under 16: $20. Babies and toddlers under four are free but must be registered at time of booking.

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 4:00 pm, returning to Eastern Passage by 4:30 pm.

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.