About McNabs Island
An island destination offering natural beauty and historical sites, with more than 200 recorded bird species and 19th-century harbour fortifications. Hiking trails cross the island between abandoned forts and quiet beaches, making it a peaceful escape in the middle of Halifax Harbour.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
McNabs Island
McNabs Island sits at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, a 400-hectare largely uninhabited island reached by private or charter boat from Eastern Passage and other harbour points. The island holds the overgrown remains of Fort Ives and Fort McNab, both part of the harbour's 19th-century defence network, along with abandoned shore batteries and freshwater ponds. Fort McNab, built in the 1880s and at one time the most powerful guardian of Halifax, was decommissioned in 1959. More than 200 bird species pass through, and the beaches and trails see few visitors even on summer weekends.
Practical Information
Address & Contact
McNabs Island is a provincial park accessible only by boat. For information, contact the Friends of McNabs Island Society at P.O. Box 31240 Gladstone RPO, Halifax, NS, B3K 5Y1, info@mcnabsisland.ca, or (902) 434-2254 (evenings).
Getting There & Ferry Service
The primary access is via a seasonal ferry service, operating from late spring to early fall. Friends of McNabs Island guided tours run on select Sundays in July and August, departing 9:30 AM from 87 Government Wharf Road at Fisherman's Cove, with the boat back at Eastern Passage by 4:30 PM. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. Charter services include A&M Sea Charters (902-465-6617) and Taylor Made Tours (902-448-4982), both departing from Fisherman's Cove in Eastern Passage.
Costs & Admission
While admission to the island itself is free, guided tour ferry fares (return trip) for 2026 are: Adults $40.00 (non-members), $30.00 (Friends of McNabs Island members), Children/youth under 16 $20.00, and children 4 and under are free. Payment is accepted via cash, Interac, or credit card. Custom group charters can be arranged directly with boat operators—contact them for current pricing.
Hours & Accessibility
The park is open during daylight hours, but your visit is entirely dependent on the seasonal ferry schedule. The island has limited wheelchair accessibility due to its natural terrain and historic sites, and facilities are basic. Free parking is available at the Fisherman's Cove departure point.
Essential Visitor Tips
Advance booking for the ferry is highly recommended. Be prepared for a rustic experience: sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water, and an all-weather jacket are essential as there are no services on the island. Always check the weather, as operations are subject to conditions.
The payoff for all that planning is a side of Halifax most visitors never see: overgrown fortifications you can walk through largely alone, freshwater ponds behind the tree line, and beaches that stay quiet even on summer weekends. The island suits hikers, birders and history-minded families willing to carry in their own water and lunch. Go prepared, keep an eye on the ferry schedule and the weather, and McNabs Island rewards the effort with the wildest terrain inside Halifax Harbour.
At a Glance
| What it is | A 400-hectare largely uninhabited provincial park island at the mouth of Halifax Harbour |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Seasonal ferry from Fisherman's Cove in Eastern Passage (about a 30-minute boat ride), or private and charter boats |
| History | Overgrown remains of Fort Ives and Fort McNab, both part of the harbour's 19th-century defence network, plus abandoned shore batteries |
| Nature | More than 200 bird species, freshwater ponds, and beaches and trails that see few visitors even on summer weekends |
| Island admission | Free; 2026 guided-tour return ferry fares run $40.00 for adults ($30.00 for members), $20.00 for youth under 16, and children 4 and under ride free |
| Hours | Open during daylight hours; visits depend on the seasonal ferry schedule from late spring to early fall |
| What to bring | Sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water and an all-weather jacket; there are no services on the island |
| Accessibility | Limited wheelchair accessibility due to natural terrain; free parking at the Fisherman's Cove departure point |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to McNabs Island?
The island is accessible only by boat. The primary access is a seasonal ferry from late spring to early fall, and Friends of McNabs Island guided tours run on select Sundays in July and August, departing Fisherman's Cove at 9:30 AM and returning to Eastern Passage by 4:30 PM; the ride takes about 30 minutes. Charter boats offer another route.
How much does a visit cost?
Admission to the island itself is free, but the 2026 guided-tour return ferry fares are forty dollars per adult, thirty for members of the Friends of McNabs Island Society, twenty for children and youth under 16, and no charge for ages 4 and under. Payment is accepted by cash, Interac or credit card.
What historical sites are on the island?
The island holds the overgrown remains of Fort Ives and Fort McNab, both part of the harbour's 19th-century defence network, along with abandoned shore batteries and freshwater ponds. Fort McNab, built in the 1880s and once the most powerful guardian of Halifax, was decommissioned in 1959.
Is McNabs Island good for birdwatching?
Very much so: more than 200 bird species have been recorded on the island, and the beaches and trails see few visitors even on summer weekends. That quiet, combined with the ponds and woods, is what makes it a peaceful escape within Halifax Harbour.
What should I pack for a day trip?
Treat it as a rustic day out: sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water and an all-weather jacket are essential because there are no services on the island. Advance ferry booking is highly recommended, and always check the weather, since operations are subject to conditions.
Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Only in a limited way: the natural terrain and historic sites restrict wheelchair accessibility, and facilities are basic. The park is open during daylight hours, parking at the Fisherman's Cove departure point is free, and your visit ultimately depends on the seasonal ferry schedule.
