Parks Canada/Acorn Art & Photography

Take the ferry to Georges Island with Ambassatours Gray Line

Visit Georges Island National Historic Site in the heart of Halifax Harbour, the place the Mi’kmaq called Kjipuktuk or “The Great Harbour.” Enjoy scenic views from a new perspective and immerse yourself in the rich history of Halifax!

New for 2024! Your ticket includes ferry transportation, Parks Canada admission, and a scenic boat tour around the island! Enjoy some extra time on the water and the unique view of the island fortifications.

The ferry is boarded at Cable Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax. Advance booking is required to guarantee your space. Secure your reservation by booking a specific day and departure time from Cable Wharf. Your flexible ticket allows you to choose your return time from the island based on boat availability. If tickets are sold out, please check back for cancellations.

Learn more about visiting Georges Island National Historic Site
Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Adult: $23.69

Senior (65+): $21.35

Youth (6-17): $13.08

5 & Under: Free

Parks Canada pass: $13.08

Family of 4 (2 kids over 5): $68.64

*Booking Fee & HST Extra

How do I book tour tickets?

There are three ways to book ferry tickets to visit Georges Island:

  1. Visit this website
  2. Call Ambassatours Gray Line at 902-420-1015
  3. In person: visit one of the Ambassatours Gray Line kiosk locations on the Halifax waterfront

​Please note: you may find tickets are sold out. Please check back for cancellations.

Do I have to book tickets for a specific time/day?

Advance booking is required to guarantee your space.
Secure your reservation by booking a specific day, departure time, and tour.

What if I have a valid Parks Canada pass that provides free entry to a Parks Canada administered place?

• Enjoy a discount with your Parks Canada pass.

• Enter your Parks Canada pass during the reservation process. Present your pass when you board the ferry.

What should I bring to the island?

Dress for the weather as visits are rain or shine and the experience is almost entirely outdoors:

  • windproof and waterproof clothing, umbrella and rain boots in case of rain
  • sturdy footwear (such as sneakers, hiking boots, etc.)
  • sunscreen
  • hat
  • water
  • food (as required)
  • hand sanitizer

How much time can I spend on the island?

The ferry to Georges Island ticket is designed as a flex ticket, allowing you an open-ended return time.

You must book a departure time from Cable Wharf, but you can return on any vessel travelling from Georges Island to Cable Wharf. Please check schedule for availability.

Is there anything available for sale on the island (such as food and drink)?

There are no concession or retail outlets on the island.

Please bring food and water (as required – see list below for other suggestions of what to bring).

  • Some food, water, and other goods will be available for purchase onboard the vessel.

Can I order a pre-boxed lunch?

· Yes, you can order a Parks Canada Perfect Picnic lunch!

· There are several lunch options (see menu below).

· Your picnic lunch order must be placed at the same time as your ticket purchase for the Ferry to Georges Island.

· When purchasing tickets and a picnic lunch, you must order before 4:00 pm the day before your scheduled departure.

· Your Perfect Picnic lunch will be ready for you as you board the Ferry to Georges Island (proof of purchase required).

Are there washroom facilities?

All of the vessels that will be used for this excursion have washrooms.

There are compost toilets available on Georges Island.

How do I properly dispose of trash & recycling?

Please pack in and pack out and leave no trash or recycling on the island.

Does the ferry operate in all weather?

Georges Island will be closed when the ferry to Georges Island is cancelled due to heavy rains or unsafe conditions for travel by boat.

Cancellations will be made by 9 pm the evening before (unless there are exceptional circumstances).

Before you travel, please confirm the island will be open: call Ambassatours Gray Line at 902-420-1015 or call Parks Canada at 902-426-5080

What is your smoking and alcohol policy?

Smoking, vaping, and alcohol of any kind are forbidden on Georges Island.

Smoking and vaping of any kind are forbidden on all vessels.

Are dogs or other pets allowed on board the ferry and on the island?

Pets or other animals are not permitted on board the ferry or on the island.
Trained service and guide dogs are permitted.

Can private boats dock at Georges Island?

Private boats may dock with complimentary daytime berthing during Parks Canada hours of operation only, subject to availability. Parks Canada admission fees apply to visitors arriving by private boat, canoe, or kayak.

Signage at the wharf indicates designated areas.

Daytime berthing is available through Build Nova Scotia's marine program.

Overnight berthing is not permitted.

Marina Inquiries: Marina Office at marina@buildns.ca or 902-229-BOAT (2628)

Set sail for Georges Island for Family Fun Days with Parks Canada this Summer!

Plan your visit for one of the following Mondays this summer for extra special family fun- July 22, July 29, August 12, August 19, and August 26. Open 10am-3pm.

Don’t miss the chance to explore this historic hidden gem in the centre of Halifax Harbour with the whole family. Join Parks Canada for special games, a treasure hunt, guided tours of the underground tunnels and much more!

Pack a picnic or pre-order a Parks Canada Perfect Picnic from The Cable Wharf or Sapori Italian Street Food.

Book the ferry to Georges Island today and jump on board for unforgettable family fun!

Hours of Operation | Ferry Schedule
The wharf and Georges Island National Historic Site are open from June to October. Visitation is not permitted outside specified open times.

June 8 to June 30, 2024
Open Saturday and Sunday
10 am to 3 pm

July 4 to September 1, 2024
Open Monday and Thursday to Sunday (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
10 am to 3 pm

September 7 to October 13, 2024
Open Saturday and Sunday
10 am to 3 pm
Departure - Cable Wharf Arrival - Georges Island Departure - Georges Island Arrival - Cable Wharf
10:00am 10:10am 10:20am 10:30am
10:40am 10:50am 11:00am 11:10am
11:20am 11:30am 11:40am 11:50am
12:00pm 12:10pm 12:20pm 12:30pm
12:40pm 12:50pm 1:00pm 1:10pm
1:20pm 1:30pm 1:40pm 1:50pm
    2:20pm 2:30pm
    3:00pm 3:10pm
Safety & Accessibility
Two people walk alongside an old building while visiting Georges Island.
For your safety

Georges Island is a fortification that features steep masonry walls, surrounded by a ditch up to 9 metres deep. Please do not climb up on the walls or earthworks or out into gun openings. These areas are especially dangerous when wet. Young children should be under close supervision at all times. Be aware of steep inclines and watch out for low doorways, uneven steps, and floors.

The Kawartha Spirit vessel departs Georges Island.
Vessel accessibility

Ambassatours Gray Line will make every effort to ensure ramps and mobility friendly transitions are available during the embarkation and disembarkation process. Smaller vessels may have more limited accessibility options. Guests with specific questions or concerns about mobility are invited to contact us directly at 902 420-1015 to review the process, and determine if this excursion is right for them.

Picnic Lunch

Complement your visit to Georges Island with a Parks Canada Perfect Picnic. There are several lunch options so you’re sure to find a picnic meal that suits your taste buds. Your picnic lunch order must be placed at the same time as your ticket purchase for the Ferry to Georges Island. When purchasing tickets and a picnic lunch, you must order before 4:00 pm the day before your scheduled departure. Your Perfect Picnic lunch will be ready for you as you board the Ferry to Georges Island (proof of purchase required).

Guest enjoys a Lobster Roll while visiting Georges Island.
Lobster Roll

• Traditional lobster roll made with Fresh Atlantic lobster.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.

$36
(plus tax)

Two friends seated in the Parks Canada Red Chairs stop to chat while eating lunch on Georges Island.
Rotisserie Chicken

• Sliced rotisserie chicken with smoked Gouda, chipotle aioli, and arugula, served on toasted sourdough.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.

$24
(plus tax)

Guest enjoys an apple while looking over at a Parks Canada Georges Island Map.
Halloumi (vegetarian)

• Fried Halloumi cheese and grilled mixed peppers with roasted garlic pesto aioli on rosemary focaccia bread.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.

$23
(plus tax)

Guest enjoys an apple while looking over at a Parks Canada Georges Island Map.
Ham & Cheese

• With arugula, Dijon mustard on rosemary focaccia.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.

$19
(plus tax)

Sapori Italian Street Food
www.saporihalifax.com (English only)
Located at Queen’s Marque, on the Halifax Waterfront, beside Cable Wharf
1741 Lower Water St., #162, Halifax
902-422-1711

We incorporate into the Perfect Picnic our basil pesto made with locally grown basil. We try to source as much as possible from local farmers including fresh tomatoes, arugula, fresh spinach and apples, when available.

There are 2 ways to order:
Phone: 902-422-1711   
Email: saporihalifax@gmail.com

Customers must place their order before 9pm the night prior to pick up. Payment required upon pick up. Sapori Italian Street Food is located approximately 40 meters or 50 steps from Cable Wharf where you catch the ferry to Georges Island National Historic Site. Make sure you plan a little extra time to pick up and pay for your picnic lunch before the ferry departs!

Guest enjoys an apple while looking over at a Parks Canada Georges Island Map.
Panino al Pollo Lunch Box 1

• Grilled chicken, fresh tomato, crispy pancetta (Italian bacon), goat cheese, baby spinach, pesto sauce prepared on sliced bread.
• Comes with chips, an apple, and a bottle of water.

$21.95 +HST

Guest enjoys an apple while looking over at a Parks Canada Georges Island Map.
Panino Caprese Lunch Box 2

• Fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, arugula, fresh basil pesto, olive oil, balsamic reduction prepared on focaccia bread.
• Comes with chips, an apple, and a bottle of water.

$21.95 +HST

Guest enjoys an apple while looking over at a Parks Canada Georges Island Map.
Piadina Wrap Lunch Box 3

• Wrap with salami, cooked ham, speck, provolone cheese, mayo, arugula.
• Comes with chips, an apple, and a bottle of water.

$21.95 +HST

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