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Photo: Parks Canada/M. Bayer

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! 

Learn more about visiting Georges Island National Historic Site
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Take the ferry to Georges Island with Murphy’s on the Water

The ferry to Georges Island is boarded at the Cable Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax. Advance booking is required to guarantee your space. Secure your reservation by booking a specific day, departure time and tour.

 
 

How do I book tour tickets?

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

  • visit this website

  • call Murphy's on the Water at 902-420-1015

  • visit one of the Murphy's on the Water kiosk locations on the Halifax waterfront

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​Please note: you may find tickets are sold out. Please check back for cancellations or plan to visit in 2022.

How much does it cost?

Your ticket includes the ferry to Georges Island and Parks Canada admission fees.

  • Adult: $25

  • Senior (65+): $22.60

  • Youth (6-17): $14

  • 5 & Under: Free

  • Discovery Pass Holder: $14

  • Family of 4 (2 kids over 5): $72.75

What if I have a Parks Canada Discovery Pass?

  • Enjoy a discount with your Parks Canada Discovery Pass!

  • If you book the Discovery Pass Holder Rate, please type your Discovery Pass number in the “notes” area of your reservation and have your pass available to present to staff when you arrive to board the ferry.

Do I have to buy 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.

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 the Cable Wharf, but you can return on any vessel travelling from Georges Island to Cable Wharf. Please check schedule for availability.

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: check the Murphy’s on the Water website, or call Parks Canada at 902-426-5080

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 Develop Nova Scotia's marine program.

  • Overnight berthing is not permitted.

  • Marina Inquiries: Marina Office at marina@developns.ca or 902-229-2628

Is there anything available for sale on the island (such as food & 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.

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 do I properly dispose of trash & recycling?

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

Are there washrooms facilities?

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

  • There are compost toilets available on Georges Island.

Can I pre-order a boxed-lunch?

  • Call Murphy's Restaurant & Patio at 902-420-1015 to pre-order boxed-lunches.

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.

 
Ferry Schedule
Departure - Cable Wharf
Arrival - Georges Island
Departure - Georges Island
Arrival - Cable Wharf
10:00
10:10
10:20
10:30
10:40
10:50
11:00
11:10
11:20
11:30
11:40
11:50
12:00
12:10
12:20
12:30
12:40
12:50
13:00
13:10
13:20
13:30
13:40
13:50
14:00
14:10
14:20
14:30
14:40
14:50
15:00
15:10
15:20
15:30
15:40
15:50
16:00
16:10
16:20
16:30
16:40
16:50
17:10
17:20
17:30
17:40
18:00
18:10

Photo: Parks Canada/M. Bayer

Safety & Accessibility

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Photo: Parks Canada/M. Bayer

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.

Protect Yourself and Others

Parks Canada COVID-19 Information

The wearing of masks is mandatory while on board the vessel to Georges Island. Parks Canada strongly encourages all visitors to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at any Parks Canada place. The Province of NS requires that masks are mandatory in most indoor public places in Nova Scotia.

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Photo: Parks Canada/M. Bayer

 
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Photo: Parks Canada/M. Bayer

Vessel Accessibility

Murphy’s on the Water will make every effort to ensure ramps and mobility friendly transitions are available during the embarkation and disembarkation process. While the vessel is not fully accessible, the embarkation and disembarkation process will help make the transition from the vessel to the dock and vice versa, as seamless as possible. 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.

Learn More about Accessibility on Georges Island

Picnic Lunch

  • Lunch orders may be placed online, or by phone, during the ticket purchase process for Georges Island National Historic Site. 

  • When ordered in conjunction with a timed ticket to visit Georges Island, your order will be ready to pick up as you board the vessel.  

  • If adding a lunch to an existing ticket purchase, or without a ticket purchase, please call 902 420 1015. 

  • Day of orders must be submitted before 10:00 am, for pick up 12:00 pm or later.   

  • Payment required at the time of ordering 

 
 

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