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!

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, departure time and tour.

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

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.

Can I order a pre-boxed 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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

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

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. 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.

What if I have a Parks Canada Discovery Pass?

If you book the Discovery Pass Holder Rate, please enter your Discovery Pass number during the reservation process and have your pass available to present to staff when you arrive to board the ferry.

How much does it cost?

Your 2023 ticket includes the ferry to Georges Island and Parks Canada admission fees.

Adult: $23.26

Senior (65+): $20.91

Youth (6-17): $13.09

5 & Under: Free

Discovery Pass Holder: $15.05

Family of 4 (2 kids over 5): $13.09

*HST included.

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.

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.

Ferry Schedule
June 11 to June 25, 2023
Saturday and Sunday only
10 am to 3 pm

June 29 to September 4, 2023
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (no operation Tuesday or Wednesday)
10 am to 3 pm

September 9 to October 8, 2023
Saturday and Sunday only
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

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.

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.

$34
(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 a ciabatta bun.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.

$22
(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.

$21
(plus tax)
Guest enjoys an apple while looking over at a Parks Canada Georges Island Map.
Ploughman's Lunch

• Selection of local cheeses and meats, sliced sour dough, pickles and red pepper jelly.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.

$22
(plus tax)
Guest enjoys an apple while looking over at a Parks Canada Georges Island Map.
Ploughman's Lunch for 4

serves up to 4 people/family group
• Selection of local cheeses and meats, sliced sour dough, pickles and red pepper jelly.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.

$76
(plus tax)
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