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.
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:
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:
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).
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!
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.
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.
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).
• Traditional lobster roll made with Fresh Atlantic lobster.
• Kettle Chips, apple, and a bottle of water.
$36
(plus tax)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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!
• 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
• 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
• Wrap with salami, cooked ham, speck, provolone cheese, mayo, arugula.
• Comes with chips, an apple, and a bottle of water.
$21.95 +HST