Fort McNab National Historic Site: Halifax's Island Fortress
Discover Halifax's historic guardian: Explore Fort McNab on McNabs Island for stunning views, military history, and natural beauty.
Explore Fort McNab on McNabs Island, a key part of Halifax's defense system for over 75 years. Built in the late 19th century, the fort played a crucial role in protecting Halifax Harbour through two World Wars. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved structures and enjoy the island's natural beauty.
A brief summary to Fort McNab National Historic Site
- McNabs Island, Nova Scotia, CA
- +1902-426-5080
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the island's trails, as the terrain can be uneven.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water, as facilities on the island are limited.
- Check the ferry schedule in advance, as services may be limited, especially outside of the peak season.
- Consider bringing a bike to explore more of the island's trails and points of interest.
Getting There
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Ferry
To reach Fort McNab, you'll need to take a ferry to McNabs Island. Ferries operate from various locations, including the Halifax waterfront and Eastern Passage. McNabs Island Ferry primarily operates from Fishermans Cove in Eastern Passage. A round-trip ticket costs approximately $30 for adults. The ferry ride is short, lasting only six to eight minutes from Eastern Passage. Check the ferry schedule and departure locations in advance, as services may be seasonal or have limited availability.
Discover more about Fort McNab National Historic Site
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fort McNab National Historic Site
0.0 km
Explore Fort McNab National Historic Site, a captivating historical landmark on McNabs Island offering stunning views, rich military history, and outdoor adventures.
Maugher Beach
1.0 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of Maugher Beach on McNabs Island, a hidden coastal paradise in Nova Scotia, perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.
Point Pleasant Battery
3.8 km
Explore Halifax's Point Pleasant Battery: A historic coastal defense within a scenic park, offering trails and harbor views.
Bonaventure Anchor
3.9 km
Explore the Bonaventure Anchor, a maritime monument in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park, celebrating the city's nautical history and honoring lost sailors.
Naval Memorial
4.0 km
A solemn tribute to Canadian naval heroes, offering a place for quiet reflection within the historic Point Pleasant Park in Halifax.
Dennis & Terry’s
5.1 km
Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of Dennis & Terry’s in Halifax, a must-visit historical landmark showcasing the charm of Nova Scotia.
Peace and Friendship Park
5.3 km
Discover a tranquil oasis in Halifax's South End, honoring peace, friendship, and Mi'kmaw heritage with waterfront views and community spirit.
Acadian Monument
5.5 km
Honoring Acadian heritage on the Halifax waterfront, a place for reflection and cultural appreciation.
Fort Massey Cemetery
5.7 km
A historic military cemetery in Halifax, offering a serene space to reflect on the city's past and honor those who served.
Historic Irishtown Signage
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Government House
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Sebastopol Monument
5.8 km
Commemorating the Crimean War, this Halifax monument honors Nova Scotian heroes and stands as a unique historical landmark in North America.
The Old Burying Ground
5.8 km
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Historic Schmidtville Signage
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Norwegian Memorial Stone
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Honoring Norwegian seafarers and the enduring friendship between Norway and Canada on Halifax's historic waterfront.
Unmissable attractions to see
York Redoubt National Historic Site
3.2 km
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Public Walkway
4.0 km
Experience the breathtaking views and serene ambiance of Halifax's Public Walkway, a perfect escape for urban explorers and nature lovers.
Black Rock Beach
4.1 km
Experience the natural beauty and recreational charm of Black Rock Beach, a serene public beach in Halifax's South End, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site
4.4 km
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Point Pleasant Park
4.4 km
Experience the beauty and history of Point Pleasant Park, an urban oasis in Halifax perfect for relaxation, exploration, and breathtaking coastal views.
Georges Island National Historic Site
4.8 km
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Pier 22 Pavillion
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Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
5.0 km
Discover the rich tapestry of Canada’s immigration history at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Samuel Cunard Statue
5.2 km
Explore Halifax's maritime history at the Samuel Cunard Statue, a stunning tribute to the founder of the Cunard Line amidst beautiful waterfront views.
The Emigrant Statue
5.3 km
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Discovery Centre
5.4 km
Explore interactive science exhibits at the Discovery Centre in Halifax, where curiosity and creativity ignite learning for all ages.
Halifax Waterfront
5.8 km
Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning views at Halifax Waterfront, a must-visit destination in Nova Scotia.
Harbour Hopper
5.8 km
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Sea Turtle Centre
5.8 km
Explore the Sea Turtle Centre in Halifax, a marine conservation museum dedicated to educating visitors about the wonders of sea turtles and their habitats.
Harbour Hopper Tours
5.8 km
Discover Halifax like never before with Harbour Hopper Tours, blending land and water for an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Chianti
5.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Cafe Chianti in Halifax – where every meal tells a story and every flavor captivates.
Henry House
5.5 km
Experience the charm of Henry House in Halifax - where local flavors meet historic ambiance in every bite.
Darrell's Restaurant
5.5 km
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The Bicycle Thief
5.5 km
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Bishop's Landing
5.6 km
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Sea Smoke Restaurant & Bar
5.6 km
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aFrite Restaurant
5.6 km
Experience authentic African cuisine with modern flair at aFrite Restaurant in Halifax's vibrant waterfront.
Ristorante a Mano
5.6 km
Discover Ristorante a Mano: An exquisite Italian dining experience in Downtown Halifax offering authentic cuisine and stunning waterfront views.
Da Maurizio
5.7 km
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Black Sheep Restaurant
5.7 km
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CUT Steakhouse
5.8 km
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Waterfront Warehouse
5.8 km
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Ragazzi Restobar
5.9 km
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2 Doors Down Food & Wine Halifax
5.9 km
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Le Bistro By Liz
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kismet Gifts
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Just Browsing Crafts and Collectables
1.9 km
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Shore Things
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The Suvenire Store of Canadian Museum of Immigration
4.9 km
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URBN-ish
5.5 km
Explore URBN-ish in Downtown Halifax for unique gifts, local crafts, and a delightful shopping experience that captures the essence of Nova Scotia.
Sweet Jane's
5.8 km
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Amos Pewter
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Sea House
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Sitamuk
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KingsPIER Curated Collections
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Black Market Boutique
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Marine Heritage Store Souvenir
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In A Box By Lezlie
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Beauty Boutique by Shoppers Drug Mart
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envy+grace
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Drawing Room
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Bar Sabbia
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Bearly's House Of Blues & Ribs
5.5 km
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T-Room
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The Brown Hound Public House
5.7 km
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Salt Yard Social
5.8 km
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The BG - Halifax Beer Garden
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The Middle Spoon Desserterie & Bar
6.0 km
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The Loose Cannon
6.0 km
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The Pint Public House - Halifax
6.0 km
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Bitter End Martini Bar & Restaurant
6.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Halifax at Bitter End Martini Bar & Restaurant, known for its unique martinis and delicious dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Niche Lounge
6.0 km
Discover Niche Lounge in Downtown Halifax – a lively spot for food, drinks, and local culture in a stylish atmosphere.
Obladee
6.0 km
Experience the best of local and international wines at Obladee, Halifax's premier wine bar in the heart of Downtown.
BKS Speakeasy
6.0 km
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Peacock Wine Bar
6.1 km
Discover exquisite wines and gourmet cuisine at Peacock Wine Bar in Downtown Halifax, a perfect spot for culinary enthusiasts.