Margaree River · Cape Breton · Nova Scotia

Margaree River
Heli Fly-In Fly Fishing

From Halifax to the river. A 10-hour fly-fishing excursion.

Download tour brochure (PDF) ↓

From $3,750 CAD per person + HST

Duration10 hours
DepartureHalifax
ExperienceGuided fly fishing
TravelHelicopter + Jeep

The expedition

Wake in Halifax.
Spend the day on the Margaree.

Begin your morning at your Halifax hotel and trade the city for the quiet of the Margaree River Valley. An approximately 30-minute drive brings you to the airport, depending on your hotel and traffic. From there, travel by helicopter via Port Hawkesbury for refuelling, with a planned arrival deep in the valley at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Your fly-fishing guide and Jeeps meet you at the landing area, with the necessary fishing equipment ready for your day. Follow the river from pool to pool, fishing for trout and salmon as the season and conditions allow. With up to six different salmon pools to visit, the day is shaped around the fishing.

Lunch is included, leaving you free to settle into the rhythm of the river. At the end of the day, meet the helicopter at the Normaway Inn for your return to Halifax, again via Port Hawkesbury. There is no need to retrace the day’s Jeep route to the original landing site.

Expedition highlights

A day on the river.
A different way to arrive.

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Helicopter access

Fly from Halifax via Port Hawkesbury and arrive deep in the Margaree River Valley.

Your guide awaits

Meet your local fly-fishing guide and Jeeps, with fishing equipment ready for the day.

Follow the fishing

Fish for trout and salmon as the season and river conditions allow.

Up to six pools

Jeep transfers connect selected fishing locations throughout the day.

Lunch beside the river

Pause for your included lunch and enjoy the surroundings.

Normaway Inn pickup

Continue forward through the valley and meet the helicopter for your return via Port Hawkesbury.

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Your route at a glance

By air. Along the river. Home again.

Fly from Halifax via Port Hawkesbury, following the coast past Inverness before turning inland to land at Big Intervale on the left bank. Begin with two pools on the left bank, drive across Iron Bridge, then continue to four pools on the right bank with Jeep transfers, then meet the helicopter at the Normaway Inn for your return via Port Hawkesbury.

Salmon fishing downstream of Iron Bridge only. The Jeep route crosses Iron Bridge between the left-bank and right-bank fishing stops. The river detail places the bridge above every pool: two pools on the left, followed by four on the right as the route moves down the diagram.

Flight from Halifax via Port Hawkesbury to Big Intervale. Schematic river detail shows Iron Bridge above all six pools, two pools on the left and four on the right downstream, and pickup at the Normaway Inn.
Illustrative route and pool sequence, not exact pool locations. Daily access and stops depend on conditions.Open larger map ↗

Through the lens9 photos · Scroll to explore · Click to enlarge

Two anglers holding a fish above the water
A moment to remember.
Fly-fishing in the Margaree River beneath forested hills
A moment on the Margaree.
Helicopter parked in a green Cape Breton valley
Your journey begins by helicopter.
A remote river valley surrounded by forested mountains in the Cape Breton Highlands
Deep into the wilderness of the Cape Breton Highlands.
Guide preparing tackle beside the river
The finer details, shared by your guide.
Aerial view of the winding Margaree River
Follow the river through the valley.
Fly-fishing beneath autumn trees on the Margaree River
Autumn colour beside the water.
Clear river pool beneath a wooded cliff
Discover the next pool.
Cape Clear valley from the helicopter in autumn
Cape Clear from the helicopter.

Your day

From Halifax to the river: your 10-hour excursion.

Depart downtown Halifax. Airport transfers can be arranged through your hotel.

Arrive at Vision Air Services for check-in, orientation and the helicopter safety briefing.

Travel by helicopter via Port Hawkesbury Airport for refuelling, then continue into the Margaree River Valley.

Land in the valley and meet your fly-fishing guide and Jeeps, with your fishing equipment ready.

Spend the day fishing selected pools for trout and salmon as the season and conditions allow, visiting up to six salmon pools.

Enjoy your included lunch and time beside the river.

Meet the helicopter at the Normaway Inn, without backtracking to the morning landing area. Return to Halifax via Port Hawkesbury for refuelling.

Planned arrival back at the Halifax helicopter terminal.

All times are Atlantic Time and approximate. Weather, river conditions and flight operations may change the schedule, locations and number of pools visited. Your latest booking email confirms final arrangements. Catches cannot be guaranteed.

What’s included

A day focused on fishing.

  • Return helicopter travel from Halifax via Port Hawkesbury
  • Morning landing in the Margaree River Valley
  • Local fly-fishing guide
  • Necessary fishing equipment
  • Jeep transfers between fishing locations
  • Visits to up to six salmon pools, conditions permitting
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon pickup at the Normaway Inn

Plan ahead

Before you travel.

Fishing licences are purchased separately. Halifax accommodation and airport transfers are not included; transfers can be arranged through your hotel.

From $3,750 CAD per person + HST. Contact Kattuk to discuss dates, group arrangements, your fishing experience and any equipment or dietary requirements.

Fishing opportunities depend on the season, river conditions and applicable regulations. Your guide will select suitable pools for the day.

Activity & preparation

Ready for a day deep in the wilderness.

Prepare for a remote wilderness experience deep in a river valley within the Cape Breton Highlands. Surrounded by mountain forests, flowing water and rugged terrain, you’ll spend time in wild country, far from nearby services. The remoteness is part of the attraction: an immersive day in a landscape that is home to wild animals.

Be ready for uneven, rocky riverbanks, changing weather and getting into and out of the helicopter and Jeeps. Follow your guide’s direction around the river and wildlife. Discuss your fishing experience, mobility and any wading requirements with us before booking so we can plan a suitable day.

Bring layered clothing, protection from rain and sun, and essential personal medication. We will confirm footwear, clothing and equipment arrangements before departure. Keep personal bags light; aircraft baggage and weight allowances will be confirmed for your group and route.

Tour documents

Download tour documents · Welcome guide (PDF) ↗Download planning & packing guide (PDF) ↗

Packing and preparation guidance for your trip. Your latest booking email confirms meeting times and final departure arrangements.

Moments from our adventures

Fly-fishing on the Margaree River.

A glimpse of fly-fishing on the Margaree River, shared from Kattuk’s Instagram.

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Plan your expedition

Your licence. Your day on the river.

Please arrange the appropriate Nova Scotia fishing licence before your trip. Salmon fishing requires a Salmon Fishing Licence; trout and other freshwater species require a General Fishing Licence. If you plan to fish for both, check both requirements with us before purchasing. Carry your licence with you while fishing.

Use the official provincial application pages to check current requirements and apply online. Confirm your tour date with Kattuk before buying a date-specific licence.

Plan your expedition

Your day on the river, in detail.

Save the Margaree River Heli Fly-In Fly Fishing brochure to browse at your leisure or share with a travel companion. Our welcome and preparation guides help you get ready for your day.

Before you reserve

Payment, cancellations & travel insurance.

Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Please review these terms before booking.

Guest cancellations

More than 90 days before departure: Payments are refundable less an administration fee equal to 5% of the total tour price.

90 days or fewer before departure: Your booking is non-refundable.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended

Unexpected illness, personal circumstances or travel disruption can prevent you from joining your trip. Because bookings are non-refundable within 90 days of departure, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip-cancellation coverage.

Check that your policy covers your tour, travel arrangements and circumstances, including applicable exclusions and purchase deadlines. Insurance is purchased separately; reimbursement depends on your insurer’s policy.

If Kattuk cancels

If Kattuk Expeditions cancels the tour due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, your tour payments will be refunded in full.

This tour refund does not cover separately booked flights, accommodation or other travel expenses.

Plan your expedition

Make the Margaree your day.

Tell us your preferred dates, party size and fishing experience. We’ll help arrange your guided day on the river.

Enquire about fly fishing