Sable Island National Park Reserve

Sable Island
by Helicopter

A rare journey to one of Canada’s wildest places.

Download tour brochure (PDF) ↓

From $3,950.00 CAD per person + HST

Duration11 hours

DepartureHalifax airport

Group sizeUp to 7 guests

TravelSikorsky S-76

The island

The wild of wild.

Three hundred kilometres off the coast of Halifax, at the edge of the continental shelf, lies a slender bar of sand shaped by wind and ocean currents. Sable Island is home to hundreds of wild horses and one of the world’s largest grey seal colonies.

Far from modern amenities, surrounded by the open Atlantic and influenced by the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current, the island is remote and extreme—yet remarkably beautiful and gentle.

Your route at a glance

From Halifax to the wild Atlantic.

Return helicopter journey from Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Sable Island National Park Reserve.

The journey

Fly beyond the mainland.

Travel aboard a twin-engine Sikorsky S-76 offshore helicopter. Its range and ability to land on the island’s helipad make it exceptionally well suited to this remote expedition.

Expedition highlights

Out here, the wild
sets the course.

A day of discovery, shaped by the island.

Fly into the extraordinary.

Cross 300 kilometres of open Atlantic aboard a twin-engine helicopter to reach Sable Island.

Walk where wild horses roam.

Follow your guide across open beaches, shifting dunes and the grazing areas favoured by the island’s horses.

Discover a wild shoreline.

Observe seals from a respectful distance. They may be on North Beach, South Beach or both; their locations vary from day to day.

See the island through expert eyes.

Begin with Parks Canada’s introduction to this protected place, then explore with your Kattuk expedition guide.

Uncover life at the edge.

Visit Main Station and selected outbuildings for a glimpse of daily life on this remote Atlantic island.

Be part of its future.

A portion of your tour cost supports the Sable Island Institute’s research and education work.

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Through the lens10 photos · Scroll to explore · Click to enlarge

Grey seals gathered beside the Atlantic on Sable Island

Guides interpreting the natural history of Sable Island

A wild Sable Island horse among green dunes

A harbour seal resting on the open beach

A foal among the island’s grasses and wildflowers

Concrete remnants of a former life-saving station on Sable Island

A group of guests on Sable Island’s sandy beach, with wild horses and the Atlantic behind them — A shared moment on an extraordinary island.

A more personal expedition

Private, elevated excursions.

Experience Sable Island with your own private group on a thoughtfully hosted helicopter excursion, customized around your interests.

Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll work with you to shape a memorable day. Private excursions are customized individually and subject to availability.

Enquire About a Private Excursion

Your day

A full day at the edge of the continent.

7:30 AM

Arrive at the Vision Air helicopter terminal for check-in, biosecurity procedures and flight orientation.

8:30 AM

Depart Halifax for the flight across the Atlantic to Sable Island.

9:30 AM

Land on Sable Island and transfer to Main Station.

10:00 AM

Receive an introduction and orientation from Parks Canada staff.

10:15 AM

Explore dunes and beaches in search of wild horses with your Kattuk expedition guide.

12:30 PM

Enjoy a locally sourced picnic lunch in the landscape.

1:15 PM

Continue guided hiking and exploration, with opportunities to observe seals along the island’s shores where wildlife and conditions allow.

5:30 PM

Depart Sable Island by helicopter for the return flight to Halifax.

6:45 PM

Arrive back at Visionair Services in Halifax. Flight times may vary with conditions.

What’s included

Fully hosted.

Return Sikorsky S-76 helicopter flight
Professional Kattuk expedition guide throughout
Parks Canada orientation
Six to eight hours of guided walking and exploration
Locally sourced picnic lunch
All park and landing fees
Donation to the Sable Island Institute

Not included

Plan ahead.

Transportation to the Vision Air terminal
Travel insurance — strongly recommended; see the cancellation policy below
Guide gratuities
Personal purchases and expenses
Costs that may arise from weather disruption

Activity and mobility

Comfortable walking on sand is essential.

Guests should be prepared to walk up to 10 kilometres or more without assistance on beaches, dunes and horse paths. The pace is relaxed, but every guest must be able to remain with the group. Sightseeing transportation is not available.

Dress in layers for cooler, exposed conditions. There are no trees and little shelter beyond Parks Canada buildings.

Waterproof outer layers
Comfortable hiking footwear
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Camera and small backpack
Walking pole if preferred

Flight planning: passenger and baggage weights

Accurate passenger and baggage weights are an important part of planning a safe flight to Sable Island over the open ocean. The flight operator assesses the combined load of guests, guides, baggage, lunches and equipment, along with the aircraft’s weight and balance.

If your combined personal and baggage weight is more than 230 lb (approximately 104 kg), please contact our office before booking so we can review suitable departures with you. Please include your clothing, footwear, camera equipment and all bags in your estimate.

Please pack light: aim for a bag weighing no more than 10 lb (approximately 4.5 kg), with an upper limit of 15 lb (approximately 6.8 kg) per guest, including camera equipment and other items you bring.

This is a planning threshold, not an automatic exclusion or an individual baggage allowance. All guests must provide accurate weights when requested; final flight loading is subject to the flight operator’s approval.

Tour documents

Download tour documents for this adventure (PDF) ↗

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

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.

Weather cancellations

All guests must remain available for the scheduled departure and designated weather backup day. If Kattuk cancels the tour due to weather and it cannot operate on either day, your Sable Island tour payments will be refunded in full.

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

Small-group expedition

From $3,950.00 CAD per person + HST

Maximum group size of seven guests.

All guests must remain available for both the scheduled departure and its designated weather backup day. Available dates and payment options will be shown before checkout.

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