Sable Island National Park Reserve · January 2027

Winter on
Sable Island

Wild horses in winter coats. A remarkable seal colony. The island in a different season.

Download tour brochure (PDF) ↓

From $3,750 CAD per person + HST

DepartureJanuary 16, 2027

Weather backup datesJanuary 17 & 18, 2027

Group sizeUp to 7 guests

TravelHelicopter from Halifax

Keep all three days available.

Your scheduled departure is January 16. January 17 and 18 are weather backup days. Guests must remain available for the departure and both backup dates.

A rare winter perspective

Sable, at its wildest.

Winter brings a different rhythm to Sable Island. The horses wear thick coats, the dunes take on quiet seasonal colours, and grey seals gather along the shore during their breeding season.

Join a small group for a fully guided day of walking, wildlife observation and photography, travelling from Halifax by helicopter. Your guide helps you look more closely while respecting the animals and the island’s sensitive habitats.

Your route at a glance

Your winter journey to Sable Island.

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

Expedition film · Coming soon

Winter on film

A glimpse of the winter island.

Wild horses, grey seals and the Atlantic shore in a remarkable season.

Our winter expedition film will be available here soon.

Expedition highlights

A different season. An extraordinary day.

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Winter horses

Observe the island’s wild horses in their winter coats among open dunes and grazing areas.

Grey seal colony

Experience the sights and sounds of the colony during the winter breeding season, with wildlife viewed respectfully.

Helicopter journey

Fly from Vision Air Services at Halifax Stanfield International Airport to Sable Island’s helipad.

Expert interpretation

Learn about the island’s wildlife, landscapes and research with a properly equipped Kattuk guide.

Time for photography

Explore on foot, taking in the winter light and the details that make this island so distinctive.

Hosted throughout

Enjoy a picnic lunch, Parks Canada orientation and a guided experience from departure to return.

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

Grey seals on Sable Island’s shore in winter

Wild horses among winter grasses on Sable Island

Kattuk guests observing the winter coastline on Sable Island

Guests walking along a wide winter beach

Grey seals resting among snow and dune grasses

Wild horses and seals in the same winter landscape

Guests exploring Sable Island’s snow-dusted dunes

Your day

From Halifax to the winter island.

7:00 AM

Arrive at the Visionair Services for check-in, biosecurity procedures and flight orientation.

8:15 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.

4:00 PM

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

5:30 PM

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

Routing, time on the island and flight times depend on weather, daylight and operational conditions. Wildlife sightings and particular encounters cannot be guaranteed.

What’s included

Thoughtfully hosted.

Return helicopter flight from Halifax to Sable Island
Equipped Kattuk expedition guide throughout
Parks Canada orientation
Guided walking and wildlife observation
Picnic lunch
Park and landing fees
Contribution 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 arising from weather disruption

Contact Kattuk to confirm winter flight equipment and survival-suit arrangements before reserving.

Kattuk’s winter expedition group wearing yellow flight suits beside the helicopter

Ready for the journey

Winter flight preparation.

The adventure begins with your guide and flight crew, preparing for the helicopter journey to Sable Island.

Winter flight equipment and survival-suit arrangements are confirmed before departure, alongside your safety briefing and final trip instructions.

Activity & preparation

Prepare for an exposed winter landscape.

This is an active walking expedition across sand, beaches and dunes. Guests need to be comfortable exploring on foot and staying with the group. Contact us before booking to discuss mobility and suitability.

Dress for a remote, exposed winter environment. Layering, warm footwear and protection from wind and wet conditions are essential. Follow the final packing and aviation instructions supplied for your departure.

Warm layered clothing
Windproof, waterproof outerwear
Warm, comfortable walking boots
Hat and gloves
Water bottle and small backpack
Camera and weather protection

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 keep January 16, 17 and 18, 2027 available, including the two designated weather backup days. If Kattuk cancels the tour due to weather and it cannot operate on the scheduled departure or either backup 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.

January 16, 2027 · Up to 7 guests

$3,750 CAD per person + HST

Weather backup dates: January 17 and January 18, 2027.

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