Sable Island National Park Reserve

Sable Island is a thin crescent of shifting sand located at the edge of the Continental Shelf, 290 km southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Home to the famous Sable Island wild horses, grey seals, and unique plants, birds, and insects. Known as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the more than 350 shipwrecks off its shores.

A woman holding a shell with sage for a smudging.

Mi’kma’ki Sable Island Pledge

Make a pledge for your visit to the protected Mi’kmaw land we call Sable Island.

Two wild horses eating grass.

Wild horses

Sable Island is well-known for its population of wild horses.

Fences in the sand

Learn about this study on the role of horses on the ecosystems of Sable Island.

Visiting Sable Island National Park Reserve

Activities and experiences

Things to do, hike, self-guided and guided tours, main research station.

Plan your visit

Maps and directions, private vessel visitor request form, film and photography permit, weather, fees.

Fees

Visitor fees, programs, landing support, emergency food rations, film permits.

Passes and permits

Private vessel visitor request form. Film and photography permit.

Safety and guidelines

Emergency contact, safety, wildlife, severe weather, transportation, remote location, essential items to bring.

About Sable Island National Park Reserve

Nature and science

Conservation, animals, plants, environment, research.

Culture and history

Cultural history, shipwrecks, life saving stations, artifacts, weather monitoring. 

Stewardship and management

Jobs, partners, permits and licenses, public consultations, plans, and policies.

Contact Sable Island National Park Reserve

General inquiries:
902-426-1500

sable@pc.gc.ca

For emergencies:

On or near Sable Island:
902-492-4678 (On-island operations coordinator)
Channel 08 on Marine Radio VHF-FM 

For distress call (Air or marine emergency):

Near Sable Island: 
1-800-565-1582 (Joint Rescue Coordination Centre)

On Sable Island: 
1-800-852-3100 (Parks Canada Dispatch)

Environmental emergencies (marine pollution):
1-800-565-1633 (Canadian Coast Guard Communications and Traffic Services Centre)

Hours of operation

Visitors are welcome between June and October.

Only day visits to Sable Island are permitted.

Camping is not permitted.

#SableIslandNPR

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