It’s Illegal to Visit This Island in the Atlantic Ocean Without Permission, Here’s Why

Sable Island
Sable Island | Courtesy of Claire Parsons

Ask any local to describe Nova Scotia’s Sable Island, and they’ll instantly call to mind images of isolated sandy shores, sharp winds, and the famous Sable Island horses. Not that they’ve seen it though.

These visions of Sable Island are all conjured up from what locals have heard and seen in photos. Up until recently, only a handful of people had ever been to the island, but that may change in the next few years.

Wild Horses of Sable Island

In 2013, Sable Island was named a National Park and came under the care of Parks Canada (the Canadian Coast Guard managed it before). Once it received Park status, it opened up to the public, but restrictions were put in place to protect the island’s natural environment. Tourism to the island could easily disrupt its flora and fauna, and the government wants to ensure that it is properly protected and preserved. If you want to visit, you need to register with Parks Canada and include your reason for visiting, the name of each visitor, and your mode of transportation.

Sable Island
Grey Seals on Sable Island

Despite the obstacles, visitors return with amazing stories from their experience and claim that it was worth every penny. The untouched beauty of the island seems to have a way of leaving its mark on all who venture onto its shores.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article