Maritimes Region

Sable Island

Sable Island is located approximately 300 km east-southeast of Halifax, N.S. It's approximately 45 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide and composed entirely of sand.

The Meteorological Service of Canada, a branch of Environment Canada, maintains a continuous presence on the island. There are also seasonally occupied facilities belonging to Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Coast Guard and these include a number of buildings,two helicopter landing pads and a navigation beacon.

Island access and activities are administered by the Canadian Coast Guard on behalf of the Government of Canada, pursuant to the Sable Island Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act.

The Island receives between 200 and 250 visitors per year. Approximately 75% of these visitors arrive by sea and 25% by air. Except for emergencies, no person is allowed to land on the island without permission from the Director of Maritime Services, Canadian Coast Guard.

Persons failing to observe these regulations may be subject to legal action.

For more information about visiting Sable Island please see the Visitor's Guide to Sable Island Nova Scotia (HTML | PDF), or contact the CCG Regional Director, Maritime Services.

Contact Information:

Sable Island Links:
Sable Island Green Horse Society