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Puffin preparing for lift-off
Beauty of a Bald Eagle
Great Cormorant taking off
Razorbill Colony
Welcome to Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours!
Located on Cape Breton Island just 20 minutes east of Baddeck we are the Cabot Trail’s only Bird Island boat tour going to the nesting grounds of the Atlantic Puffin.
Puffins Guaranteed! (during their season)
See bald eagles pick up next to our boat! Observe many varieties of seabirds and watch grey seals basking on the rocks.
Bird Island Boat Tours
1672 Old Route 5
902-563-6140 (texts)
[email protected]
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
Daily tours to see puffins, other seabirds, seals & bald eagles. Educational, uniquely narrated 2 3/4 hour tours. Rain or shine in our covered boat, with most windows removable for glass-free photography. Puffins guaranteed from May 15 until mid to late August.
We are the longest-running boat tour in Cape Breton, operated since 1972 by the same family now with our third generation of Captains! We have had over 100,000 satisfied customers, including the Princess of Japan.
Our location within the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve, between Baddeck and North Sydney, gives you the shortest ride out to the island nesting area. It is an ecologically sensitive tour that will be enjoyed by young and old alike. Our boat, the “Puffin Express”, built in 2010, is wide, roomy and very stable, while also easily maneuverable so we can get as close as possible to the Islands and the birds. You will have easy walk-on access to her with only five steps down. We have optimized our seating plan for easiest interaction with the captain and crew.
We have been awarded many Certificates of Excellence from Trip Advisor. Binoculars are available for rent, but not required. Reservations are recommended so please call a day or two ahead. We also operate Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages from the same location.
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Just 20 minutes east of Baddeck we are the Cabot Trail’s only Bird Island boat tour going to the nesting grounds of the Atlantic Puffin. Puffins Guaranteed!
Spotlight On…
Where to See Puffins In Nova Scotia
Last Updated on April 28, 2023
Without a doubt the Puffin is one of the cutest birds in the world. Found in the North Pacific and North Atlantic they are a small little bird that spends a lot of time at sea. In the North Atlantic they can be found in Iceland, Ireland, the Shetland Islands, Newfoundland and as far south as Maine and even New York. They can of course also be found in Nova Scotia. But where exactly can you see puffins in Nova Scotia?
Table of Contents
Where Can You See Puffins in Nova Scotia?
In Nova Scotia there are three main islands where you can find puffins guaranteed every summer. The most popular spot to see puffins in Nova Scotia is on the Bird Islands in Cape Breton an official bird sanctuary. Not too far from shore the Bird Islands are two long and skinny islands next to each other just off of the Cape Dauphin area. One island is called Hertford and the other is known as Ciboux Island. The islands are uninhabited and have 20metre tall cliffs and ledges, with small amounts of vegetation and are the ideal roosting spots for puffins and other seabirds.
The other island home to many beautiful puffins in the summer months is one that many don’t know about. This island is called Pearl Island and is located on the south shore of Nova Scotia. Pearl Island can be found just outside of St. Margaret’s Bay and Mahone Bay about an 11km boat trip from Peggy’s Cove. Pearl Island is home to an automated lighthouse and not much else except for rocky shores and vegetation making it an ideal spot for a puffin colony and other seabirds.
While visiting these islands there is also the chance to see grey seals, bald eagles, blue herons, razorbills, great cormorants, northern gannets, and more. Be sure to bring your binoculars and a camera with a long lens so you don’t miss out!
How Can you See Puffins in Nova Scotia?
Puffins in Nova Scotia live on islands off shore, not on the mainland, so the best way to see them is by taking a boat tour. On a boat tour of the islands you will also have a guide and can learn a lot more about the puffins and other birds, animals and information about the area.
There are currently three puffin tours in Nova Scotia . There are two tour operators that take guests to the Bird Islands in Cape Breton and one on the South Shore.
Bird Island Tours
Bird Island Tours are Cape Breton’s longest operating nature tour since 1972. The tour to Bird Island departs three times a day and lasts 2hours and 45minutes. The tour leaves from Big Bras d’Or, Cape Breton. 1672 Old Rte 5, Big Bras d’Or, NS. To book your tour visit: www.birdisland.net . They also offer accommodation packages in the area. Adults are $52 each and $39 for kids.
Donelda’s Bird Island Puffin Tours
Donelda’s Bird Island Puffin Tours reopen mid-May 2023. The tours depart just 20minutes from Baddeck in Englishtown, Cape Breton. The tour lasts 2hrs and 30mins and departs 2-3 times a day with puffins guaranteed. Adults are $57 each and $32 for kids. If you pay cash it’s a bit cheaper, kids under 6 ride free. To book your tour and learn more visit: puffinboattours.com .
Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours
Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours offers a “Puffin, Bird & Seal Tour” departing from Peggy’s Cove almost daily in the summer months. The boat tour lasts 2.5hrs and will take you from Peggy’s Cove to Pearl Island and back stopping by a seal colony on the way home. From July to August there is also a special tour option with a local naturalist, photographer and birder Jason Dain on board to give you a more detailed tour. Check their website for their changing schedule here: peggyscoveboattours.com . Adults are $75 and $50 for kids.
When Can You See Puffins In Nova Scotia?
The best time to see Puffins in Nova Scotia is from mid-May to mid-August. Puffins spend the majority of their lives at sea and only come to shore to hatch their eggs and watch their pufflings grow. An egg takes around six weeks to hatch and then the pufflings, baby puffins, take about 40 days to grow and get ready for life on the ocean. They then spend their first 4-5years of life at sea until they mature and are ready to find a mate. Puffins live to be about 20 years old and go back to the same partner and nest every year.
Where Can You See Puffins in Atlantic Canada?
Puffins can also be found in other parts of the maritimes. They are often spotted on Grand Mananan Island, all around Newfoundland and Machias seal Island, a disputed island between Canada and the US. For one of the best puffin experiences however you must visit the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site in Newfoundland. This is also where you can get up closest to them as you can see their colonies from land and they often fly over to the shore very close by. Be sure to stay back and give them space and don’t try to feed or touch them.
What to Pack for a Puffin Tour in Nova Scotia
Even though it might be hot out and the middle of the summer when you go on a puffin tour in Nova Scotia it can still be quite chilly on the water. When taking a tour to see the puffins make sure you pack with you layers to stay warm and maybe even consider a waterproof jacket to protect you from the waves and unpredictable weather. For your best viewing experience bring a pair of binoculars as well so you can see the birds up close. Also don’t forget to bring your phone or camera and get a long lens if you can for the best pictures.
Where to Stay in Nova Scotia Before your Puffin Tour?
In Cape Breton there are many accommodation options available by the tour departure points in nearby Baddeck. One of the most popular places to stay in Baddeck is the Inverary Resort . The resort is centrally located in town near to the Baddeck Lobster Suppers and Alexander Graham Bell Museum. It is also a great place to end or begin a tour around the Cabot Trail.
On the South Shore of Nova Scotia the puffin tours depart from Peggy’s Cove which has several motels and B&Bs nearby including the Oceanstone Resort . The Oceanstone Resort is located about 5minutes down the road from the tour departure point so it is an ideal spot to stay for early morning tour departures. On property you will also find the Rhubarb restaurant which serves one of the best lobster rolls in the province.
Hopefully this post will help you plan to find puffins in Nova Scotia! If you liked this post please pin it to save for later!
Cailin is a born and raised Nova Scotian with a passion for exploring the world and her home province.
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Will share this post on facebook when I get home. On my iPhone at the moment. Great post.
Hi. Great post! I was wondering if you take the bird Island trip, whether they let you out on the island to photograph or if you just circled the island in a boat. Thanks for your response.
Hello! They do not let you off of the islands unfortunately. They might actually even be protected. They also are mostly cliffs so it wouldn’t be easy to do either.
I would love to see the puffins, but have motion sickness. What would you suggest?
If you go to Elliston, Newfoundland you can actually see them from shore! They fly over to a piece of land from an island and you can get quite close to them.
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Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by Cailin
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Puffin, Bird & Seal Watching Tour
From June through August, this 2½ hour tour will take you out to Pearl Island one of the most southern Puffin nesting colonies on the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia, where you'll also see; Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Common Terns, Common Eiders and Seagulls. Then we'll steam back to Seal Rock to watch the seals sunbathing or feeding depending on the tides and then cross the head of beautiful St. Margaret's Bay.
Here are some common birds that hang out at Pearl Island: Atlantic Puffin, Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Common Murre (occasional), Double-crested Cormorant, Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Sooty Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Cory’s Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Leach’s Storm Petrel, Great Blue Heron, Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle.
Taxes are not included in the prices shown.
June 15th — August 8th
Daily @ 9:30 am
Departure times are subject to change.
How to reach us.
149 Peggy's Point Road (Government Wharf) Peggy's Cove, NS B3Z 3S2
902-577-8684
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Where to See Puffins in Nova Scotia in 2024
Looking to see puffins in Nova Scotia? We’ve got you covered!
Nova Scotia, Canada is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, as well as a wide variety of wildlife, including the beloved puffin.
And let me tell you, they are just as cute looking in person, as they are in all the photos you’ve seen. The kids couldn’t stop talking about them during our trip to Nova Scotia last summer!
So whether you’re a seasoned birder or just looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Nova Scotia has plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with these charming birds.
Are Puffins Found in Nova Scotia?
Yes, puffins can be found in Nova Scotia.
While they are not as common in Nova Scotia as they are in some other parts of the world, there are several locations along the coast where you can see these charming birds.
Keep in mind that puffins are a protected species in Nova Scotia , so it’s important to view them from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them during the breeding season.
🪶 Fun Fact: Puffins live to be about 20 years old. They reach maturity at about 5 years of age, which is when they come to shore to find a mate.
Where Can You See Puffins in Nova Scotia?
If you’re planning a trip to Nova Scotia and hoping to catch a glimpse of some puffins, you’re in luck! This beautiful Canadian province is home to a number of great spots for viewing these adorable seabirds in their natural habitat.
Here are some of the best places to see puffins in Nova Scotia:
🪶 Bird Islands
Located off the coast of Cape Breton Island, the Bird Islands are a protected nature reserve that is home to the largest colony of puffins in Nova Scotia .
Of course, the islands are also home to several other species of seabirds, such as kittiwakes, guillemots, and shearwaters , making for an unforgettable birdwatching experience.
To get up close to these cute little birds, you can take a guided boat tour from the nearby Englishtown.
🪶 Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton Island is an absolute must-visit destination if you are looking to see puffins in Nova Scotia. The island boasts several seabird colonies , including one at the northernmost point in Cape North.
Of course, the best way to see the puffins up close would be to hop on a guided boat tour . During the summer, the tour will take you to a small island where you will have the opportunity to see puffins, razorbills, and other seabirds at their nesting sites.
🪶 Seal Island
Located off the southern coast of Nova Scotia, Seal Island is another great spot to see a large colony of Atlantic puffins in action.
And while puffins may be your focus, you are sure to spot other seabird species that are common to this little island. Birds like terns, gulls, and cormorants also make Seal Island their home.
If you are hoping to get can get a closer look at the puffins, our recommendation is to take a guided boat tour from the nearby town of Barrington .
🪶 Tancook Island
Just off the coast of Eastern Passage, near Lunenberg, Tern Island is a great spot to see puffins in the summer months.
Home to another large colony of puffins , Tancook Island also plays host to other bird species like razorbills and common murres.
You can easily reach Tancook Island by taking a ferry from the town of Chester .
🪶 Brier Island
Located off the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, Brier Island is a popular spot for whale-watching and bird-watching.
This tiny island is not only home to a large colony of puffins , but you will also find several other seabirds like razorbills, gannets, and common murres .
To get up close to these birds, you can take a boat tour from the nearby town of Westport.
🪶 Fun Fact: Puffins are extremely curious birds. They will tend to rush over to watch another pair of puffins billing or fighting. So just like a schoolyard brawl, there will end up being a crowd of spectators looking on!
Are There Puffins at Peggy’s Cove?
Puffins are not typically found at Peggy’s Cove, as it is not a known breeding location for these birds.
However, you may be able to spot other seabirds in the area, such as gulls, cormorants, and terns.
If you’re specifically interested in seeing puffins, it’s best to head to one of the known puffin-watching locations in Nova Scotia that we mentioned above.
In fact, one of Nova Scotia’s most popular puffin boat tours actually departs from Peggy’s Cove. So if you are staying in the area, it’s pretty convenient.
Where Can I See Puffins in the Bay of Fundy?
While puffins are not typically found in the Bay of Fundy itself , there are several nearby locations where you can see these charming birds.
One of the best places to see puffins near the Bay of Fundy is Brier Island , which is located off the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia .
As we mentioned, this small island is also home to a large colony of Atlantic puffins, as well as other seabirds like razorbills, gannets, and common murres.
How Can You See Puffins in Nova Scotia?
The best way to see puffins in Nova Scotia is with a boat tour.
Since puffins are not found on the mainland , a boat tour will offer the best opportunity to get up close to these awesome birds.
Boat tours will also provide you with a knowledgeable local guide , who will teach you about the area.
If you are headed out on a boat tour, don’t forget your binoculars and a good zoom lens for your camera. During our puffin cruise, we didn’t bring these things, not realizing that the puffins will still be quite a distance away.
What is the Best Time of Year to See Puffins in Nova Scotia?
The best time of the year to see puffins in Nova Scotia is during the summer months.
Puffins spend the majority of their life at sea. However, the summer is when these birds migrate to the region to nest and breed.
The puffin season typically runs from May to September, with June and July being the peak months for puffin-watching.
During this time, you’ll have the best chance of seeing these birds as they nest on rocky cliffs along the coastline.
🪶 Fun Fact: Puffins mate for life. They will come back to the same island to find their mate and even use the same nesting site year after year.
When are Puffins Most Active?
Puffins are most active during the breeding season .
As we mentioned, the breeding season typically runs from May to September. During this time, puffins are busy building nests, incubating eggs, and raising their young.
The peak months for puffin sightings are June and July . This is when they are more active and visible on land.
Keep in mind that puffins are primarily diurnal , meaning they are active during the daytime hours and tend to rest and sleep at night.
🪶 Fun Fact: After hatching, puffin chicks are called Pufflings . How cute is that!!
What to Pack for a Puffin Tour in Nova Scotia
If you’re planning a puffin tour in Nova Scotia, there are several things that you will need to pack for the trip . Here are some essentials to bring along:
- Binoculars – A good pair of binoculars is essential for getting an up-close view of the puffins. Look for binoculars with a magnification of at least 8x.
- Camera – You’ll definitely want to capture some photos of these adorable birds, so make sure to bring a camera with a telephoto lens. A waterproof camera is also a good option if you’re taking a boat tour.
- Warm Layers – Even in the summer months, the weather in Nova Scotia can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring along some warm layers. A waterproof jacket or poncho is also a must if you’re taking a boat tour.
- Comfortable Shoes – Make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction. You will definitely appreciate it when trying to walk around a moving boat with a wet deck!
- Sun Protection – Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Snacks and Water – You’ll want to stay hydrated and fueled up during your puffin tour, so bring along some snacks and a water bottle.
With these essentials in your bag, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable puffin-watching experience in Nova Scotia!
🪶 Fun Fact: Puffins have a lot of trouble landing! They will often crash land into the ocean, or hit the ground tumbling. As a result, they often bowl over other puffins that get in their way.
Where to Stay in Nova Scotia Before Your Puffin Tour?
If you’re planning a puffin tour in Nova Scotia, you’ll want to make sure you have comfortable and convenient accommodations for your trip. Here are some great places to stay before your puffin tour:
Cape Breton Island
The three most popular options for accommodations in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia:
- Telegraph House Motel : Located in Baddeck, this incredible motel is located steps away from the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. There is even an onsite restaurant serving fresh local cuisine, as well as live music on certain nights.
- The Water’s Edge Inn & Gallery: Located in Baddeck, this gorgeous Inn overlooks the Bras d’Or Lakes. With a continental breakfast included, this inn also has an on-site gallery, featuring artwork and fine crafts.
- Auberge Gisele’s Inn: This luxury inn is located in Baddeck and offers elegant rooms with gorgeous garden or sea views. It features a restaurant and access to nearby hiking trails.
Peggy’s Cove
As Peggy’s Cove is a small community with limited accommodations, there are only a few places to stay in the area. Some of the top-rated options include:
- Clifty Cove Motel: A charming family-run motel offering comfortable oceanfront rooms. The motel is located just 3 km (1.9 miles) from Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse.
- Oceanstone Seaside Resort: A boutique resort featuring oceanfront cottages and suites, perfect for those looking for a luxurious and relaxing stay.
No matter where you decide to stay, be sure to book your accommodations in advance , especially during peak puffin season in the summer months.
With comfortable and convenient accommodations, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable puffin tour in Nova Scotia!
🏨 Check prices and availability for all Nova Scotia hotels here.
Tips for Spotting Puffins in Nova Scotia
If you’re planning a puffin-watching trip to Nova Scotia, here are some tips for spotting these adorable birds:
- Know where to look – The best places to see puffins in Nova Scotia are along the rocky coastlines and islands in the Bay of Fundy. Some top spots include the Bird Islands, Briar Island, Seal Island, Cape Breton and the Tancook Islands.
- Take a boat tour – Many of the top puffin-watching spots in Nova Scotia are only accessible by boat. Book a boat tour with a reputable company that specializes in bird-watching to increase your chances of seeing puffins.
- Use binoculars – Puffins are small birds and can be hard to spot with the naked eye. Bring a good pair of binoculars with you to get an up-close view of these charming birds.
- Visit during breeding season – Puffins are only in Nova Scotia during the breeding season, which runs from May to September. Visit during the peak months of June and July for the best chance of seeing these birds.
- Dress for the weather – The coast of Nova Scotia can be chilly and windy, even in the summer months. Dress in layers with a windproof jacket that will keep you comfortable longer. This means a better puffin-viewing experience!
- Watch for flying patterns – Puffins have a distinctive flying pattern, with quick wing beats followed by a glide close to the water’s surface. Keep an eye out for this unique flight pattern to spot puffins in flight.
🪶 Fun Fact: Puffins are poor fliers. Not only do they have difficulty going airborne, but they also need to flap their wings a jaw-dropping 300 to 400 times per minute just to stay aloft!
Are There Puffins in Nova Scotia – FAQs
Yes, Atlantic puffins can be found in certain areas of Nova Scotia, particularly on small islands off the coast and in protected coastal reserves.
While puffins may appear friendly and curious around humans, they are actually wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect. It’s important to view them from a safe distance and avoid approaching their nesting sites or disturbing their natural habitat.
Puffins are skilled swimmers and can dive up to 60 meters deep, but they usually stay within a few kilometers of the shore and their nesting colonies.
Puffins are typically active during the daytime, with peak activity around dawn and dusk when they are feeding. They tend to retreat to their burrows or roost on cliffs during the middle of the day.
Although puffins and penguins share some similarities, they are not closely related. Puffins are seabirds that belong to the family Alcidae, while penguins are flightless birds that belong to the family Spheniscidae.
Puffins are birds, not fish. They are members of the Alcidae family, which also includes guillemots and razorbills.
During the winter, Atlantic puffins usually spend their time out at sea, far away from land. They may migrate to different areas depending on their feeding needs and the weather conditions.
Yes, puffins are excellent swimmers and can dive up to 200 feet underwater to catch small fish and crustaceans. They use their wings to “fly” underwater, propelling themselves through the water with their webbed feet.
Yes, it is possible to see puffins in Nova Scotia in September. While the puffins start to leave the area in late August to early September to begin their migration south, there are still some puffins that remain in the area during September.
A large group of puffins is called a “burrow” or a “colony”.
Technically, yes, puffins have been eaten as a traditional food in some regions. However, in many places, puffins are now protected and it is illegal to hunt or eat them.
The puffin is sometimes nicknamed the “sea parrot” due to its brightly colored beak and its ability to “fly” through the water while swimming.
Can You See Puffins in Nova Scotia – Final Thoughts
Nova Scotia is a wonderful place to see puffins in their natural habitat. No matter where you decide to take a boat tour, you’re sure to be captivated by these charming and photogenic birds.
Just remember to bring your binoculars, dress in layers, and plan your visit during the peak puffin season for the best chance of spotting them.
Trust us when we say, enjoying close-up views of these delightful seabirds will be memories that will last a lifetime.
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- Where to See Puffins in Nova Scotia
Marianne Giordano is the founder and writer for The Journeying Giordano's. Together with her husband, John, and their children, the family has travelled to all 10 Canadian provinces. Marianne is responsible for planning all of her family's travel itineraries and dreaming up new adventures. A Canadian native, Marianne shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do in Canada.
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Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
The Very Best of Cape Breton Island
Nova Scotia’s 10,000-square-kilometre Cape Breton Island is packed full of surprises, ranging from an ice cream parlour hidden inside a seaside lighthouse to a non-profit Nordic ski trail system and an 80-year-old Scottish-style sheep crofter. Picturesque Cape Breton Island, which is currently transforming from autumn to winter, is the 77th largest isle on the globe. Thus, it boasts an eclectic mix of attractions, bistros, parks, beaches, and, of course, accommodations. And the perfect place to start and finish each day of adventure, exploration, and relaxation is, to no one’s surprise, Cabot Shores , Canada’s most beloved glamping destination, particularly for romantics . Today, we’ve decided to piece together a 25-part “Best of Cape Breton” bucket list.
A Nova Scotian Bucket list: The Best of Cape Breton Island
By now, it’s well-documented that the best of Cape Breton Island lies along the Cabot Trail, arguably the most scenic loop in North America. It takes approximately five hours to drive around Cabot Trail in one fell swoop. However, you’ll want to allow ample time for the island’s many sights, sounds, and savoury delights, as illustrated below. The very best of Cape Breton Island includes a little bit of everything, including puffin tours, secretive waterfalls, and beloved breweries. Remember to bookmark this article for further use.
- Pedal around the jaw-dropping, 298-kilometre Cabot Trail
- Embark on the culinary voyage of a lifetime at Cabot Shores’ Bistro
- Hike up the 4.5-mile Franey Trail
- Start and finish this comprehensive, 10-stop Cape Breton Island waterfall bucket list
- Go glamping like never before in an authentic Mongolian yurt (as pictured) or a geodesic dome
- Paddle through serene Church Pond
- Try qi gong , millennia-old meditation
- Soak (and stargaze) in an outdoor hot tub amid winter’s peak
- Indulge in a healing art , such as a therapeutic massage or a five-element acupuncture session
- Swim in the Atlantic Ocean (after a short jaunt on the unique Eagle Feather Ferry )
- Observe majestic migrating whales via Zodiac Adventures
- Nordic ski through the North Highlands
- Snowshoe through the snow-packed backcountry in the heart of Cape Breton Highlands National Park , with on-site rentals starting at just $10
- Shop ‘til you drop in these Artisan boutiques , including Wildlife Pottery and Piper Pewter
- Devour an ice cream cone at Neil’s Harbour Lighthouse
- Savour a pint of craft beer at Big Spruce Brewing in Baddeck
- Visit the island’s most stunning lighthouses, such as Low Point or Louisbourg (as pictured)
- Hop aboard one of Donelda’s world-famous puffin-viewing boat tours
- Visit the always-absorbing Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
- Sail through Bras d’Or Lake on the historic Amoeba
- Skip rocks at Black Brook Beach
- Explore the greenery near the Lone Shieling
- Hook a giant bluefin tuna while deep at sea on the Dawn Treader
- Take a step back in history at the Miners Museum
- Brave the awe-inspiring, six-mile Skyline Trail
To book a winter getaway to one of the most unique wellness retreats in Canada, please check availability at your earliest convenience (or call us directly at 866-929-2584 ). As a reminder, Cabot Shores offers everything from gourmet dining to wilderness activities , moose sightings, and distinctive lodging types (such as a farmhouse and Mongolian yurts). Click the links below to learn more about our many offerings.
- Cabot Shores: Home to the Finest Cape Breton Chalets
- Plan a Much-Needed Digital Detox at Cabot Shores
- Wellness Retreats in Canada: Rejuvenate at Cabot Shores
Upcoming Events
Limitless retreats may 17th to may 21st, 2024, relaxing rhythm retreat on may 25th to may 26th, 2024, kitchenfest: dinner céilidh at cabot shores on june 29, 2024, concert with bethany on july 6th, 2024.
THE 10 BEST Cape Breton Island Tours & Excursions
Cape breton island tours.
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- The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
1. Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail
2. Private Heart Of The Island Tour in Nova Scotia
3. 6 Hours Mini Cabot Trail Tour
4. Best of Cape Breton Small Group Tour from Sydney
5. Baddeck & Bell Museum Tour
6. Explore Baddeck and Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
7. Highland Village, Baddeck, Bell Museum Tour
8. Cabot Trail Bus Tour for Cruise Excursion
9. Cabot Trail Discovery Tour
10. Cabot Trail High Flyer
11. Private Cabot Trail Discovery Tour
12. Fortress of Louisbourg and Mira
13. Cabot Trail: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour
14. UTV/Side-by-Side Trail Tour to Cape Clear Look-off
15. Private Off Road Jeep Tour in Margaree Valley
16. Shore Excursion of the Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton
17. Side-by-Side (UTV) Trail Tour - Evening Tour to Cape Clear
18. Cabot Trail Private Full Day Tour
19. Private Port of Sydney-Cape Breton Highlands ATV Excursion
20. Private Cruise Excursion in Cape Breton
21. 6 Hours Cabot Trail Tour in Canada
22. Fortress of Louisbourg Tour
23. Sydney Cape Breton Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt
24. Cabot Trail Coastal & Sunset - Private Jeep Tour
25. Fun Scavenger Hunt in Sydney by Zombie Scavengers
26. Shore Excursion of The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton
27. Shore Excursion of the Gaelic College in Cape Breton
28. Cape Clear Look-off Express - Private Jeep Tour
29. Shore Excursion of the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail in Cape Breton
30. City and Coastal Tour in Cape Breton Island
What travelers are saying.
- Cabot Trail Bus Tour for Cruise Excursion
- Best of Cape Breton Small Group Tour from Sydney
- 6 Hours Mini Cabot Trail Tour
- Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail
- Explore Baddeck and Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
- Bird Island Boat Tour
- Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
- Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours
- Cape Breton Sailing Charters
- Amoeba Sailing Tours day tours
- Captain Zodiac Whale Cruise
- Richmond Adventure Planning - Sailboat Tours in Cape Breton
- Cabot Discovery Tours
- Oshan Whale Watch
- North River Kayak
- Dixon's Zodiac Seafari
- Sailing CBI
- Cabot Trail Guaranteed Whales Adventures
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The Bird Islands of Cape Breton: Puffins, Seals & Eagles
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Activity Level
Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,14,All
Wheelchair Accessible
Starting At
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Approximately 5 Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
The scenery along the Trans-Canada Highway leading to Bras d'Or includes stunning panoramic views.
At the entrance to the great Bras d'Or Channel, you will discover the beautiful Bird Islands . Rising from the sea like rocky pillars, these islands are the nesting grounds for thousands of seabirds -- razorbills, kittiwakes, bald eagles, and more than 300 pairs of Atlantic puffins.
Board a 37-foot-long Cape Islander boat for a 2.5-hour educational, interactive and narrated cruise . You can capture the changing seasons and ever-busy wildlife with your camera as you learn about the nesting habits of seabirds, the life of the grey seal, sea caves and other local folklore on this informative half-day excursion. Although wildlife varies with the seasons, there is always something to see.
A boxed lunch is served to enjoy on board.
Travel time from the port of Sydney to Baddeck is approximately an hour each way. Wear warm layered clothing; bring a windproof jacket, a hat and gloves. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Atlantic puffins migrate away around August 21.
The birds listed below are best seen in the following seasons:
Atlantic puffin: May 25 - late Aug
Razorbill: May 25 - mid Aug
Black guillemot: May 25 - early Sept
Bald eagle: May 25 - late Sept
Great black-backed gull: May 25 - mid Aug
Herring gull: May 25 - late Sept
Black-legged kittiwake: May 25 - late July
Double-crested cormorant: May 25 - late Sept
Great cormorant: May 25 - early Sept
Northern gannet: frequently sighted
Grey seal: May 25 - late Sept
Gaelic Puffin Package
Or, how do you say puffin in gaelic.
A puffin adventure and Scottish cultural package includes 2 nights in one of our seaside cottages, 2 boat tour tickets and 2 tickets for Cape Breton’s best kept secret: a fantastic Scottish Museum ! with interactive displays of history, battles, weapons, tartans, settlers life, Scottish music, language and story-telling. Enjoy an outdoor seacoast adventure with some culture and quiet mixed in...our slice of heaven ! Package is available from June 21 until August 21.
Check availability and reserve online using the form below (opens new tab). The package only shows up on stays of 2 days. All prices plus tax.
Download our Brochure
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Welcome to. Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours! Located on Cape Breton Island just 20 minutes east of Baddeck we are the Cabot Trail's only Bird Island boat tour going to the nesting grounds of the Atlantic Puffin. Puffins Guaranteed! (during their season) See bald eagles pick up next to our boat! Observe many varieties of seabirds and watch grey ...
Tours daily to 2 nearby islands to see puffins, seals, and eagles, each in season. ... Atlantic Puffins seen from the boat. Only one of many species seen on our tours. Full Species List. Herford island, with Cape Breton in the background. One of the two bird islands. The other being Ciboux. Book your seats today.
Overview. Located just 20 minutes east of the seaside village of Baddeck, Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours take you to the nesting grounds of the adorable black, white, and orange-beaked Atlantic Puffin. Sightings are guaranteed on this two-and-a-half hour bird watching experience aboard Donelda's covered boat with removable windows for ...
About. Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours is one of the 100 Must-See Destinations in Unforgettable Atlantic Canada! On the 2 1/2 - 3 hour boat tour you'll be amazed at the beautiful rock formations on the way to the Islands , a stop to look at an old sea cave as well as a stop or two to feed some Bald Eagles. The Bird Islands are home to Grey Seals ...
In all seriousness, the puffins have arrived and I encourage you to pay them a visit with Donald's Puffin Tours Cape Breton while they're here and see for yourself how interesting these little birds are. With nearly 37 years of experience fishing lobsters alongside her husband John in St. Ann's Bay and the Bird Islands, Donelda's ...
Educational, uniquely narrated 2 3/4 hour tours. Rain or shine in our covered boat, with most windows removable for glass-free photography. Puffins guaranteed from May 15 until mid to late August. We are the longest-running boat tour in Cape Breton, operated since 1972 by the same family - now with our third generation of Captains!
Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada Home; Destinations . Cabot Trail; Ceilidh Trail; ... Just 20 minutes east of Baddeck we are the Cabot Trail's only Bird Island boat tour going to the nesting grounds of the Atlantic Puffin. Puffins Guaranteed! Address. 1099 HWY 312, Englishtown, Nova Scotia, B0C 1H0, Canada. Website. Visit Now.
About. Loads of Puffins, plus seals and bald eagles - boat tours daily from early May until early Sept. Puffins guaranteed from early May until mid-late Aug. Over 45 years running. Our new tour boat, 'Puffin Express' was built in 2010. A coastal experience all in the family will love with lots of open windows for great photos and fresh sea air.
Donelda's Bird Island Puffin Tours. Donelda's Bird Island Puffin Tours reopen mid-May 2023. The tours depart just 20minutes from Baddeck in Englishtown, Cape Breton. The tour lasts 2hrs and 30mins and departs 2-3 times a day with puffins guaranteed. Adults are $57 each and $32 for kids. If you pay cash it's a bit cheaper, kids under 6 ...
Puffin, Bird & Seal Watching Tour. From June through August, this 2½ hour tour will take you out to Pearl Island one of the most southern Puffin nesting colonies on the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia, where you'll also see; Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Common Terns, Common Eiders and Seagulls. Then we'll steam back to Seal Rock to watch ...
Know where to look - The best places to see puffins in Nova Scotia are along the rocky coastlines and islands in the Bay of Fundy. Some top spots include the Bird Islands, Briar Island, Seal Island, Cape Breton and the Tancook Islands. Take a boat tour - Many of the top puffin-watching spots in Nova Scotia are only accessible by boat.
About. Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours is one of the 100 Must-See Destinations in Unforgettable Atlantic Canada! On the 2 1/2 - 3 hour boat tour you'll be amazed at the beautiful rock formations on the way to the Islands , a stop to look at an old sea cave as well as a stop or two to feed some Bald Eagles. The Bird Islands are home to Grey Seals ...
The Very Best of Cape Breton Island. October 30, 2020. Nova Scotia's 10,000-square-kilometre Cape Breton Island is packed full of surprises, ranging from an ice cream parlour hidden inside a seaside lighthouse to a non-profit Nordic ski trail system and an 80-year-old Scottish-style sheep crofter. Picturesque Cape Breton Island, which is ...
These are the best places for kid-friendly tours in Cape Breton Island: Bird Island Boat Tour; Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise; Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours; Cape Breton Sailing Charters; Amoeba Sailing Tours day tours; See more tours for kids in Cape Breton Island on Tripadvisor
Located just 20 minutes east of the seaside village of Baddeck, Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours take you to the nesting grounds of the adorable black, w. ... Cape Breton Highlands National Park; Canada's Musical Coast; Bras d'Or Lake; Louisbourg Area; Cape Breton's South Coast; Sydney Area/Marconi Trail;
Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Atlantic puffins migrate away around August 21. The birds listed below are best seen in the following seasons: Atlantic puffin: May 25 - late Aug. Razorbill: May 25 - mid Aug. Black guillemot: May 25 - early Sept. Bald eagle: May 25 - late Sept. Great black-backed gull: May 25 - mid Aug.
A puffin adventure and Scottish cultural package includes 2 nights in one of our seaside cottages, 2 boat tour tickets and 2 tickets for Cape Breton's best kept secret: a fantastic Scottish Museum ! with interactive displays of history, battles, weapons, tartans, settlers life, Scottish music, language and story-telling. ...