Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Open year-round
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. Reservations are recommended so please visit our website and book your seats at least by the night before.
We are the longest-running boat tour in Cape Breton, operated since 1972 by the same family – now with our third generation of Captains! Our goal is for you to leave with an appreciation of nature. We have had over 100,000 satisfied customers, including the Princess of Japan. We have been awarded many Certificates of Excellence from Tripadvisor.
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.
Binoculars are available for rent, but not required. Looking for puffin-alia? We have a puffin gift shop for your souvenirs.
Stay with us! We also operate Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages and Mountain Vista Seaside Campground from the same location as the Bird Island Boat Tours.
We offer a AAA/CAA discount; just show your card at the ticket office when booking.
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