NOTICE: Activities in the woods are restricted across Nova Scotia effective 4PM, Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Learn More

Bird Island Boat Tours
Bird Island Boat Tours
Open Gallery

Bras d'Or & Boularderie Area

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 4.8

Based on 404 Reviews

About

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 offer a AAA/CAA discount, just show your card at the ticket office. 

We are the longest-running boat tour on Cape Breton Island, 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 Trip Advisor. 

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 puffinalia? We have a puffin gift shop for your souvenirs. We also operate Mountain Vista Seaside Cottages from the same location.

Location & Contact

1672 Old Route 5, Big Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia

Social Media

Locals Know Blog

5 Picture Perfect (Easy!) Fall Hikes

Are you looking for some easy hikes to try out this fall? Well we've got just the five for you to add to your must-dos during your trip to Cape Breton Island this fall!

3 Minute Read

10 Unique Places to Stay on Cape Breton Island

Looking for the camping experience, but don't want to have to sacrifice the conveniences? If so, these glamping sites and one-of-a-kind cabins are for you!

5 Minute Read

Songs for the Ages

Before they were committed to memory and passed down and around through the ages, the traditional songs of today were once brand new.

2 Minute Read