Sable Island National Park

Sable Island Overview

Sable Island National Park Reserve, located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 109 miles (175 kilometers) off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, is a remote and windswept island known for its wild beauty and unique wildlife.

The park encompasses the entire island, which stretches about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long and is no more than 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) at its widest point. With an area of approximately 12.4 square miles (32 square kilometers), the island is composed almost entirely of sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and expansive beaches.

The terrain is shaped by constant winds and shifting sands, creating an ever-changing landscape. Freshwater ponds form in low-lying areas, supporting patches of marram grass, wild rose, and cranberry plants that cling to the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Sable Island is best known for its wild horses, which roam freely across the dunes and meadows. These hardy animals, believed to be descendants of horses introduced in the 18th century, have adapted to the island’s harsh conditions, surviving on sparse vegetation and freshwater pools.

In addition to the iconic horses, the island is home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of grey seals, which give birth on its sandy shores during the winter months. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, including harbor seals, porpoises, and various species of whales, such as minke, humpback, and fin whales.

Birdwatchers are also drawn to the island, as it provides a crucial stopover for migratory birds and hosts nesting colonies of seabirds like Arctic terns and Ipswich sparrows, the latter being a subspecies found almost exclusively on Sable Island.

Visitors to Sable Island are captivated by its untouched beauty and sense of isolation. The shifting sand dunes, wind-swept landscapes, and crashing Atlantic waves create a hauntingly beautiful setting. One of the most striking features is the island’s extensive network of beaches, where the wild horses can often be seen against the backdrop of the rolling dunes.

Historical shipwrecks, remnants of the island’s treacherous past, also dot the coastline, with more than 350 recorded wrecks earning Sable Island the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Though remote, the park offers a range of ways for visitors to experience its natural wonders, primarily through guided tours and research-based visits.

Access to the island is carefully managed to protect its fragile ecosystem, and most visitors arrive by chartered flights or boat tours authorized by Parks Canada.

Conservation efforts are a crucial part of Sable Island’s management, as its ecosystem is highly sensitive to environmental changes. The park reserve was established in 2013 to ensure the long-term protection of the island’s wildlife and natural environment.

The wild horses are left entirely unmanaged, allowing them to exist without human interference, while efforts focus on monitoring ecological changes, studying the impacts of climate change, and protecting the island’s marine and bird populations.

Challenges include rising sea levels, shifting sands, and the potential impact of increased human activity. However, strict regulations on visitor access and scientific research programs help mitigate risks while preserving the island’s unique biodiversity.

Park Map

Sable Island National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Sable Island National Park, a remote and windswept sandbar in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia, is known for its rich biodiversity, despite its harsh environment. This unique island is home to resilient wildlife species that have adapted to its ever-shifting dunes and harsh coastal conditions.

Sable Island Horses
The most famous residents of Sable Island, these wild horses are believed to be descendants of animals brought to the island in the 18th century. They have adapted to the harsh environment, surviving on sparse vegetation and freshwater ponds scattered across the island. These horses are completely unmanaged, living in a truly wild state.

Grey Seal
Sable Island hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of grey seals. Every winter, thousands of these seals haul out onto the beaches to give birth and mate. Their distinctive long snouts and large, expressive eyes make them a favorite among visitors.

Harbor Seal
While less common than the grey seal, harbor seals also frequent Sable Island. They are smaller and tend to be more elusive, preferring to rest on remote stretches of beach or near sandbars.

Red Fox
Though not a permanent resident, red foxes have been sighted on the island in the past, likely arriving via ice floes from the mainland. Their presence is sporadic, but they are known for their adaptability and keen hunting skills.

Atlantic Cod
Once abundant in the waters surrounding Sable Island, Atlantic cod are a key species in the region’s marine ecosystem. Though populations have declined due to overfishing, they remain an important predator in the food chain.

American Lobster
These crustaceans thrive in the rocky seabed areas around Sable Island. The cold Atlantic waters provide an ideal habitat for lobsters, which are a valuable part of the local marine ecosystem.

Leatherback Sea Turtle
One of the largest sea turtles in the world, leatherbacks occasionally pass by Sable Island during their long migrations. They feed on jellyfish and are known for their ability to withstand colder waters.

Basking Shark
These massive, slow-moving sharks are often seen near the island during the summer months. They are filter feeders, harmless to humans, and play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by consuming large amounts of plankton.

Bluefin Tuna
A highly migratory species, bluefin tuna travel through the waters around Sable Island. Known for their incredible speed and strength, they are apex predators that help regulate fish populations.

Harbor Porpoise
These small, shy marine mammals can sometimes be spotted in the waters around Sable Island. They are known for their quick, darting movements and prefer shallow coastal waters.

Birds

Sable Island is an important stopover point for migratory birds and home to a variety of seabirds that thrive in its remote and windswept environment.

Ipswich Sparrow
A subspecies of the Savannah sparrow, the Ipswich sparrow is endemic to Sable Island, where it nests among the dunes. It is specially adapted to the island’s sandy habitat and is one of its most distinctive bird species.

Common Tern
These graceful seabirds are often seen hovering over the waters around Sable Island, diving to catch small fish. They nest in colonies on the island during the summer months.

Great Black-backed Gull
As one of the largest gull species, the great black-backed gull is a dominant predator on the island, feeding on fish, smaller birds, and even seal afterbirth.

Herring Gull
These familiar seabirds are commonly found on Sable Island, scavenging along the beaches and nesting among the dunes. Their loud calls are a defining sound of the coastline.

Leach’s Storm-Petrel
A nocturnal seabird that nests in burrows, Leach’s storm-petrel is a common visitor to Sable Island. These small birds spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to breed.

Northern Gannet
Recognizable by their striking white plumage and long, pointed wings, northern gannets are often seen diving into the ocean from great heights to catch fish.

Peregrine Falcon
Occasionally seen on the island, peregrine falcons are fierce hunters known for their incredible speed. They prey on smaller birds and are often spotted during migration periods.

Black-legged Kittiwake
These small, elegant gulls are common around Sable Island, feeding on fish near the surface of the ocean. They are easily identified by their black wingtips and high-pitched calls.

Common Eider
A large sea duck, common eiders can be found in the waters around Sable Island, especially during the winter. They are known for their dense down feathers, which have been used historically for insulation.

Red-throated Loon
These migratory waterbirds pass through Sable Island during their seasonal movements. They are excellent divers, catching fish underwater with remarkable agility.

Sable Island National Park is a truly unique ecosystem, offering a haven for wildlife that thrives in its isolated and ever-changing landscape. From its wild horses to its abundant birdlife, it remains a fascinating destination for nature lovers.