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Exploring Halifax Harbour  For a great view of the harbour and a fun, relaxing way to reach Dartmouth, take the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry. The Metro Transit ferry operates throughout the day between the downtown terminal near Historic Properties and Dartmouth's Ferry Terminal Park. A rush-hours-only ferry also runs between the downtown terminal and Woodside, near Eastern Passage.
Looking out toward the harbour entrance as you cross, the nearest island is George's Island, with the small lighthouse on the side. It played a key role in the harbour's defence system for almost 200 years. Although not open to the public, it has been named a National Historic Site, and the federal heritage department is currently restoring its fortifications.
Farther out in the harbour, a ferry from Eastern Passage or charter boats from Cable Wharf can reach McNab's  Island. McNab's was another important part of the harbour defense system, but also home to several generations of independent settlers. Today a network of trails leads past the island's lighthouse, ruined fortress and batteries, sand beaches and abandoned homesteads.
Lawlor's Island lies close to the mainland, creating the eastern entrance to the harbour. Never the site of military construction, it is primarily undeveloped woodland, the protected home of deer and osprey.
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