Now that we're almost through the Covid-19 pandemic people are looking forward to travel again. Fans of the Curse of Oak Island are once again looking to visit Nova Scotia and take a trip to Oak Island, where the popular History Channel TV show is filmed.

However, will Oak Island be open to the general public in 2022?

As we reported last year, Oak Island has been closed to visitors indefinitely since the beginning of the pandemic back in 2020 and remained closed through 2021. 

Recently, the Friends of Oak Island Society released a statement on their website that due to continuing concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic, they would not be holding tours of Oak Island this year. That's not surprising, considering that The Friends of Oak Island's tour group sizes are typically around 150 people and they're no doubt worried about the safety of their guests and want to avoid creating a "super spreader event" with the potential for large scale transmission of the virus. 

​However, that doesn't necessarily mean that the Oak Island Interpretive Centre won't be open to visitors for 2022 or that small group tours, hosted by Oak Island Tours Inc. will not take place. In years prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, their tours have been limited to 50 people per tour. No doubt the smaller number of guests reduces the potential risks for all involved.

Due to the ongoing uncertainties regarding the pandemic, the recent Omicron variant, and the ever changing health restrictions put in place by the Province of Nova Scotia, Oak Island Tours Inc. has taken a more cautious approach. In an announcement on their website, they maintain that Oak Island is still currently closed and that they have postponed making a decision on opening for 2022 until May 1.

In a series of recent announcements by the Province of Nova Scotia, the government has established a timeline for the elimination of Covid-19 health restrictions. The first easing of restrictions began on February 14, 2022. As of right now, the elimination of vaccine passports and easing of restrictions placed on public gathering limits have been positive developments.

The provincial government has stated that it is their intention to lift all Covid-19 health restrictions by March 21, 2022, including the need for masking. You can keep up to date on Nova Scotia's Covid-19 health restrictions on the link provided.

This will no doubt be a consideration in Oak Island Tours Inc.'s decision making as we approach the May 1, 2022 deadline. Though it remains unknown what their ultimate decision will be.

We will update this page as more information becomes available.

Other Oak Island related tours will be operating in 2023, even if Oak Island Tours Inc. decides to keep the island closed to the general public.

New for 2022, Anchor Tours will be running its Oak Island Fan Experience tour. Fans of the Curse of Oak Island will not want to miss out on this! It's a day packed full of fun and all things Oak Island. The Oak Island Fan Experience takes you to places of interest and locations featured on the popular History Channel series. 

Check out the tour's itinerary in the link above. For your convenience, you can book any of our tours online on our secure Booking page.

If you have any questions regarding The Oak Island Fan Experience, please fell free to contact us.

​​As a local tour operator, Anchor Tours, has had the pleasure to take many fans of The Curse Of Oak Island to the world famous island to visit the Oak Island Interpretive Centre.

Guests often ask if they'll get a chance to see any cast members of the show. Especially fan favorites Rick Lagina, Marty Lagina, or Gary Drayton.

Sometimes they do!

Despite having been to Oak Island many times, I've yet to meet any of the show's cast members. I haven't as lucky as some of my guests have been.

On occasion, I'd see Rick Lagina on Oak Island or Mahone Bay but I never wanted to intrude on his personal space by introducing myself to him. Instead, I'd casually wave or nod my head in acknowledgment of his presence.

I'd like to share with you an experience that one of my guides, Jack, had while on tour at Oak Island, where he had an opportunity to meet Rick. That day left an impression on all those who were there.

I remember that particular day well. It started out on a bad note as the weather had been rather inclement, with rain, high winds, and rough seas. It was serious enough that we received a number of cancellations from a cruise ship that was unable to dock in Halifax Harbour as a result of the deteriorating conditions.

It was early October, 2019. Hurricane Dorian had just swept through Nova Scotia a month earlier, leaving widespread damage and power outages in its wake. Storm activity isn't unusual in Nova Scotia in the fall. However, it was disappointing to see, nonetheless.

My guide, Jack, was able to hold our Oak Island Fan Experience tour in spite of the weather. The situation didn't dampen the spirits of the guests as they were looking forward to a day exploring Nova Scotia's South Shore.

The highlight of the day came when the group made its last stop at Oak Island. Just as they were getting ready to leave, Jack noticed Rick Lagina doing some work on the causeway that connects Oak Island to the Nova Scotia mainland. It was likely in need of some repair after Hurricane Dorian and the poor weather we had been having.

Naturally, as fans of The Curse of Oak Island, the group was excited to see Rick but they felt a little apprehensive in approaching him for a photo, considering the circumstances.

Knowing how much the group wanted to meet Rick, Jack stopped the tour vehicle and asked Rick if he would mind taking a moment to say hello to the group and have his picture taken with them. Rick stopped his work on the causeway and went out of his way to thank everyone for their visit to Oak Island and for being fans of the TV show.

Rick mentioned that he had some core samples from the drilling that they had been doing on the island and that they were in the back of his truck. Rick, then did something that was totally unexpected and truly a kind gesture on his part. He offered our group some of those core samples as a token of his appreciation for their visit.

Needless to say, everyone was excited to take a little piece of Oak Island home with them. Even my guide, Jack, got a few samples. One of which was given to me.

​After the tour was over, I checked in with Jack to see how the day had went. He told me the group had a great tour and told me of their experience with Rick while on Oak Island. 

I wish I'd been there to personally thank Rick for his generosity and taking the time to give my guests an experience that they won't soon forget.

​​Frankly, neither Jack nor I didn't know much about the Laginas as neither of us watched The Curse of Oak Island up to that point. Though, we had basic working knowledge regarding Rick and Marty Lagina's efforts to find the treasure there.

We were both very impressed with how approachable, generous, and appreciative Rick was towards the fans of the show. There was absolutely nothing pretentious about him.

As I would later come to learn, our experience with Rick was consistent with what I'd heard from others. Rick, Marty, and the other cast members of The Curse of Oak Island, have a true appreciation for their many fans and are generous with sharing their time with them.

On a personal note, my cousin was quite excited to have her picture taken with Rick when she spotted him in Mahone Bay. 

​Because of the kindness Rick showed to the guests of our tour, both Jack and I have the utmost respect for him and have become ardent fans of The Curse of Oak Island. We're eager to engage in conversation when anyone asks us if we've ever been there while on tour.

Since becoming a fan of the show, I realized I had a lot of catching up to do by watching previous episodes. As a Christmas gift, my family gave me the box set of DVDs on seasons 1-6. It wasn't exactly easy to find, so I very much appreciate their efforts.

I've got some binge watching ahead of me!

​After the Covid 19 Pandemic is over and Oak Island opens back up to the public in 2022, I look forward to Anchor Tours doing more visits to Oak Island once again.

The next time I have the opportunity to introduce myself to Rick, I'm going to take it. Maybe he'll let me have a photo taken with him as well.

​Until then...

It's official. Oak Island is closed for 2021.

In a decision that will disappoint many fans of the popular History Channel TV show, Curse of Oak Island, it has been announced that Oak Island will remain closed for 2021, as posted on the Oak Island Tours Inc. website. All private and public tours have been canceled and the Oak Island Interpretive Centre will remain closed until further notice.

No specific reasons were given, though under the circumstances it's reasonable to assume that it's Covid-19 related. 

At the time of this article's writing, Nova Scotia is in full lock down as the number of Covid-19 cases have dramatically increased over the last few weeks, leaving the provincial government with no other choice in an attempt to get control of the situation.

Most of Oak Island is privately owned, and both Oak Island Tours Inc. and the Friends of Oak Island Society have asked that their fans respect the posted signs and not drive across the causeway to visit the island.

However, the viewing deck is not a universally welcomed. Especially by those who fear that the structure will prevent access to the granite rocks and the lighthouse itself. Other people are opposed to its construction based on the belief that the deck will be intrusive and the natural beauty of Peggy's Cove will suffer as a result.

The design of the deck took these concerns into consideration. However, its critics are still not convinced and they are vocal in their opposition. ​

If you're planning a cruise to the Eastern United States and Atlantic Canada region, it's likely that Halifax, Nova Scotia will be one of your ports of call. Halifax is a vibrant and exciting city that new and experienced cruisers will want to explore.

No doubt you're interested in what there is to see and do during your visit to Halifax. Perhaps, you're considering a shore excursion offered by your cruise line. However, is that your best option? For some, it is. Though, it would be wise to consider what local tour operators, such as Anchor Tours, have to offer before making a decision.

Why would you choose a shore excursion with a local tour provider over that of your cruise line? Here are some reasons you will want to consider.

When you arrive in Halifax, you'll be happy to leave the crowds of the cruise ship behind and enjoy your day exploring what the city has to offer.

If you've decided to go on your cruise line's shore excursion, you'll be traveling on a large bus with between 50-80 of your fellow cruise ship passengers. You may be left with the feeling that you haven't left the ship - that your tour experience is just an extension of being on board the ship.

If you're looking to avoid that feeling, local sightseeing tour operators, such as Anchor Tours, specialize in providing small group and private tours of Halifax that will give you the freedom to explore independent of your cruise ship. You're not restricted to the rigid itineraries that large group tours need to adhere to.

If you enjoy meeting interesting people from all over the world, traveling in smaller groups will make it easier for you to interact freely with others, giving you the opportunity to make new friends along the way. For some people, this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel.

For families, arranging a private tour with Anchor Tours may be an option worth looking into. It allows families to enjoy themselves together, as they make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Another benefit of having a smaller group size is that you'll have more one-on-one time with your tour guide, giving you greater access to them should you wish to ask questions or engage in conversation. You'll gain more of a personal insight as you learn about the way of life, culture, and history of Nova Scotia. You'll feel more connected to this wonderful place that we're proud to call home.

As you're planning for your visit in Halifax, you might discover certain places that you'll want to see and want to do specific activities that aren't covered by the excursions offered by your cruise line. If that's so, you'll definitely want to look into arranging a private tour for yourself and possibly others that are traveling with you.

A private tour will give you far more flexibility and options on how you enjoy your stay in Halifax. You'll explore at your own pace and spend as much time as you like, at the places you want to see. The only schedule you'll have to follow is your own.

Maybe you'll want to eat at that quaint seafood restaurant you've read about? How about that museum you've heard is a must see? Perhaps, you'll want to visit a local beach to say you've dipped your feet in the Atlantic ocean?

As you can imagine, there are many reasons why you may wish to consider arranging a private tour. If you value the ability to travel independently from others on your cruise ship, this may be your best option.

​Over the last 10 years, the number of cruise ships visiting Halifax has grown significantly. Thanks to the increasing interest of travelers who have expressed interest in visiting Nova Scotia. As a result, many companies, like Anchor Tours, have come to appreciate the importance of what tourism has become to the people of Nova Scotia.

When you support local tour providers, the money you spend has a direct and immediate impact in the economy of Nova Scotia. Know that you are personally making a difference in the lives of people who rely on tourism to make their living.

In the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic and its devastating impact on the tourism sector, your support of local small businesses is needed now more than ever. That will not be lost on the companies you choose to patronize.

​If you're considering your cruise line's shore excursions for Halifax, you'll want to do some comparison shopping beforehand to make sure you're not paying too much. It's no secret that the cruise lines make a great deal of profit through the sale of their shore excursions.

Quite often, similar tours offered by local companies like Anchor Tours are less than the cruise lines, even if you're only comparing prices at face value. 

The price that your cruise line will will be charging for their excursion will be in United States dollars (USD). Anchor Tours has its prices in Canadian dollars (CAD). When you factor in the exchange rate between currencies, the price difference is even more in favour of arranging your tour locally.

Taking these things into consideration, when you're planning a private tour or booking for a small group, the savings are going to be significant. Depending on circumstances and the number of people you're booking for, you may qualify for special group rates that will allow you to save even more.

As you can see, there are a number of compelling reasons to choose a local sightseeing tour company when planning your shore excursion for your port of call in Halifax. Don't be under the mistaken impression that your cruise line is the only option you have available.

If you're looking for more information or interested in arranging a tour during your stay in Halifax, please contact us at your convenience. We'll be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

Here are a few of our most popular tours. Take a look and see what you think.


Halifax & Lunenburg Tours

​Peggy's Cove & Lunenburg Tours

​Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and Oak Island Tours

​

As you can see, Peggys Cove has more to offer than incredible views of its lighthouse. I would encourage you to explore beyond the recommendations of this article and find something special to take away from your experience there.

Anchor Tours specializes in providing guided tours to Peggys Cove. See our tour itineraries listed below. Join us and see one of Nova Scotia's most enduring and iconic locations.

https://www.anchortours.ca/peggys-cove-tours.html

https://www.anchortours.ca/lunenburg-peggys-cove-day-tours.html


Jeff Babineau
​Anchor Tours

​Peggys Cove can be dangerous for those who chose to disregard the many warning signs, telling them to be aware of the wave action along the shoreline and the potential danger of venturing out on the wet, slippery, and smooth black coloured granite rocks.

Every year, countless tourists act irresponsibly and jeopardize their own personal safety and those of the first responders who are called to save them. Often, people are oblivious to the power of the sea and the danger that awaits them, such as being swept out to sea to drown or mercilessly pounded against the granite rocks by powerful heavy waves.  ​

Due to the increasing number of incidents at Peggys Cove, the Nova Scotia Provincial Government has embarked on a campaign designed to improve public awareness of the potential dangers. New highly visible signage are located throughout the site to replace the older ones and are more numerous. Public service announcements on video are also being shown at Access Nova Scotia (public service offices) locations.

For some people, the government hasn't gone far enough. There are those who think it's in the best interest of public safety to erect a chain link fence around Peggys Cove to protect people from themselves. Others, are calling for security staff at the site to instruct people not to venture into potentially unsafe areas.  Thankfully, the provincial government refuses to entertain the idea, knowing that people will ignore it by climbing over it. ​

A more scenic drive along the eastern side of  St. Margaret's Bay will be about 62 km and will take approximately an hour's driving time. 

As you travel along the shoreline of St. Margaret's Bay, you along the coastline and you will pass through a number of small picturesque fishing communities such as Hacketts Cove and Indian Harbour. You will also be able to visit the SwissAir 111 Memorial, dedicated to the tragic crash of an airliner off the coast of Peggys Cove that happened on September 22, 1998.

Tourists prefer the more scenic route and comparable driving time compared to the more direct inland approach. ​

The original lighthouse at Peggys Cove was built in 1868. It was a wooden structure featuring a beacon that was lit by a kerosene oil lamp. A residence for the lighthouse keeper was incorporated into the building so that a permanent keeper could be stationed there..

The current lighthouse that stands today was built in August of 1914 and will be 106 years old in 2020. The lighthouse that stands today and is located 18 m away from its predecessor. It is a traditional octagonal design and is made out of concrete and not wood. It stands 15.2 m high.

The current lighthouse that stands today was built in August of 1914 and will be 106 years old in 2020.

During World War II, Peggys Cove Lighthouse served as a radio relay station for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). It helped monitor ship traffic that was arriving or departing from nearby Halifax Harbour.

In 1954, Hurricane Edna swept through the region and heavily damaged the original building where the lighthouse keeper lived. As such, It was determined that it was no longer suitable for use as a residence and the Canadian Government decided to tear it down and not rebuild a new one. By 1958, that lighthouse keeper had retired from his job and the decision was made to automate the facility. ​