Sable Island: Regulations

Sable Today Sable Island is one of the few restricted places in Canada.

In 1801 the Government limited access to Sable to stop people from plundering shipwrecks. Now these same restrictions may work to protect the island's fragile habitats. But notice the loopholes and exceptions:

Canada Shipping Act: Sable Island Regulations (excerpts)

The island is under the control of the District Marine Agent of the Department of Transport at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (the Coast Guard).

No one may go to the island without written permission, except:

people with the Minister's permission to live there;
employees of the Government of Canada carrying out their duties;
people in aircraft or vessels in distress.

No one will be permitted to go to the island unless they are adequately supplied and equipped to completely look after themselves.

Written permission is required before:

putting up a building or any structure on the Island or in the waters within 1 mile;
making any excavation or roadway or disturbing the natural contours of the island;
feeding, interfering with, or otherwise having anything to do with the horses on the island.

Anyone finding a wreck on the island must report it and attempt to prevent further damage.