Treasure hunting in Nova Scotia: 5 ways to experience Oak Island

While tales of pirates' bounty and hidden fortunes are often seen on the big screen, a visit to Nova Scotia's Oak Island will bring you into the centuries old story of buried treasure and the fabled money pit. For over 200 years, Oak Island has intrigued and mystified historians, treasure hunters, and those interested in learning the truth. Today, with the popularity of the TV series "The Curse of Oak Island", interest in the ongoing dig and the discoveries has piqued the interest of viewers around the world.

If Oak Island is on your travel list, here are five ways to experience the mystery of Oak Island. 

Book an Oak Island walking tour

Oak Island is a privately owned island on Nova Scotia's South Shore. Visitors are provided the opportunity to visit the island to learn about the ongoing treasure hunt through guided tours offered by Oak Island Tours Inc. Tours must be pre-booked - visitors are not permitted to walk the island without being on a previously booked tour.

Guided walking tour tickets for both the Friends of Oak Island Walk the Mystery Tour and the Oak Island Weekend Tours sell out quickly every year but more tickets may become available throughout the season. Be sure visit the Oak Island Tours website to learn more.

...or plan to visit the Oak Island Interpretive Centre

If you weren't able to secure tickets for a walking tour, you can still visit the Interpretive Centre on the island. Visit the Oak Island Tours website for updated Interpretive Centre information including the open dates and times to ensure you don't miss out!

Book a boat tour with Salty Dog Tours

Explore the mysteries of Oak Island and surrounding area from the water with Salty Dog Tours. You'll be shown specific sites on Oak Island from the water and you'll learn about the area's history and hear about current happenings on Oak Island from your tour guide. Offering four tours daily departing from the Marina at the Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, advance booking is recommended.

Oak Island purchasable tours!

Hop aboard with Salty Dog Tours to learn about Oak Island on the Oak Island Legends & Lobsters tour. Skipper Tony, a licensed diver that has been both and member of both cast and crew on the popular "The Curse of Oak Island" television show, will show you sites on Oak Island from the water before arriving at your very own island for an afternoon of exploring, swimming and paddleboarding. Work up an appetite as Oak Island Resort's Executive Chef will roll out an amazing lobster and seafood dinner, paired perfectly with Nova Scotia Tidal Bay wine.

Departing from Halifax, Anchor Tours has a perfect day planned for fans of "The Curse of Oak Island" with their Oak Island Fan Experience tour. You'll arrive at the Oak Island Marina and depart on an Oak Island boat tour with Salty Dog Tours, have lunch at the Mug & Anchor Pub in nearby Mahone Bay before visiting the Oak Island Interpretive Centre (tour operator will confirm if the centre is open before your tour date) before returning to Halifax.

Relax at Oak Island Resort

To reflect on your day of adventure or to prepare for your upcoming Oak Island experience, a stay at Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre is a must. Choose from resort guestrooms, oceanside chalets, and seaside villas, many with views overlooking Mahone Bay and Oak Island. Enjoy on the onsite amenities including a restaurant featuring locally inspired dishes, water sports, full-service spa, activities for all ages, and more.