The Halifax Harbour Hopper

One of the most popular tours available in Halifax is the Harbour Hopper. The Harbour Hopper is an amphibious vehicle that takes you on a tour of downtown Halifax and then for a ride on the Harbour without leaving the vehicle.

It's actually a converted U.S. Military vehicle, called a Lark V, that was built during the sixties for use in the Viet Nam war transporting troops and cargo from ship to shore and further inland. There were about 900 made, and Halifax has a few of them! Actually, of the 900 and some odd that were built, more than half were sunk on purpose when the U.S. pulled out of Viet Nam. There are still some in use by the Military, but now they are getting pretty old.

It's actually a LARC V which in U.S. Military speak means "Lighter, Amphibious Re-Supply Cargo" These were first designed in 1959 but not built until about 1963. There are several versions of landing craft with the LARC name, most are bigger and designed to carry jeeps and tanks as well as troops and supplies. The smaller LARC V is mostly a designed as a personnel carrier and smaller supplies.

The Lark V can carry about 40 passenger and two crew members and travels about 10 miles per hour in the water. Passengers enjoy a high view as the vehicle has huge wheels and sits high above the street. A tour guide points out all of the major downtown Halifax sights, a little bit of history and some fun thrown in! It's a great trip and sure to delight young and old.

Here are two Harbour Hoppers passing in the harbour!


The Harbour Hopper is operated by Murphy's On The Water, you can find out more, including how to book a tour for you and your family or a group Here

Want your very own Lark V amphibious landing craft? There is one for sale Here but hurry, they only have one left!