The Marine Heritage Society’s Board of Directors have decided not to run tours to Chantry Island this summer, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was made following a meeting Monday "with the safety of our volunteers and our guests being paramount," read a media release.

"We will continue to do maintenance work to our facilities in anticipation of the 2022 season," the release continued, adding that the Board will explore alternative activities.

"We are saddened to have to cancel the many reservations that have already been made for excursions to Chantry Island, but we are happy to start making reservations for next year," the release said, adding that the tours will resume for their 20th season in 2022.

Each tour includes the boat ride to and from the island, a tour of the fully restored and refurnished Keeper’s Cottage, the rebuilt boat house and the climb of the 107 steps to the lantern room atop the 162 year old tower.

"We regret the inconvenience this will cause to those who have already booked their tours but look forward to seeing you in 2022," the release concluded.