Sable Island (French: île de Sable) is a small island situated southeast of Halifax, Canada, and about southeast of the closest point of mainland Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a year-round home to approximately five people, with summer numbers swelled by tourists, scientists, and others. Notable for its Sable Island Ponies, the island is protected under the Canada Shipping Act, requiring permission from the Canadian Coast Guard to visit. Sable Island is part of District 13 of the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia.